LV above Commercial Kitchen

[DasMrDomo]

Hi all,

I ran into a bit of a gray area with low volt and kitchens, and would love some input on the matter.

We are converting portions of office space into a "kitchen", for that reason the space will need to be enclosed and fire rated to the decking. Unfortunately there is a substantial amount of networking and control LV above the ceiling tile for that area.

Am I correct assuming all that LV needs to be protected if it were to stay?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I assume this is a commercial job...Is that correct? Also is the ceiling a plenum? I assume nm cable like romex is not involved here.

 

[hbiss]

I don't think changing the space to a kitchen changes anything if you already had a hung ceiling with wiring above it. Usually you just install fire-rated ceiling tiles.

-Hal

 

[hillbilly1]

It may require fire stops where it penetrates the fire wall from the office space, but as far as putting it in conduit, it would not be necessary.

 

[DasMrDomo]

I assume this is a commercial job...Is that correct? Also is the ceiling a plenum? I assume nm cable like romex is not involved here.

Commercial is correct, no Romex, all existing electrical is in MC conduit, but all LV is just sitting above ceiling tile. Ceiling cavity is not used as a plenum.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

LV is fine except it may be required to be fastened. I have seen many jobs were the LV was just thrown up there and was lying on the grid. I believe you can just ty-wrap it to the ceiling wires. Some of the commercials guys should jump in here.

 

[hbiss]

but all LV is just sitting above ceiling tile.

As in lying on the ceiling and ceiling grid? Then it has to be supported independently from the deck up off the ceiling as it should have been to begin with.

-Hal

 

[cabledawg]

Maybe Look for Old abandoned grid wire you could tie off too or shoot some more stringers(grid wire) up in strategic spots.