Originally Posted By: jmichalski This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Is there a code or distance requirement regarding wall penetrations (swiches) on both sides of a garage wall? I seem to recall that there is a minimum distance requirement in relation to each other, but I can’t locate it right now…
Originally Posted By: rcloyd This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Joseph:
The answer to your question depends on the type of wall in question.
Are you referring to the drywall separation between the house and garage in a single family dwelling? If so, there is no requirement.
If you are referring to an actual firewall or fire barrier (commonly used in multi-family and commercial construction) There is a limit on the number and spacing.
Originally Posted By: jmichalski This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I must be inventing codes in my head again.
I thought that I had heard/read/dreamed that switches on the inside wall (next to a garage/interior door) and on the inside of the garage must be a certain distance from each other...something about two pentrations (for the junction boxes) within close proximity defeating the fire protection.
Guess not. I have to get points for creativity, though, right?
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I believe the 24" outlet penetration offset requirement only applies to fire separations between two dwellings (not garage fire separations), per the first paragraph in that section … unless the ICC changed that in 2003 to also include the code section on garage separations, as I am looking at the 2000 IRC.
Just my opinion and 2-nickels ... 
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
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I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: janderson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Nothing has changed in that regard in the 2003 IRC. Still no 24 inch requirement for those type of membrane penetrations between the house and attached garage, only for walls separating townhouse units. Although if I was building a house today, I’d put the separation in.
– Within the seeds of ignorance lie the fruits of denial
