NEC 400.12

[4x4grey88]

I am an HVAC installer, working on an 8 story type1 building. after installing manufacture recommended 14/4 awg SOOW wire from condenser to AHU. Upon completion the electrical city inspector asked me if I met the NEC 400.12 and wrote me up.

I believe that I fall under the exception of that under NEC 300.22(C)(3) specifically discussing air handling units and NEC 400.12 Note 5

Has anyone else ran into this?

what was the outcome?

 

[Joe.B]

My only experience with something like this was being the inspector who made the wrong call on something similar. Fortunately for the community I work in, I'm not so head strong that I won't learn something new and admit that I'm wrong. If you followed the manufactures instructions and the code, then you have the opportunity to help the inspector learn something new. But that will only happen if the inspector is open to learning. If not, then you may have to make a request to their supervisor.

 

[ICE]

Here is the code that you invoked. A detailed explanation of how it applies to your situation would help us understand how it applies. However this is 2020 CEC and the latest edition might be different.

400.12(5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings.
Exception to(5):Flexible cords,flexible cables,and power supply cords shall be permitted if contained within an enclosure for use in other spaces used for environmental air as permitted by 300.22(C)(3).

300.22 Wiring in Ducts Not Used for Air Handling, Fabricated Ducts for Environmental Air, and Other Spaces for Environmental Air (Plenums).
The provisions of this section shall apply to the installation and uses of electrical wiring and equipment in ducts used for dust, loose stock, or vapor removal;ducts specifically fabricated for environmental air; and other spaces used for environmental air (plenums).

300.22(C) Other Spaces Used for Environmental Air (Plenums).
This section shall apply to spaces not specifically fabricated for environmental air-handling purposes but used for air-handlingm purposes as a plenum. This section shall not apply to habitable rooms or areas of buildings, the prime purpose of which is not air handling.

300.22(C)(3) Equipment. Electrical equipment with a metal enclosure,or electrical equipment with a nonmetallic enclosure listed for use within an air-handling space and having low smoke and heat release properties, and associated wiring material suitable for the ambient temperature shall be permitted to be installed in such other space unless prohibited elsewhere in this Code

 

[4x4grey88]

So utilizing 300.22(C)(3) sounds like my best bet. Being that this is an Air conditioning system.

I don’t really want to start ripping apart wall to remove and replace wires that manufacture recommended (and ship to me for install with equipment).

I understand that it really all falls on me knowing what type building I am working on but as an HVAC installer i never really had to worry about that in the past.

 

[Gregg Harris]

I am an HVAC installer, working on an 8 story type1 building. after installing manufacture recommended 14/4 awg SOOW wire from condenser to AHU. Upon completion the electrical city inspector asked me if I met the NEC 400.12 and wrote me up.

I believe that I fall under the exception of that under NEC 300.22(C)(3) specifically discussing air handling units and NEC 400.12 Note 5

Has anyone else ran into this?

what was the outcome?

A little more detail as to how the wire is run and where. Conduit, plenum ceiling, etc.

 

[4x4grey88]

Right down the walls next to lineset next to the electrical wires. Fire caulked each floor

 

[ICE]

400.12 Uses Not Permitted.
Unless specifically permitted in 400.10, flexible cords, flexible cables, cord sets, and power supply cords shall not be used for the following:
(1) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure
(2) Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors
(3) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings
(4) Where attached to building surfaces
(5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings

 

[Gregg Harris]

exception to 300.[22] [c] Exception: This section shall not apply to the joist or stud spaces of dwelling units where the wiring passes through such spaces perpendicular to the long dimension of such spaces

 

[jar546]

Right down the walls next to lineset next to the electrical wires. Fire caulked each floor

You have an 8-story building of Type I construction, and the wires between floors are not in conduit?

 

[Gregg Harris]

You have an 8-story building of Type I construction, and the wires between floors are not in conduit?

I would agree

 

[4x4grey88]

I would agree

This is what I’ve got back so far