Sealing Cable Penetrations Into Manufactured Electrical Building

[kingpb]

The contractor is proposing to use only firestop expandable foam to seal cable penetrations into a GE PEECC; otherwise known as a manufactured electrical house (building). The building is outdoor and the penetrations are from cables underneath in cable tray. We were expecting cable glands and gland plates but the contractor is saying the foam is an acceptable method.

All the firestop foam I can find online says it's not water tight, or UV so they intend on covering it with, well, essentially caulk to waterproof it. I have said this is not adequate per NEC 110.12 and referred to ANSI/NECA 1-2015.

Looking for input on options/comments for sealing properly.

 

[K8MHZ]

The contractor is proposing to use only firestop expandable foam to seal cable penetrations into a GE PEECC; otherwise known as a manufactured electrical house (building). The building is outdoor and the penetrations are from cables underneath in cable tray. We were expecting cable glands and gland plates but the contractor is saying the foam is an acceptable method.

All the firestop foam I can find online says it's not water tight, or UV so they intend on covering it with, well, essentially caulk to waterproof it. I have said this is not adequate per NEC 110.12 and referred to ANSI/NECA 1-2015.

Looking for input on options/comments for sealing properly.

I have worked in a few GE PEECCs and all the cables came from under the structure and entered through the floor which was elevated about 3 or 4 feet from the ground. Water tight was not an issue.

 

[kingpb]

I have worked in a few GE PEECCs and all the cables came from under the structure and entered through the floor which was elevated about 3 or 4 feet from the ground. Water tight was not an issue.

What was the method for sealing around cables?

 

[gadfly56]

What was the method for sealing around cables?

Is there nothing from the manufacturer on this?

 

[K8MHZ]

What was the method for sealing around cables?

It's been about 15 years, but IIRC, the opening for the cables had a rubber mat that was cut to allow entrance and foam was used to fill any gaps. The buildings were on 'stilts' and there really was no way for water to get into the structure from the floor. I wouldn't worry too much about it. We had trendways with 2 or 3 feet of water in them with the cables feeding the PEECCs. A drop or two finding its way into the back side of the PEECC wasn't that big of a concern. In order to add cables to the trendways they had to be pumped because the water was so deep we couldn't work in them.

 

[Julius Right]

Try this:
https://www.stifirestop.com/products/sil-silicone-firestop-sealant/

 

[Wire-Smith]

roxtec window

 

[K8MHZ]

What are the GE engineers telling you to do? There should be one or two on site with access to the plans.

 

[kingpb]

What are the GE engineers telling you to do? There should be one or two on site with access to the plans.

We are trying to get the document from the Contractor. They have the EPC contract directly with GE, so we have to make a formal request for the documentation. in the past they have always wanted glands and gland plates. I'm open to other alternatives as long as they are engineered solutions and have been proven.

 

[K8MHZ]

We are trying to get the document from the Contractor. They have the EPC contract directly with GE, so we have to make a formal request for the documentation. in the past they have always wanted glands and gland plates. I'm open to other alternatives as long as they are engineered solutions and have been proven.

We had to do things GE's way. We didn't have the ability to use alternative methods without going through more hassle than it was worth.