Florida Building Code - bonding metal framing studs (all stud areas ?)

Status
Not open for further replies.
T

Trowbridge - Martin

Member
FBC 2704.1 Bonding metal framing members. Metal framing members shall be bonded to the equipment grounding conductor for the circuit that may energize the framing and be sized in accordance with the National Electric Code Table 250.122. For the purpose of this section, a grounded metal outlet box attached to the framing shall be permitted.
Question is: Bonding metal stud walls that contain receptacles/lighting and other outlets is a given. What about an isolated area of metal framing (closet, wall under stairs, etc.) that has no electric componants or no contact with other metal framing which does. Bond or Not, Why ?
 
ceb58

ceb58

Senior Member
Location
Raeford, NC
Trowbridge - Martin said:
FBC 2704.1 Bonding metal framing members. Metal framing members shall be bonded to the equipment grounding conductor for the circuit that may energize the framing and be sized in accordance with the National Electric Code Table 250.122. For the purpose of this section, a grounded metal outlet box attached to the framing shall be permitted.
Question is: Bonding metal stud walls that contain receptacles/lighting and other outlets is a given. What about an isolated area of metal framing (closet, wall under stairs, etc.) that has no electric componants or no contact with other metal framing which does. Bond or Not, Why ?
Click to expand...

I say not. How would they meet " that may be energized"
 
B

bphgravity

Senior Member
Location
Florida
Metal studs containing no electrical wiring or not in contact with electrical equipment (isolated assembly partitions) are not required to be bonded.

But don't take my (our) word for it. Consult your local AHJ for their requirements...
 
B

btharmy

Senior Member
Location
Indiana
Trowbridge - Martin said:
for the circuit that may energize the framing
Click to expand...

There in lies the answer. If there are no circuits, including switches, receptacles, or lighting outlets inside the wall, it is not likely to become energized, therefore no bonding of metal framing is necessary. If random walls are somehow becoming energized, you have some real problems. :roll:
 
B

bphgravity

Senior Member
Location
Florida
This requirement was added to the Florida Building Code after an appliance installer was electrocuted while he was attempting to connect the dryer exhuast duct on a new single-family dwelling. It appears the the kitchen cabinet installers drilled a screw through the range cord and into a metal stud. This energized the metal framing which was also in contact with the dryer exhaust duct. There was no effective fault path once the metal stud became energized.

The section is written poorly and does not follow NEC language or the NFOA style manual. Most installers simply use one or more metal boxes for branch circuit outlets when installed in a metal stud wall / ceiling. After the intitial learning curve and confusion on how to comply, it really has not been a major compliance issue...
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top