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| Subject - Romex in a suspended ceiling | |
| kbsparky |
I know that the current editions of the Code prohibit the installation of type NM cable ("romex") exposed above a suspended ceiling system. My question here is directed to the inspector-types who frequent the forum: IF you have an existing structure that was wired using romex above the dropped ceiling, and someone wants to add a light, or receptacle, do you allow them to use type NM cable for the new fixtures or do you make them use something else, such as type MC cable, even if there are existing piles of romex adjacent to the new work? Why or why not? -Ken |
| David Hyatt | I would like to add to this question, if you have to wire above a drop ceiling in residential is there any exceptions? |
| David Hyatt | I think I just found my answer (334.12(a)1) its OK in one,two or multifamily dwellings. |
| Alfred | It also applies to a wood framed structure up to 200,000 sq. ft., single story. Thanks Alfred Johnson
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| clars | I believe romex is ok in a commercial installation less than 3 stories, and not a place of public gathering ie; church,school, town hall, etc. |
| lctrc789 | Clars, and Alfed you are both correct in what you posted>>>>> |
| kbsparky | Some of you seem to have missed the point in this thread here. My original intent was an inquiry about exposed romex above a drop ceiling in an existing structure. Since this is not the residential section, but the "Commercial and Industrail" one, exclusions for dwellings are not considered here. Section 334.12 Uses not Permitted (A)Types NM, NMC, and NMS cables shall not be permitted as follows: (2)Exposed in dropped or suspended ceilings in other than ...dwellings. |
| devo | In MA Romex is allowed, with check the amendments in your state for exceptions. |
| Russell120 | KB: I think you answered your own question. You cannot use Romex in a non-dwelling above drop ceilings. So logical or not you would need to use something else for the new stuff. The general rule of thumb is that there is no requirement to go back and change what is already there. However, that also can vary with the local. The North Carolina building codes do not grandfather in construction that did not meet code when they were built. I have never seen this rule actually used however. |
| kbsparky | quote: hehe ... I already know what the Code has to say, hence my quote of the section. My problem with this is that it appears to me that the recent change in those requirements are more political in nature than not. My point in all this was here you have many existing buildings that are filled with romex above the ceiling, and then you need to add a light or something, and the inspector won't allow it. Simply because the Code now prohibits its installation there. Some jurisdictions recognize the folly in politically motivated rules & codes, and override or ignore those requirements, while others simply adopt the NEC at its face value without question. It all boils down to whether the inspectors who enforce the Code are interested in actual safety, or merely toeing the line of the written rules ....  I was hoping for more comments from the inspectors themselves who frequent this forum for their comments on these type of issues. -Ken |
| electroman | As an inspector, there are many instances where I have to make a call that I don't like, but if it is in black and white in the NEC I don't have a choice. Would you rather you had an inspector that called things on the way he felt that day or one that was consistent. As far as your particular issue, if it were up to me and I walked in and seen a mess of rope zigzagging every which way, I would want it cleaned up, but I don't have the authority to tell you to do that at least in my state. At the very least, any new wiring is required to be done per the current code book. Who knows, you might set a new example in that mess of a ceiling. The next guy who follows you might continue to do a good code compliant job and after fifty years or so the mess might be gone. There are many areas in the code that to me are questionable, but there are as many different valid opinions out here so that is why we have the NEC as a standard. Any person has the right to go to the back of their NEC and submit a change to the NFPA if they do not like the way a particular requirement reads. |
| Ryan_J | quote: ...code reference please? |
| sparky13 | I see Ryan never got that code ref. Our jurisdiction does not allow nm cable below any ceiling - floor joist. It is not protected from physical damage. Remove a tile there it is. Drywall is not so easily removed. Therefore protected. |
| sparky13 | Also we do not allow "romex in commercial /industrial install . 3 story or not. 
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