ECN Electrical Forum - Discussion Forums for Electricians, Inspectors and Related Professionals

>> Home   >> Electrical-Photos   >> Classifieds   >> Subscribe to Newsletter   >> Store  
 

Photo of the Week:

Multi Meter Service
Multi Meter Service

Advertisement:-Left
Recent Gallery Topics:
What in Tarnation?
What in Tarnation?
by timmp, September 10
Plumber meets Electrician
Plumber meets Electrician
by timmp, September 10
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 44 guests, and 15 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#30859 10/30/03 07:10 AM
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,294
Member
Per NEC 314.21Repairing Plaster and Drywall or Plasterboard.
Plaster, drywall, or plasterboard surfaces that are broken or incomplete shall be repaired so there will be no gaps or spaces greater than 3mm (1/8") at the edge of the box or fitting.

OK, then, does anyone ever enforce this? There are plates made with the express purpose of covering oversize cuts. (Ironically, I've even seen them advertized as such in the IAEI magazine).
What do you think?...S

Horizontal Ad
#30860 10/30/03 09:06 AM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,374
R
Moderator
I am usually more concerned about it in a rated wall than an average installation. Like you said, the over-sized plates will cover it before I will see it.


Ryan Jackson,
Salt Lake City
#30861 10/30/03 09:56 AM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,145
Likes: 4
Member
I always thought the only way the use of these could be justified is to cover up some irregularity in the wall finish (ie Paint, Wallpaper), not oversized holes.

What did the ad in the Magazine say?

Bill


Bill
#30862 10/30/03 10:47 AM
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
J
Member
Scott,

I have yet to see an inspector pull off more than a panel cover. So it seems that what doesn't get seen will get passed.

Should my inspection fail for work that I didn't do, i.e. the sheetrock? Who should fix those gaps?

#30863 10/30/03 12:04 PM
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 552
T
Member
I agree with Bill's perspective as to the use of these.There is no excuse for a carpenter or drywall hanger to leave an oversized hole around the box for the electrician to have to deal with.. I never hesitate to call this to their attention, and the attention of their superiors if need be. Sometimes it ruffles their feathers, but who cares. Occasionally I have had to quote NEC 314.21 to them. Then I let them know that the oversized holes are to be repaired or I don't trim out !! No exceptions.


Donnie
#30864 10/30/03 12:47 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,716
R
Member
I have worked with an engineer who spec medium size plates for all struck block jobs. This makes good sense do to the fact even the best masons can't make all cuts that tight.

As far as 314.21, I brought this up in the BC area questioning why this is not in 314.20. It seems we could toss out 314.21 if it were.

The UL orange book states any box in a rated wall will not have more than an 1/8" gap therfore overridding the NEC laxness. (is that a word [Linked Image])

Roger

#30865 10/30/03 01:36 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,145
Likes: 4
Member
Is the space around th ebox addressed in the Building Code somewhere?
Or is it only found in the Electrical Code?

It seems to me it should be in both places, especially if they want it to be enforced.

Bill


Bill
Horizontal Ad
#30866 10/30/03 02:34 PM
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 552
T
Member
Quote
even the best masons can't make all cuts that tight.
No, but they can fill the gaps with mortar,just as a sheetrock finisher can fill the gaps with tape and mud. [Linked Image]

[This message has been edited by txsparky (edited 10-30-2003).]


Donnie
#30867 10/30/03 05:22 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 67
P
Member
bill,
section 709.6 calif.bldb. code(1997 ubc)addresses the firestopping methods.in concrete walls ;concrete,grout,or mortar the full thickness of the wall or the thickness required to maintain the rating is o.k.fire caulking or other listed systems are acceptable in other types of walls.
the material used to fill the annular space shall prevent the passage of flame and hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste when subjected to ubc standard 7-1 time temperature fire conditions under a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01inch of water column(2.5pa)at the location of the penetration for the time period equivelent to the fire rating of the construction penetrated.that's the technical explanation!

#30868 10/30/03 05:28 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,716
R
Member
Donnie, the gaps aren't a code issue in CMU construction. Set back is. The plates are only for a clean finish on the exposed block.

The masons always mud in behind the boxes and point them up anyways.

Roger

Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
Advertisement:-Right


Tools for Electricians
Tools for Electricians
 

* * * * * * *
2023 National Electrical Code (NEC)
2023 NEC + Exam Prep Study Guides Now Available!
 

Member Spotlight
togol
togol
NW In. USA
Posts: 421
Joined: September 2005
Top Posters(30 Days)
Popular Topics(Views)
333,566 Are you busy
258,928 Re: Forum
240,353 Need opinion
New Page 2
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5