As I understand it, given a 1 hr rated wall, then the deal is:
If it is a steel box 16 sq inches or less and there are not more than 100 sq inches combined total of openings in 100 square feet of wall, then it does not need a fire pad as fill for the annular space.
PROVIDED:
1)Outlet boxes on the
opposite side have a separation horizontally of not less than 24".
or
2) It's got solid fire blocking in between the boxes on the opposite side
or
3)If it's got loose fill cellulose or mineral fiber insulation, it can have a horizontal separation not less than the depth of the wall cavity from a box on the opposite side.
or
4) It's a box made of any material.listed and tested for the purpose.
If the rating is greater than 1 hr, or it 1hr and doesn't meet the requirements above, then you'll have to firepad a metal box.
If you've put in a cut-in box, or Madison clipped it a box, steel or not, it has to come out.
Boxes in fire-rated walls can't be supported by the drywall.
A regular blue plastic box won't do, regardless.
It's good to see some concern over this important subject of fire ratings. Too many guys don't even notice, or just don't care.
If your floor outlet is within 18" of the wall, then it can be counted as one of the required outlets. 210.52(A)(3) Unfortunately, if you have a 15 foot wall, a minimum of 2 would be required.
[This message has been edited by electure (edited 12-09-2006).]