wiring in a rural church

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sparkyonewire

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I am currently wiring a 50 x 80 metal building which is an addition to a rural church. The church building commitee insist that in that part of the building that is framed walls for classrooms etc. that Romex can be used instead of conduit. There are no local codes that I am aware of covering this building so it is strictly NEC.
Does anyone know of a code exception allowing this? I don't.
 
Re: wiring in a rural church

umm, need to read again..

[ February 05, 2005, 01:09 PM: Message edited by: dillon3c ]
 
Re: wiring in a rural church

I looked through articles 334 and 518, and it seems to me that Romex would be acceptable for the proposed use. Where are you seeing a prohibition against Romex for this?

[ February 05, 2005, 01:09 PM: Message edited by: jeff43222 ]
 
Re: wiring in a rural church

Jeff,
I'm in error,post states classrooms,doesn't apply to 518,being designated classrooms..
 
Re: wiring in a rural church

I am going on the asumption that this being a public gathering place Romex is not allowed.
To clarify previous, classrooms are Sunday school. There is also a kitchen and office space in the bld. as well as a Gym.
 
Re: wiring in a rural church

My copy of 518.2(A) (2002 NEC) specifically lists church chapels as places of assembly. Gyms are also listed. My take on 518 is that a classroom is not considered a place of assembly as long as it is not intended or used for 100 or more people at a time.

In the handbook, there's an Exhibit 518.2 that has a diagram of a hypothetical building showing what parts require "places of assembly" wiring methods and what parts are OK for ordinary wiring methods.

[ February 05, 2005, 04:07 PM: Message edited by: jeff43222 ]
 
Re: wiring in a rural church

I agree. This is one of those areas where an inspector might have a different opinion on whether the rooms count as a place of assembly. Better to find out beforehand.
 
Re: wiring in a rural church

The plans should state the type of building, usage, any special wiring requirements, etc, if different than building type. This should have gone thru jurisdiction so usage should be on plans. So, if A, or B, or E, it should say so.

paul
 
Re: wiring in a rural church

I would assume that the church would be considered a commercial building thus ruling out romex however if your local inspector allows for it mc cable would be a positive and cost efficent way to go over conduit
 
Re: wiring in a rural church

Think growth. Most churches grow, the classrooms could have the walls removed to become a multipurpose room, with MC cable you would be all set. But check with your AHJ
 
Re: wiring in a rural church

I wouldn't consider a church a "commercial" building. Obviously it is not all a dwelling though. Even if it is commercial NM is not ruled out. Many if not most areas allow NM in commercial applications.
The question is what parts of the church are not POA and which are. IMO most parts are.
 
Re: wiring in a rural church

Should you install nonmettalic cable in this project be sure to keep in mind;

2005 NEC 334.12 Uses Not Permitted. (A) Types NM, NMC, and NMS. Types NM, NMC, and NMS cables shall not be permitted as follows: (2) Exposed in dropped or suspended ceilings in other than one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings.

In the 2002 NEC this will be 334.12 (A) (1) As open runs in dropped or suspended ceilings in other than one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings.
 
Re: wiring in a rural church

The NEC stipulates 100 persons for Place of public assembly - NY State building code stipulates 50 persons as a place of public assembly :eek:

One must beware of more restrictive local laws!!!

I know of a contractor who wired a restuarant with 75 person capacity, and used NM. The building inspector caught the mistake - OUCH!!!
 
Re: wiring in a rural church

Originally posted by southernboys:
I would assume that the church would be considered a commercial building thus ruling out romex
Click to expand...
The NEC does not prohibit NM from commercial buildings.
 
Re: wiring in a rural church

There are no local codes that I am aware
Click to expand...
I would find out before bidding. Call the State Inspector since there is no "local code."

Specifically ask about places of assembly. Some areas are more restrictive than NEC.
 
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