Fire Wall Ratings

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jtester

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Location
Las Cruces N.M.
Article 100 defines a building as a structure that stands alone or is cut off from adjoining structures by fire walls. The Handbook text explains that the term firewalls is defined by fire codes. I have a multi tenant building and want to run more than one service to it (them). What rating does a fire wall have to have to allow separate services, with no conditions attached, to these two attached structures? I?d like to know the rating that allows two services, without having to use any of the conditions specified in 230.2(A),(B),(C),(D), or (E). Our local utility used to require either a 3 hr or 4 hr wall, but recently deferred to an architect who came up with 2 hour on an apartment complex. Our local inspectors are unsure, our utility is unsure, and I don?t trust the architects to make a correct decision. What is the rule in other locations?
Jim T
 
Re: Fire Wall Ratings

It is defined by the state. Ask your architect to put a note on the plans like the following from section 190 of our Goldbook.
This is an area separation wall, as required by the State of Indiana, for the purpose of multiple points of electrical service.
This note places the responsibility of the firewall on the shoulders of the architect. :D
 
Re: Fire Wall Ratings

Thanks to both of you for the info.
Perhaps I worry too much, but it seems that there should be some sort of exterior feature to indicate that two structures are present. if there is no exterior feature to show a fire wall, how would fire personnel be sure that electric service has been disconnected?
I don't believe that a 2 hr firewall is obvious from the outside.
Thanks again for your thoughts.
Jim T
 
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