Helppppppp: NM-Sheathed Cable

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alcalde

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Florida
Hello:
I desperately need help with this issue. I'm doing a newly constructed house, the wiring method used is NM-Cable(romex). I have 100% completed the rough-in already, now the inspector wants all the Romex installed vertically in all "block walls to be installed inside an EMT or similar conduit". According to him this is due to people hanging portraits and similar objects on the walls once they occupy the house. Guys is this acceptable or should I argue about it ?
 
Re: Helppppppp: NM-Sheathed Cable

Call the cops, this inspector is carrying the remaining drugs he didn't take before he inspected your job.

Has FL really gone this bonkers?

Roger
 
Re: Helppppppp: NM-Sheathed Cable

I've got to ask, did you mean in all "block walls to be installed inside an EMT or similar conduit", or did you mean on all "block walls to be installed inside an EMT or similar conduit"

There is a big difference.

Roger
 
Re: Helppppppp: NM-Sheathed Cable

I've got to ask, did you mean in all "block walls to be installed inside an EMT or similar conduit", or did you mean on all "block walls to be installed inside an EMT or similar conduit"

There is a big difference.

Roger
______________________________________________
On all block walls surface he wants any Romex inside a EMT conduit!
 
Re: Helppppppp: NM-Sheathed Cable

I agree with Roger. Both posts. :D

BTW, Roger,

only a week and a half away.

I have some pics of the elec. service at my parent's Florida home. I'll post some if I ever get around to uploading them.
 
Re: Helppppppp: NM-Sheathed Cable

alcalde,

that's how my company does it. But it's not an NEC requirement.

He's probably going to use the 'physical protection' argument.

Don't forget your fitting on the end of the conduit that the NM enters.
 
Re: Helppppppp: NM-Sheathed Cable

Where in Florida are you ? As all have seen I have had many problems with local inspectors but this is one I have never heard of.To use 300 4 D
in this aspect is unreal.
If installed 1 1/4 in. from structual members then it meets 300 4 d requirements.
 
Re: Helppppppp: NM-Sheathed Cable

Ask him what code #.Usually on a block wall we run them between the bottom horizontal firing strip and the verticle 1x2 using standoffs and nail plates or run the vertacle up the wall.If you ran them hor.midway up wall you are inviting nails from picture hangers but its legal as far as nec.It is not subject to damage after drywall is installed.If thats the argument then no wires on a block wall are safe .There is a danger in the area of a chair rail.
 
Re: Helppppppp: NM-Sheathed Cable

I think most of these guys are laying 3/4 on the walls and even stapling to the sides of the 3/4, no protection whatsoever. Even if you use a 2x4, there are places that require protection, being liberal. But a strict reading says 1&1/2".

not fanatic inspector.

paul
 
Re: Helppppppp: NM-Sheathed Cable

alcade
Installion is not clear. Are these block walls going to be finished with dry wall or are they just exposed? Are you runing the NM inside the block walls or are you on the outside surface?
 
Re: Helppppppp: NM-Sheathed Cable

Guys:
Like I said is a new construction. Yes it will be covered by 5/8" drywall, all the NM are more than 3"(inches)apart from the furring strips, all minimum requirements are met(kickplates,strapping, etc). He's claiming that article 334.15(B)clearly requires a conduit or similar for protection when subject to physical damage(totally wrong my wiring is not "exposed"). The funny part is that he's the Acting Chief E. Inspector at Miami Beach, FL. In part he's right, the NM can be damaged with a screw by a resident installing a Plastic Anchor or similar in the wall section with Concrete Block(if using a battery drill EMT will be penetrated too). Now I'm suppose to be liable for any possible mistake an Resident could do concerning the electrical wiring??????
 
Re: Helppppppp: NM-Sheathed Cable

They just cover this at the last IAEI (International Association of Electrical Inspectors)meeting last month. They referred to 300.4 and that it could be interpreted as your inspector did. They discussed and felt that interpreting that section to that degree was not the in tension of the code change. If your can join this organization in your area I highly recommend that you do. the benefits are 1. You get to know the inspectors in your area 2. You know how they are going to interpret the NEC in your area. It has been a huge plus for me. :confused:
 
Re: Helppppppp: NM-Sheathed Cable

Would he cite this same article on a 2x4 wall where the cable assys. meet 300 4 d and are 1 1/4 from the edge of the stud :(
 
Re: Helppppppp: NM-Sheathed Cable

Regardless of the intent of 300.4, you need to observe it. You need to follow the guidelines of 300.4(D).

300.4(D) Exception 1 clearly states that EMT is an acceptable protection.

So fix it. :)

Edit to add: Your posts have been a little fuzzy, so if your "minimum requirements" comment was in reference to 300.4(D), then by all means, show him the code.

I still don't know how far the the outside of the furring strips you are. It sounded like you just stayed 3" sideways from them. :D

Editted for to fix reference.

[ March 19, 2005, 12:05 PM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
 
Re: Helppppppp: NM-Sheathed Cable

I have never heard of an inspector using a referance like this ;)
then a 3 year old girl who just got out of the pool and stood on the SGD threshold and touched an energized corner beadwith wet hands ;) That said we instantly stopped that practice :cool:
 
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