commercial use of romex

[z633]

I have an owner builder breathing down my neck. I have a call into the SB CA inspector, a new county for me, hoping for a response. NEC 2002 code applies. Mini Mart Gas Station, 5/8 gypsum over wood framed construction. I consider this NEC type II construction, no flammable vapors that I know of. So Romex should be acceptable right? Owner wants to order materials NOW! I have been jumped on in the past by old-timers that would outright reject romex in any kind of commercial setting. I am paranoid.

Additionally the Gas Pump & canopy Contractor allegedly needs 200Amp service of some kind. Anybody know what is common in the field? 230V-3phase? or the good old 230/120v. I ASS-U-ME that the vapor recovery system will be far and removed (sealed) from the mini mart area This is not part of my scope.

Thanks

 

[mpparent]

It seems to me that this is an ok install, provided:

1) No corrosive vapors
2) Under 3 stories
3) Not used as service entrance
4) Not embedded in cement or masonry
5) No hazardous locations, except as permitted by code

Mike

 

[resqcapt19]

Watch out for 334.12(A)(2) in the 2002 and 2005 NEC.

334.12 Uses Not Permitted ... (2)Exposed in dropped or suspended ceilings in other than one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings

Don

 

[jtkirb]

I would highly suggest staying away from ROMEX in commercial apps. The better thing to do is ask the inspector before you start.

JTK

 

[mpparent]

As far as your service entrance goes, I would guess 208/120V, 3ph, 4w.

Mike

 

[mpparent]

You can't edit these darn posts....go by what jtkirb said for sure, get the AHJ's determination on what's acceptable as he'll have the final say.

Mike

 

[z633]

Yikes, On one hand it is perfectly legal, on the other hand it is up to the arbitrary judgement of a field inspector. I told the contractor to go ahead with romex. Then the inspector finally calls and kinda balked at the idea and said he will call me tomorrow. Too bad I told the contractor that romex was ok already. I am not to worried as one response from the county office (to the contractor) was "what ever the engineer put on the drawings". I do not care to eat a bunch of romex. Service is 240V-3phase open delta with 120/230. That was another post.

 

[BJC]

I would recommed against it as well. It just pretty chinzy for a commercail, subject to damage and accidents. If I were the inspector I would kick it over. I would use BX or MC.

 

[davidbeach]

Best not use BX, that **** has been illegal for many years. When the problems with BX were solved the resulting product became known as AC (armored cable). AC looks a lot like BX, but isn't BX. AC is recognized by the NEC and BX is not.

 

[mpparent]

Just FYI, there are major changes for the use of romex from the '02 to '05 codes. If you are under the '02, take heed of rescapt19's advice. If somehow the AHJ quotes the '05 code, I think you won't be using romex at all.

Mike

 

[z633]

You guyes remind me of a bunch of superstitious old women and their wives tales. See

http://www.carlon.com/Codes_Standards/CS-NM_Cable_Construction.pdf

according to this, type nm is allowable for a wide range of commercial apps.

 

[resqcapt19]

z633,
While it is permitted in may commerical structures, the rule I cited in my previous post is a major stumbling block. You can't use NM above suspended or drop ceilings in any structure other than dwelling units. Most commerical buildings in this area have suspended or drop ceilings.
Don

 

[mpparent]

z633,

If you are going to criticize the advice, why did you ask? It seems you've answered your own question, so have at it.

Mike

 

[z633]

Sorry, about that. It just seemed that the thread was moving one way, then suddenly reversed course. I became defensive. resqcap, the ceiling in this case is 5/8 gypboard.

I have learned a good lesson from all this.


NO TYPE NM FOR COMMERCIAL WORK PERIOD! I do not care if it is code compliant or not.


I do not need to open any more cans of worms, thank you.

 

[jtkirb]

It's all about the inspector. You can wave the code book in his face all day, but in the end it's better to make him happy. I think the original poster found that out.

Sometimes asking his "opinion" before you start gets you some bonus points....along with some doughnuts.

JTK