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Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Question:
Hello CQD, we are wiring a “Podium” style building which is laid out as follows:
- 2 levels of underground parking (concrete construction)
- 1st above ground level, is retail commercial spaces (concrete construction)
- Floors 2, 3, 4, and 5 are apartments (wood framed construction)
Will we be permitted to use NM Cable for the wiring of this building? Thanks in advance, Gus Palatine
A
Answer:
Hello Gus, this is great question and has created some compliance issues as these buildings become more common. What makes these buildings especially difficult for compliance is they are often designated with two (2) different construction types, with a rated separation.
The lower level commercial and parking garage is Type I or II, and the upper levels for the dwelling units are Type III construction. Section 334.10(2)&(3) permits the use of NM-Cable in buildings or structures to be of Type III, IV or V construction. Therefore NM-Cable would be permitted in the those upper levels utilizing the appropriate construction types permitted in Section 334.10(2)&(3), and would not permitted in the areas designated as Type I or II.