NM cable in a dropped ceiling area of an assisted living facility.

[Lewis Chandler]

The ceiling under the trusses is a fire rated assembly. Below this rated assembly is metal framing and a dropped ceiling area. NM cable penetrates the fire barrier and is fire caulked and feeds lighting in the dropped ceiling area. The building is a type six protected and its use is an assisted living facility. The fire stopping expert says the NM has a thermal rating and that fire caulking the penetration is all that is required. It is concealed in walls and ceilings but is it approved for this application. Any comments?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

334.10 seems to not permit nm in the building. Also if this is a dropped ceiling then 334.12(A)(2) would also not allow the insta;;

 

[Sierrasparky]

Sounds like a double whammy