Low Voltage in Stair "Vestibules"

[nsumitha]

Is there any code section that refers to in California to not have any "Foreign Objects" in Stair "Vestibules" specifically.
We do have a project here in Sacramento and there is a confusion that there is no specific code section that talks about having any electrical or low voltage in Stair Vestibules. Could anyone please clarify this confusion. Thanks in Advance.

 

[hbiss]

Well, if you or California can show me how electrical or low voltage is a foreign object, I'm listening.

-Hal

 

[Strathead]

Is there any code section that refers to in California to not have any "Foreign Objects" in Stair "Vestibules" specifically.
We do have a project here in Sacramento and there is a confusion that there is no specific code section that talks about having any electrical or low voltage in Stair Vestibules. Could anyone please clarify this confusion. Thanks in Advance.

Not entirely aware of your situation, but in general, when a stairwell is in a fire rated enclosure, it is not allowed to have foreign systems.

 

[hbiss]

Ok, I'll bite. Where exactly did the verbiage "Foreign Objects" in Stair "Vestibules" come from? I'm willing to bet that they are talking about things like chairs, tables, couches etc.

-Hal

 

[steve66]

Ok, I'll bite. Where exactly did the verbiage "Foreign Objects" in Stair "Vestibules" come from? I'm willing to bet that they are talking about things like chairs, tables, couches etc.

-Hal

The IBC. Not sure the exact paragraph offhand, but I think the actual term is an "exit access" or something like that, and the jist of the paragraph is that no foreign systems (piping, electrical, HVAC, etc.) can go through the exit access unless it's necessary to serve the exit access.

Edit: This kind of explains it:

Inside the Stairway, Allowed or Not

AHJs and integrators often ask me what seems like a really simple question: “Can I put antennas, or even the backbone cable, within a rated exit stairway?” To answer that question let’s start with the word “intent.” “Intent” is a noun that comes from the verb intend. It means to have something...

www.saferbuildings.org

 

[hbiss]

This kind of explains it:

Makes sense to not allow anything but life-safety and emergency systems in rated stairwells. Sounds like that is what they are talking about. But no foreign objects or low voltage in stair vestibules certainly makes that clear. I would take that to mean no Christmas trees with LED lights allowed.

-Hal