Checked with the older guys at the shop.Seems they remember the 3/4" dry wall fire stop was dropped by the building code in 1989 like Sandro said.I have no idea what i was thinking obviously you need the plywood when you have all that stuff to put next to the panel loomex , doorbell xformer cable and phone.Generally we try to stay away from wood at our plant because it's a noncombustible building.It's not illegal just not ideal in our application.Also we take the CCS update course when the new code book comes out.You get two code books.One regular code book and another that rationalizes the the new rules.I have to say The ESA Continuing Care Service is the best idea they've ever had You always get the same inspector.And they seem to have an(we're in this together attitude)
cheers
[This message has been edited by frank (edited 12-29-2005).]