Structural Equipment?

[bphgravity]

What electrical components and/or equipment of an existing building would be considered structural?

Per The Florida Building Code, under certain circumstances, an existing building must have all structural components brought to the existing code; including plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems.

This has to do with fire ratings and total costs of additions or repairs made to an occupancy.

The problem is that the code does not define "structural", and the NEC is a separate code, but electrical systems are mandated by the building code.

 

[roger deas]

Re: Structural Equipment?

Bryan, could this be an example of too many words?

Wouldn't it make sense if it read like this?

Per The Florida Building Code, under certain circumstances, an existing building must have all components brought to the existing code; including plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems.

Instead of,

Per The Florida Building Code, under certain circumstances, an existing building must have all structural components brought to the existing code; including plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems.

Roger

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: Structural Equipment?

Bryan,
Sounds like a very poorly worded rule. In my opinion, the "structural" part of a building is the "gravity resistance system" that supports the building. No part of the electrial or mechinical systems should be a structural part of the building.
Don

 

[bphgravity]

Re: Structural Equipment?

It is definitely a situation of too many words and poor wording, however, this is the way the section reads.

The problem is that not even my local building official seems to have a solid concept of what the code entails "structural."

A possible definition that is being thrown around is "that of, realating to, having, characterized, used in, or necessary to construction."

If that isnt a mouthful! That still doesnt clear up the electrical requirements. One local interpretation is using that which is easily removed is not structural, and that which is fixed or inaccesible as being structural.

Right now, this is not readily enforced. No one seems to know how much needs to be brought up to code. The only equipment that is being required to be replaced is in the situation of a fused panel for a dwelling. In these cases, the building department is requiring circuit breaker enclosures. This is not a requirement of the electrical code, but that of the structural requirement of the building code.

 

[physis]

Re: Structural Equipment?

Bryan,

Garboly-gook, it sounds like to me.

I agree with Don, Gravity resistance system.

Isn't it illeagal to try to use an electrical system to hold up a building?