I know some of you out there will shutter at the thought and perhaps give me a hard time, but I want to be sure that the code is as I remember. That Romex can be used in a commercial buildings less than 3 stories and wood framed? What about boxes? Must you still use metal cutins or is plastic ok? There is no drop ceiling, but the little bit of existing wiring was done in mc or bx. Thx for any advice.
Using Romex in commercial applications?
- Thread starter Aledrell
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Massachusetts
The three story limitation has been gone for a while but now it is against the code to use NM above a suspended ceiling in a non-dwelling unit.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
The prohibition is based on the building type not the number of stories. The type is determined by the building code.
There is no suspended ceiling in this building, it's all hard lid wood framed from what I have seen. The task at hand is adding 4 outlets to a 30 ft wall that has only one existing. Using the existing outlet circuit.
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Does this mean that if a building is deemed commercial, Romex is no longer an option?
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
You (or an Architect, Engineer, or Building Code Official) need to determine the building type based on the building code. Take a look at Annex E for some information in the NEC.
- Location
- Massachusetts
No, it just means you can't run it in the suspended ceiling.
You might be able to run it in the walls based on the info Infinity brought up.
- Location
- Simi Valley, CA
Romex has never not been allowed in commercial, it was usually a local ordinace.
Strathead
Senior Member
- Location
- Ocala, Florida, USA
- Occupation
- Electrician/Estimator/Project Manager/Superintendent
And the best place to start for information is usually the life safety plan page or the "Building summary" informationt that should be on most sets of plans.
TOOL_5150
Senior Member
- Location
- bay area, ca
Agreed. Here, there are quite a few commercial environments that we can use romex in, just not in a drop ceiling.
Anyone know the reason we cant run romex in a commercial drop ceiling, but in a home drop ceiling, its fine?
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
According to Ryan Jackson, resident expert on the IBC (
), Annex E is worth it's weight in toilet paper. The OP should probably refer to the original drawings of the job or consult the AHJ / building code.
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
Politics relating to steel conduit manufacturers, I believe.
According to Ryan Jackson, resident expert on the IBC (
This building was built in the 50's, and as under went a few additions over the years. There are no plans to speak of for this job, it's simply a commercial tenant wanting a few more outlets on a wall. Customer is cost conscious and thought since it was all wood framing and absolutely no drop ceiling anywhere, that Romex could be used. I ended up using Romex but used metal cut-ins. I was just concerned that maintainance guy for the building might complain if he saw Romex, but if I'm within the letter of the code I don't care what he thinks.
Steve 1850
Member
- Location
- Illinois
I believe it was part of a deal to get the 3 story limitation removed.
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
Right, but they could have repealed it wholesale. I think a limitation of any kind is a tip of the hat to the steel manufacturers, akin to the nonsensical exceptions to 210.12.
- Status