Switches mounted in aluminium frame windows

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escape

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We have a new bank that is opening in our city. Inside the bank most of the offices are all glass with aluminium frames. the aluminium frame was used as a chase, but was cut enough to mount a switch in it with out a box. To me this is not legal, but the general contractor said they do this all over the state, and the blue prints are stamp and noted to do this by the engineer. Is this legal by code??
 
Re: Switches mounted in aluminium frame windows

It is not a listed raceway,and sure isnt a listed box.Where do they put the ground screw ?
Seen it done yes,legal no
 
Re: Switches mounted in aluminium frame windows

Originally posted by escape:
...the general contractor said ...
What else did the contractor say?
:roll:

Call him on it...invite the AHJ down to the job site for his "opinion".

When I did banks (as an employee) years ago, we would mount a wiremold box on the mullions to accommodate the switching, keypads, etc.
 
Re: Switches mounted in aluminium frame windows

can you not install a device without a box if it is listed for that application?

i think you can
mobile home manufacturers have been doing it for years
 
Re: Switches mounted in aluminium frame windows

Originally posted by izak:
can you not install a device without a box if it is listed for that application?

i think you can
See 404.3(A), and 406.4. If the aluminum frame is "listed for the use", it's ok. I seriously doubt it is. :)

As Jim mentioned, I believe the ground screw would stick out when you drilled and tapped your own through the pillar. :D
 
Re: Switches mounted in aluminium frame windows

Originally posted by georgestolz:
See 404.3(A), and 406.4. If the aluminum frame is "listed for the use", it's ok. I seriously doubt it is. :)

As Jim mentioned, I believe the ground screw would stick out when you drilled and tapped your own through the pillar. :D
Who says ya gotta use a ground screw? :p

tels_grounding_clip_1.gif


But first I, too, would like to see a listing for reaceway if they're dropping single conductors down. Is it not possible to fish MC down and cut in a box?
 
Re: Switches mounted in aluminium frame windows

They are trying to use the frame as a power pole.While i dont see any real hazard if it was capped at top and used a box there it is still not a listed item.
 
Re: Switches mounted in aluminium frame windows

a box doesnt have to be listed,314.40 (b) but i dont see where you can make it out of aluminum
 
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