I am working on a renovation to an existing Federal Courthouse that include the installation of a new fire alarm system. The spray-on fireproofing contains ACM so the cost of spot abatement for thousands of FA hangers may exceed the project's budget. It seems that NEC 300-11 requires that the conduit and JBs be independently supported to the building's structure. The existing ceiling is a plaster on lathe on black iron grid that has wire hangers to the structure. The thought was that the conduit could be run caddy-clipped to the black iron with the thought that if there is ever a full renovation of the space that the ceiling and fire alarm system on that floor would be replaced and spray-on fully abated. Bascially, the government is not willing to indemnify the engineer to go against NEC 300-11 so the engineer won't design it this way even though the government does not necessarily need to follow any codes. Is there any other specific codes that would allow for the black iron install?
2006-08-15 15:46:47 · 3 answers · asked by Pablo Honey 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Well 300-11 does indeed say that. In fact it also says that "Cables and raceways shall not be supported by ceiling grids."
I would plan to attempt to attach to the side walls wherever possible to avoid the ceiling grid. Where it's not possible, I think you have little choice but to connect to the existing structural beams. Unless someone from the govt. would go ahead and exempt you from this rule in writing so the project engineer could be comfortable with it.
I wish I could be more help. I hope it isn't your budget that is being exceeded!
2006-08-16 07:54:06 · answer #1 · answered by todvango 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'll bet "Ceiling Grid" refers to modern suspended tile ceilings not to fire resistant lathe and plaster, request a variance for aesthetic value of the reconstruction, and make a point to raise the conduit above the lath surface, it will be better protected than a wall installation and all you have to repair is a few access holes here and there. say every four feet depending on the space you have to run your conduit, and get you installers certified in the abatement process, more engineering BS!
2006-08-22 22:52:09 · answer #2 · answered by Michael S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sorry, im not sure
2006-08-21 11:31:09 · answer #3 · answered by Hazard 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋