Rated wall

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augie47

augie47

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Tennessee
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State Electrical Inspector (Retired)
I was asked a question to which I do not know the answer and upon asking different building inspectors, i got three different answers so I thought I'd try my batting average here
(foolish person that I am)

The building inspector in my major inspection area require a "rated wall" (my term) between the attached garage and the living quarters on a single family dwelling. He accepts 5/8" "fire rock" (his term) as adequate for that purpose.
If the electrician elects to install his electrical panel in this wall does that pose a problem with the rating ?
The install is governed by the 2009 IRC
References would be appreciated !
 
To say the least this issued seems to always get an array of responses. Around here it is not an issue but probably should be looked at more closely
 
Just FWIW, recent experiments show that even though sheetrock by itself is a good thermal and fire barrier, it is porous enough to carbon monoxide to allow a safety hazard.
Which does not negate the additional guideline that for a garage to dwelling space wall it is important to keep an air infiltration barrier around any devices you put into openings in this wall.
 
Many jurisdictions allow it but I would say that technically it is not allowed to be there.
Your boxes are listed for use in rated walls but the panel is not.
You can't have non-rated can lights or speakers in the ceiling of the garage for the same reason.
 
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