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Speaker Enclosures

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sean1331

Member
I am looking for detailed information about fire rated speaker enclosures from the NEC. In a residential home (South Florida)construction is block, metal framing and wood trusses. The HVAC system has sealed vents and returns. The inspector was allowing us to install brackets and after 5 homes decided we now have to put in back boxes.
 

ryan_618

Senior Member
Re: Speaker Enclosures

You will not find this information in the NEC.

Typically, the installer will build a 5/8 type X gypsum board box around the speaker (5 sides) to re-establish the rated membrane that is being penetrated.
 

hbiss

EC, Westchester, New York NEC: 2014
Location
Hawthorne, New York NEC: 2014
Occupation
EC
Re: Speaker Enclosures

The inspector was allowing us to install brackets and after 5 homes decided we now have to put in back boxes.

First question is why. I see no fire rated or plenum construction.

That aside, most residential audiophile speakers are open with no backbox. Build a gypsum enclosure around it and it will alter the characteristics.

Lots out there of the commercial type that are designed to be installed in a fire rated ceiling or wall, sound just as good and cost much less.

-Hal

[ February 01, 2006, 02:18 PM: Message edited by: hbiss ]
 

sean1331

Member
Re: Speaker Enclosures

The inspector did not give us a specific statute that this falls under when he fails the inspection and I in no way want to challenge him about it. I just need to know where to double check this information so I can explain it to the customers. A fire rated speaker enclosure sells for about $150 and with builder mark ups it costs the customer too much to install both the enclosure and the speakers pre-construction.
 

hbiss

EC, Westchester, New York NEC: 2014
Location
Hawthorne, New York NEC: 2014
Occupation
EC
Re: Speaker Enclosures

The inspector did not give us a specific statute that this falls under when he fails the inspection and I in no way want to challenge him about it. I just need to know where to double check this information so I can explain it to the customers.

First off, this is going to cost somebody some money and you have every right to demand that the inspector give not only the reason but also the code articles as to why he is requiring this. I don't know why you are intimidated by him. Know that he can't make things up on his own.

It's not a "statute" by the way. There is nothing in the NEC that would address this. Maybe someone who works in FL knows something about it, maybe an energy code thing? Again, the inspector is the one to give you this information, that's his job, make him accountable.

-Hal
 
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