firewall penetrations

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#1

Originally Posted By: jmichalski
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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…

#2

Originally Posted By: jpope
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I know of no such requirement/limitation. Can you be more specific?

–
Jeff Pope


JPI Home Inspection Service


“At JPI, we’ll help you look better”


(661) 212-0738

#3

Originally Posted By: rcloyd
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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.

Best Regards,

--
Russell G. Cloyd
Intra-Spec Home Inspections
& Code Consulting, LLC
859-586-4591
www.intra-spechomeinspections.com

#4

Originally Posted By: jmichalski
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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?

#5

Originally Posted By: scieslewicz
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Joseph,


Don't have codes books handy but are you thinking 24"? That's the one that came to mind reading your post....

Sue

#6

Originally Posted By: kdemski
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Looks like Susan wins the prize. 24" separation. See 2003 IRC, R317.3.2, Exception #2

#7

Originally Posted By: jmichalski
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Susan and Ken,


Thanks - that is exactly what I was thinking of. Glad I'm not crazy...well, at least not for that, anyway!

#8

Originally Posted By: roconnor
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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 ... ![icon_wink.gif](upload://ssT9V5t45yjlgXqiFRXL04eXtqw.gif)

--
Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee

I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong

#9

Originally Posted By: janderson
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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. icon_smile.gif

–
Within the seeds of ignorance lie the fruits of denial


Jeremiah
#10

Originally Posted By: roconnor
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about garage ceiling penetrations or gaps around things like outlets and garage door opener supports when there is a bedroom above the garage.


Just my opinion and 2-nickels ... ![icon_wink.gif](upload://ssT9V5t45yjlgXqiFRXL04eXtqw.gif)

--
Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee

I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong