nec guidelines for running pipe above ceiling grids

#Nec guidelines for running pipe above ceiling grids code
#Nec guidelines for running pipe above ceiling grids free

Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2017 NEC ® edition of NFPA 70. Wiring methods installed behind panels that allow access shall be according to their applicable articles.

#Nec guidelines for running pipe above ceiling grids code

See the actual NEC ® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. The new exception to 400.12(5) basically allows a flexible cord to be installed above a suspended ceiling as long as it is contained within an enclosure that is either made of metal or it can be nonmetallic as long as it is listed for use within plenum and has low smoke and heat release properties.īelow is a preview of Article 400. The idea is to make sure that if an above ceiling cable melts, the smoke released back into the return air, and recirculated back into the building supply air system is not dense enough to block emergency lights and exit signs from being seen by building occupants during egress. Wiring methods permitted from 300.22(C) in a plenum are generally limited to metal cables, metal boxes, metal raceways and certain nonmetallic jacketed plenum rated cables with low smoke and heat release properties. The 2023 National Electrical Code includes updates in GFCI protection, AFCI protection, surge protection and other requirements for safe practices in. If the above grid AC unit pulls return air from the office space below, through a ducted return air grill, then the return air does not circulate among the wiring methods above ceiling.If the above grid AC unit pulls return air from the office space below, through a dummy grill, instead of return air ductwork, then the return air circulates above ceiling where wiring methods also exist.Here are two rules to determine if the space above a grid ceiling is a plenum: Plenums sometimes exist in the space above a suspended ceiling where an air conditioner may be present. They are requiring us to support 'reloc' independently of the ceiling. No more support wires now required on 2x4's I am now arguing the support of manufactured wiring in grid systems.

I did get a decision in my favor to use clips as specified under 410. When Section 300.22(C) speaks of “Other Spaces Used for Environmental Air” it means spaces not specifically fabricated for environmental air-handling purposes but used for air-handling purposes as a plenum. It took me a year to finally get the city to interpret ceiling support wires on fixtures. The new exception now allows it, if contained within an enclosure for use in “Other Spaces Used for Environmental Air” as permitted by 300.22(C)(3). Note 5 states that flexible cables, flexible cord sets, and power supply cords shall not be used where “ concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings”. More importantly, in the 2017 NEC ®, a new exception was added to note 5 under 400.12 (uses not permitted). These requirements were previously found in 400.7 and 400.8 of the 2014 NEC ®. Section 400.10 now specifies the uses permitted for flexible cords and flexible cables while 400.12 provides the uses NOT permitted. Code Change Summary: A new exception for flexible cords and flexible cables was added to note 5 under 400.12 (uses not permitted).