Type III construction

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Hello:
I am trying to get clarification on Type 3,4 and 5 construction. I have bid on work in apartment complex which is multifamily and trying to get info so I can see if i can use romex or not. Read appendix in in 2002 code book and didnt know what numbers meant on top of chart?(210,200??? dont have code book right now going on memory) Does anyone know of websight that can clarify this better or what does anyone else do in this situation Thanks for the help.
 
Re: Type III construction

The architech or the engineer decides which type of construction the building is and states it on the prints. Which type is stamped on yours?

The reason I say this is because there is no simple answer. These types are decided based on fire resistance of the materials used to construct the building.
 
Re: Type III construction

There is Annex E in the NEC and NFPA 220, but the other posters gave you very good advice to follow. We are not building code experts and it should be up to the Architect or the building department to let you know what Type it is.
 
Re: Type III construction

I have heard that Types 3, 4, and 5 in NFPA speak are the same in ICC speak. Has anybody researched this???? I've been meaning to, but have not gotten around to it.

That needs to be the question here. The plans will no doubt call out an ICC type of construction.

If it's all wood frame, NM is 99% OK.

The lower the number in Types generally means you can build a bigger building, aka high rise Type 1. The higher the number, a smaller bulding aka house Type 5.

Actually the fire resistance of materials or of an assembly is called out by the Type of construction. It takes some study to be really well versed in it, which I'm not.
 
Re: Type III construction

Originally posted by sandsnow:

The lower the number in Types generally means you can build a bigger building, aka high rise Type 1. The higher the number, a smaller bulding aka house Type 5.
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That is not always true, as unlimited area buildings are type VB (non-rated).

Type III typically refers to combustible walls and a noncombustible deck, or vice-versa.
 
Re: Type III construction

Ryan,
Yes, but how many floors can they be? Which is what I should have said - height!!!!
Unlimited area would probably max out your setback requirement.

Do you know if the Types are interchangeable between ICC and NFPA?
 
Re: Type III construction

What really screws you up is when different areas of the same building are different construction types. Even different walls in the same room are sometimes different construction types. Fun, fun. Luckily, the decision as to what construction type we're dealing with isn't up to the electrician, but we sorta need to know as early as the bid stage.
 
Re: Type III construction

This is going to be fairly small remodel work so I dont know if there will be an architect involved or not. Thanks for the input.
 
Re: Type III construction

Originally posted by sandsnow:
Ryan,
Yes, but how many floors can they be? Which is what I should have said - height!!!!
Unlimited area would probably max out your setback requirement.
Click to expand...
It depends on whether or not the building is sprinklered. In this case it could be up to 4.

Do you know if the Types are interchangeable between ICC and NFPA?
Click to expand...
I have no idea.
 
Re: Type III construction

Originally posted by sandsnow:
Do you know if the Types are interchangeable between ICC and NFPA?
Click to expand...
The types are not interchangeable. The table in annex E is similar to Table 601 in the IBC, but there are differences. Type V matches if you equate the NEC Type V-111 with IBC Type V-A, and NEC Type V-000 with IBC Type V-B. However the IBC allows substitution of fire sprinklers for fire rating under the right circumstances.

The bottom line for the original poster, I believe, is check with the building department.

1) Very few building departments will use NEC annex E for determining construction types.
2) 334.10(2) allows NM to be used in an apartment complex permitted to be of Types III, IV, or V construction. I believe this means that NM could be used in a building of type II construction, for example, if type II was used for design reasons, but Type III, IV, or V would be permited by the building code.
3) The application of building code construction type requirements is a complicated process involving building sizes and heights, setbacks from property lines or other buildings, occupancy types, sprinkler systems, or the lack thereof, etc. An electrician trying to do this on his own would be a bit like having the plumber inspect the electrical service. (absolutly no disrespect intended to either electricians or plumbers :) )

[ January 24, 2006, 07:08 PM: Message edited by: eprice ]
 
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