Nema Standards Publication RV 2-2004
Application and Installation Guidelines for Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cables
"Currently, Types NMC and NMS are not commercially available, but Type UF-B can be substituted for NMC."
It does not say that NM-B is restricted to dwellings. What is does say has me a little confused, as this information is not in the NEC. Remember this document is not adopted by all jurisdictions, so is not necessarily enforceable.
"Use of Type NM-B in multifamily and other structures is restricted to buildings of 5 stories or less."
"Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable, when used in Structures other than dwellings, must be concealed within walls, floors, or ceilings that provide a thermal barrier of material that has at least a 15-minute finish irating. as identified in listings of fire resistance rated assemblies."
As an inspector, this document provides some interesting information, but I would be hard pressed to say that in a commercial installation I would not allow NM cable to be installed exposed where it is protected from physical damage - whatever physical damage may be.
For anyone interested, read the disclaimer that is provided with this document.
Pierre
