Conduit run in stairs

[James Davis]

In California (southern) a PV contractor wants to run the PV power conduit from the roof through the stairs to the main panel and switch gear on the first floor. this is a local government 4 story office building.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

So, what's your question?

 

[Paul Sweet]

Stairways are not utility chases. IBC 1023.5 prohibits penetrations of exit stairway enclosures for anything not directly related to the stair.

 

[Builder Bob]

Not allowed per code since the PV does not support operations for the stairway such as illumination, exit signage, ventilation, etc.

 

[SCBO1]

Also see IBC 2012, section 1023.6 Penetrations. Limited to electrical raceways for fire department communications and items serving the exit passageway. Not a chase.

 

[James Davis]

So, what's your question?

if the conduit is encased in a chase made to same fire rating I.E.double layer of 5/8 type X for 1 hour rated stair will this be considered compliant.

 

[Builder Bob]

Still no, as the chase is not continuous from the foundation to the roof deck - see continuity of fire barriers - Best answer, leave the stairway and its surrounding walls out of the equation.

 

[steveray]

if the conduit is encased in a chase made to same fire rating I.E.double layer of 5/8 type X for 1 hour rated stair will this be considered compliant.

Feasible, but bad idea....If you could enclose it and actually get it "out" of the stair it could work, but you would be looking at a 4 story shaft.....

 

[Paul Sweet]

A shaft would have to be continuous at landings, which means cutting openings in the landings for the shaft, and framing around them to support the remaining portions of the landings. Also, a shaft would have to be outside the required egress width.

 

[ADAguy]

What purpose is served by the conduit, something on the roof of the stairwell?

 

[James Davis]

What purpose is served by the conduit, something on the roof of the stairwell?

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