MC Cable in Inaccessible Ceiling/Attic

[dezwitinc]

Maybe I am wrong, maybe I've been doing things wrong for years and just never got caught or maybe my inspector is busting my chops, I don't know.
Here are the facts, you decide:
Precast building with drywall hard ceiling, 9' to hard ceiling, 12' to bottom of roof deck.
HVAC is all ducted, no plenums.
We are being told that MC cable is not allowed in the space above the ceiling because it is an inaccessible attic space.
I don't see anywhere in Artcle 330 that prevents the use of MC cable in this space.
If I am wrong, please explain.
Thanks

 

[480sparky]

As long as 300.15 is complied with, I don't see the reason.

 

[Rewire]

Maybe I am wrong, maybe I've been doing things wrong for years and just never got caught or maybe my inspector is busting my chops, I don't know.
Here are the facts, you decide:
Precast building with drywall hard ceiling, 9' to hard ceiling, 12' to bottom of roof deck.
HVAC is all ducted, no plenums.
We are being told that MC cable is not allowed in the space above the ceiling because it is an inaccessible attic space.
I don't see anywhere in Artcle 330 that prevents the use of MC cable in this space.
If I am wrong, please explain.
Thanks

Did the inspector give a code reference?As long as you have no junction boxes I see no code issue maybe you should ask for an article number.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Why does it need to be accessible? Is Mc cable accessible in the walls?
JB's is a no go but just the cable then the inspector is wrong unless there is some bizarre ordinance in your town.

 

[LarryFine]

MC is a cable, not a conduit. You don't even have to keep 90's accessible like you do with FMC.

 

[dezwitinc]

The Inspector

The Inspector

This is a school board inspector who is busting us.
I have not been on the job recently due to illness, but I intend to call him tomorrow and see how he backs up his demands.
Thanks for the replies.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

School Board inspectors may be engineers (PE, EE, etc..), maintenance personnel, or even an EC.

I would show them 330.10 and .12. This will provide you with enough information to hopefully be able to move on.

 

[dcspector]

MC is a cable, not a conduit. You don't even have to keep 90's accessible like you do with FMC.

Well said I had to correct another inspector on that one a few weeks back.

 

[chris kennedy]

Bump

Bump

I intend to call him tomorrow and see how he backs up his demands.

Any update Doug?