NM in commercial class 1-5 building

[dm9289]

What class would a small commercial building that essentially looks like house be. I was having trouble understanding annex E

one story building
Basement block under ground finished with studs and standard dry wall for office.
First floor exterior brick with interior wood studs and dry wall 2 offices.
Plywood roof with shingles over it.

 

[JGinIndy]

Class? Sounds like a type V

 

[dm9289]

That’s what I thought but it seemed odd that you could use NM in a building that seems to be less fireproof than class 1.

 

[JGinIndy]

I am sure the cable manufacturers lobbyists had something to do with it But as with any product, proper installation is the key.

 

[hillbilly1]

All commercial around here is built that way, other than the chain stores. They wouldn’t even spring for a brick exterior. One of them just burned down, built totally like a house, no firewalls. Four businesses in it. All romex.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

It is not permitted in the more fire resistive building as it adds to the fire and smoke load. It is only permitted in Types III, IV and V which are less fire resistive building types.

 

[GoldDigger]

To pick a couple of nits:
The NEC refers to buildings which are required to be Type 1 or 2.
If somebody built a single family house using only Type 2 methods, NM is still OK.
If a building whose occupancy calls for Type 2 was built as Type 3, you still are not allowed to use NM, even if the building snuck past the inspector.

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