Romex use in a 4 story Hotel

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tomstollmeyer

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San Luis Obispo, CA
A few weeks back I asked a question on this forum in regards to the use of Romex in a 4 story hotel. My question was answered promptly at that time. Thank you again for this.

Another question has been raised by the General Contractor, who has been awarded this project and is now scoping our bid.

He is referencing Article 334.10 & 334.12 of the 2007 California Electric Code.

Article 334.12 Uses not permitted; states that nonmetallic-sheathed cable (romex) is not allowed in dropped or suspended ceilings in other than one and two family and multi-family dwellings.

Article 334.10 Uses Permitted; in short states that romex shall be concealed within walls, floors or ceilings that provide a thermal barrier that has at least a 15 minute finish rating as identified in listings of fire rated assemblies.

We bid this project with the intention of using romex in the individual rooms, including the drop soffits (gypboard finish) that occur within the restroom of each room. This is a wood structure building.

Does Article 334.12 apply to the drop soffits in the restrooms?
 
To the extent of my knowledge, the "not permitted in suspended or dropped ceilings" thing means: you can't put romex in a suspended T-grid ceiling (with removable tiles, etc.) or in a hard lid ceiling that is dropped from the structural ceiling (like a soffit, which it sounds like what may be going on in your bathrooms).

I believe the intent of the T-grid prohibition is probably for physical protection of the romex, but I'm not entirely sure why it would be prohibited in a dropped ceiling if it was sheetrocked.

Maybe somebody with more experience and knowledge can elaborate or correct me :D

On second thought, maybe a soffit doesn't constitute a dropped ceiling.
 
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