Tele/data wiring in Electric Room

[bwyllie]

Does anybody know of a code prohibiting tele/data wiring from passing thru an electric room unless it is installed in conduit?

 

[charlie b]

Re: Tele/data wiring in Electric Room

No. 645 has rules related to cables installed within the "IT Equipment Room," but I don't think there are any rules related to cables in the Electric Room. Is someone (perhaps an Inspector) telling you that conduit is needed? If so, ask that person to cite a source.

 

[bwyllie]

Re: Tele/data wiring in Electric Room

Something like that, the electrical contractor installed the conduit because he said in his experience the inspector would want it. He is also looking for additional money.

 

[charlie b]

Re: Tele/data wiring in Electric Room

If he wanted additional money, then he should have gotten approval before doing the work. He cannot justify the added costs on the basis of an NEC requirement, nor on the basis of what he thinks the Inspector would "want." There may be a local code of which I am not aware, but I doubt it. The decision to pay, or not pay, the added costs may well come down to working relationships (i.e., do you want to keep working with this person/company?).

 

[petersonra]

Re: Tele/data wiring in Electric Room

Its pretty common for electrical rooms to have telephone punchdown blocks mounted out in the open right on the walls. No conduit required.