Flame Retardant Paint?

Status
Not open for further replies.
P

Peter1

Member
Location
Fairfield, CT
I am installing a 100A sub panel in the basement. Someone told me that before mounting the panel to OSB or Ply Wood, I have to cut the wood to a specific size and paint it with grey flame retardant paint. I looked all over the code book and couldn't find anything about sizing or painting the plywood? Can anyone point me in the right direction?

When mounting a panel are there any other codes to worry about besides proper hight and clearance?
 
On one job in the last 4 years have I used that fire proof paint. It was specced for panel mounting in a bank.
 
IIRC, these type of specifications existed pretty heavily when installing telco punch panels. Not usually for electrical though.
 
Flame Retardant Paint?

Could very seldom use wood in our installations (government work). On the few occasions that we did install wood (mostly for telco), a good coat of quality, plain, flat latex paint provided a 'Flame Spread Index' of 25 or less. We didn't have to use any additives, no nothing, just the paint.
Call your local, quality paint rep (Pittsburg, Sherwin-Williams) for the skinny.

Merry Christmas and Best Wishes
 
Generally speaking, there are no fire separation issues in dwelling occupancies, except for tenant separation, or separation of bedrooms above garages. Requirements for fire-blocking and draft-stopping typically would not apply to a panelboard installed on or in a wall.

Non-dwelling occupancies are a different story. There are many instances where fire separation is a component of the building construction. In these cases, the best alternative is to locate equipment and materials outside of those areas or where they do not interfere with those assemblies. (like we would do in classified locations)

As stated by the others, check your local building codes for this requirement. You will not find it in the NEC.
 
Read all the specs before you start any job.Also as mentioned it could be a local ahj thing.In my 25 years of wiring i never had to paint a board.Most IT rooms will want it but that should not be your job.Welcome to the forum.
 
I use FP paint on all my panel boards, I keep asking my boss why? but never get an answer, that paint cost $50 dollars a gallon, the best thing is when we recess a panel I always ask if we should paint the studs as well. ;) :grin:
 
stickboy1375 said:
I use FP paint on all my panel boards, I keep asking my boss why? but never get an answer, that paint cost $50 dollars a gallon, the best thing is when we recess a panel I always ask if we should paint the studs as well. ;) :grin:
Click to expand...

That's funny, I had never heard of the FR paint before I lived in CT. Is still don't understand it either, unless it's another phantom code rule. :confused:
 
Peter Apprentice said:
I am installing a 100A sub panel in the basement. Someone told me that before mounting the panel to OSB or Ply Wood, I have to cut the wood to a specific size and paint it with grey flame retardant paint. I looked all over the code book and couldn't find anything about sizing or painting the plywood? Can anyone point me in the right direction?

When mounting a panel are there any other codes to worry about besides proper hight and clearance?
Click to expand...


I have had the requirement come up in Mass, but have never seen it in print, I assumed it was in the Mass Building code. I use fire retardant plywood, since I hate to paint!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top