Outlet Box Building Codes: Firewall Rating and Sound Communication

[ARBY777]

I am having a debate with some colleagues concerning the actual requirement for firewall rating and sound communication specification on commercial jobs. I see only a small percentage of jobs (less than 5%) that specificy a firewall rating for outlet box use in non firewall situations. I also have never seen a job specifying room-to-room sound communication requirements aimed at electrical outlet boxes.

Please tell me how often (rough percentage estimate)
1) you have encountered jobs that require a firewall rating on non firewall situations for electrical outlet boxes
2) you have encountered jobs that specify sound communication requirements for the electrical outlet boxes

 

[iwire]

A lot of the work my employer does is large office buildings.

1) you have encountered jobs that require a firewall rating on non firewall situations for electrical outlet boxes

No, never.

2) you have encountered jobs that specify sound communication requirements for the electrical outlet boxes

No, never.

 

[cowboyjwc]

I agree with Iwire.

Though I did have an office once where they covered the conference room walls with sound board and insulated the ceiling.

The only time you will usually see sound transmission requirements is in multifamily dwellings because it is required in the UBC.

 

[bphgravity]

1. Doesn't make any sense to do so?

2. The only time I have seen this specified was at a theater/auditorium that had rehearsal rooms off the main room and s separate music/band practice room. Be aware that Section 1207 of the IBC requires electrical devices installed in wall and ceiling assemblies to be "treated" to maintain air-borne sound levels per the section limits.

 

[wireman2000]

Most of all plans I see incommercial do not allow for back to back anymore regardless of fire rating.. They always had sound insualation.
I guess those developers were willing to pay for a better product