NEC Article 334.10 Uses of NM and NMC cables

[Ken Dowling]

Up until 2002, the NEC did not allow NM cables in Hotels and Motels. Apparently, since then, the Code is accepting NMC cables. I realize there are some caviots, however, can anyone tell me why the Code relaxed on this? In San Antonio, we have an Amendment that does not allow 334.10 (3) and (4). However, surrounding municipalities have there own amendments (or lack of).

Thanks,

Ken D.

 

[raider1]

Welcome to the forum.

Prior to the 2002 NEC NM cable was permitted in hotels and motels that were not over 3 stories high.

The 2002 NEC removed the 3 story limit and now permits NM cable in other structures permitted to be of type III,IV and V construction where the cable is concealed within walls floors and ceilings that have a finish rating of at least 15 minutes.

Chris

 

[Cavie]

In 2002 the powers to be decided that the hight of the building had nothing to do with the safty of the wireing method. Never in my forty years of working could I find anybody explain to me why it was ok to SLEEP in a romex world but we had to work wide awake in a conduit world!!:?

 

[Ken Dowling]

It would appear that we had an abundance of Romex when the housing market laxed, so we needed to use it elsewhere. I'm not seeing the response I was looking for yet. I'll hang around for a while to confirm. However, in the mean time, any comments to this installer,
"Romex is legal for exposed use indoors above 8' even in drop ceilings unless they are used as a plenum. Having said that we have run across some jurisdictions that make us use it either way and we will do so here if Floresville requires us to."

I don't read it the same... This is for a 3-story hotel with an attic. Fully sprinklered.

Thanks again,

Ken D

 

[don_resqcapt19]

It would appear that we had an abundance of Romex when the housing market laxed, so we needed to use it elsewhere. I'm not seeing the response I was looking for yet. I'll hang around for a while to confirm. However, in the mean time, any comments to this installer,
"Romex is legal for exposed use indoors above 8' even in drop ceilings unless they are used as a plenum. Having said that we have run across some jurisdictions that make us use it either way and we will do so here if Floresville requires us to."

I don't read it the same... This is for a 3-story hotel with an attic. Fully sprinklered.

Thanks again,
Ken D

I would suggest that the installer take a look at 334.12(A)(2).