Washington D.C. specific - fire alarm

[shroominator]

I am hoping there is someone out there who is familiar with the NEC as interpreted and ammended by Washington D.C. The question is:

Are power limited fire alarm circuits required to be installed in conduit? The 2002 NEC says no. I can find nothing in the District of Columbia Construction Codes Supplement 2003 regarding this. There is a reference to non-power-limited fire alarm circuits being required to be installed in conduit.

Thanks for the help.

Craig

 

[shroominator]

Re: Washington D.C. specific - fire alarm

Nevermind. Finally found a 1999 version of District of Columbia Construction Codes Supplement. Conduit is required. PVC or fire resistant unprotected wire is not acceptable.

Feel free to remove my post.

Thanks

Craig

 

[charlie b]

Re: Washington D.C. specific - fire alarm

No need to remove the post. You have taught us something, and there is nothing bad about that.

 

[brian john]

Re: Washington D.C. specific - fire alarm

Craig:

That's probably because the DC CODE is based upon the 1968 NEC ....LOL not sure what version they are on but it is not recent.

I do not do FA systems, but can tell you that, I see FA systems installed without conduit in drop ceilings all the time in DC. Exposed is in conduit.

 

[shroominator]

Re: Washington D.C. specific - fire alarm

Originally posted by brian john:
Craig:

That's probably because the DC CODE is based upon the 1968 NEC ....LOL not sure what version they are on but it is not recent.

I do not do FA systems, but can tell you that, I see FA systems installed without conduit in drop ceilings all the time in DC. Exposed is in conduit.

When this project started in '99, D.C. used 1996 NEC. It's been an on again - off again kind of deal, so I have a feeling they are up to date on the adoption of the code. They certainly aren't behind on their supplements.

The fire marshall has signed off on the project, but the building owners' inspector called it out. Oh well, it could be worse, opening day could be two days away instead of three!

Thanks again

Craig