So my electrician was over on Saturday finishing up the electrical rough-in (I have the building inspector coming Monday to inspect Electrical, Mechanical, and Framing). As he was getting ready to leave I pointed out the conduit runs I had built between the two rooms for running the two audio snakes, and half-jokingly asked if the inspector might think that was part of his handywork and fail us on it. He paused for a second and then said, "Well, you know, it is low voltage cabling running through there, and so it does have to meet code".
I was amazed. I guess I had figured only his part was subject to inspection / code. The lighting, outlets, switches, panels etc.
Why is this important?
Well for one there is aparantly a limit to how many turns you can make according to NEC, as well as a fill limit. Most of us are doing at least two 90 degree turns for sound control purposes, and in my case I have about 4 more to allow it pass around studs and through walls etc.
You can find more information on fill limits here.
For now I'm not sure whether or not the inspector will say anything tomorrow or not -it's a roll of the dice if left as is. My electrician is suggesting I reconfigure it and get the turns down to a maximum of 360 degrees.
Wish me luck!!! =)
Andy
Warning - Audio Cable runs also subject to code / inspection
Originally posted at johnlsayers.com, topic 8021.
I don't know about DC, but yeah, here in Nashville, a Low Voltage Permit is required for pulling audio cables. And is subject to inspection...
Andy,
Pray he doesn't do an inspection and think hard about - I would fail you on your inspection because you're using plumbing fittings instead of sweeps to make your corners..... plumbing fittings are not approved for Low or high Voltage wiring.
Basically now they require a license to install everything up to and including telephone and cable........
BTW - I am being serious about the conduit.......
Good luck.
ROd
In the Town of Herndon here it's all one electrical inspection. I ended up re-doing the whole thing just to be safe. The inspector did notice it and asked but lost interest (surprise surprise) once he heard the words "low voltage". Still I'm glad I re-did it - it's going to be a lot easier to fish the cables through. My electrician tells me each 90 degree turn is the equivilent of 30ft of conduit for pulling.
Anyway - we passed - yeay! =)
There was a movement to have the NEC mandate all low voltage cables require permits and installation by electricians, or certified installers. Some states it is mandetory and the electricians I have dealt with hate it, and they work with the owners to make it an "owner provide".I don't know about DC, but yeah, here in Nashville, a Low Voltage Permit is required for pulling audio cables. And is subject to inspection...
Andy,
I see you're running the conduit BEHIND your frame. I'm just curious as to the size of the conduit you used there and exactly what are you planning on running through it. (Is it a snake cable for a recorder, etc etc.)
I haven't researched this, but I wondered what is the size limit of running conduit through a 2x4 stud and how many conduits can you run through multiple studs in the same wall frame. Seems if you have a conduit that's 2" in diameter running through a stud that's 3 1/2" in diameter would weaken the strength integrity of the studs. Especially if you run 2-3 conduits through a series of studs.
I have NO knowledge in this area at ALL. And I have to be honest, I haven't read Rod's book concerning this issue. I just saw this thread and decided to try and get a "jump" on info regarding what's "code" on this topic.
Thanx!
Cami, I didn't cover this in my book - because it was not pertinate to the subject at hand. As I said in the book - there are plenty of good books covering things like how to frame - etc........ and i was not planning on teachinganyone how to do that in my book. But - to answer the question - the building code establishes this..... In the IBC you would find this in the section covering wood construction - specifically 2308.9.11 entitled "Bored holes." Basically - bearing studs cannot have a bore through it greater than 40% of the stud width....... so for a 2x4 stud in a bearing wall that would be a maximum 1.4" (1 3/8"). Non bearing walls allow 60% of the stud width - so 2.1" (2 3/32") Note: The edge of bored hoes shall not be within 5/8" of the edge of the stud. Sincerely, RodI have NO knowledge in this area at ALL. And I have to be honest, I haven't read Rod's book concerning this issue. I just saw this thread and decided to try and get a "jump" on info regarding what's "code" on this topic.
It's pretty common in home construction to use a thicker wall (e.g., 2x6) where there is a need to have waste pipes running through it...
--Keith :mrgreen:
I bought this book from HD or Lowes:
The Complete Guide to Home Wiring: A Comprehensive Manual, from Basic Repairs to Advanced Projects (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library; U.S. Edition) (Paperback)
Book covers almost everything electrical for normal construction... then with Rods book and this forum I think any studio builder would almost be set.
Marc
Thanx for the info guys...
Marc, I've seen that book at Lowes. I'll check this week to see if they've still got it.
Thanx!
Does all of the pipe need to be electrical conduit or just the fittings? Other than the fittings being made for pulling wire is what is difference in the pipe?
I think electrical conduit is thicker (schedule 80 vs. schedule 40?), less prone to damage when heated or exposed to flame, and of course tested and certified by UL.
Hey Stan!
In my case the conduit (which is 2 inch) is actually running behind the studs, not through. The reason for this was way back earlier in my thread - I had a sump system installed, and decided to frame the wall about 10 inches out from the existing wall so that the sole plate would not sit on top of the think layer of portland that was laid on top of the drainiage pipe around the perimeter of the basement.
So you see, it wasn't really an issue for me.
I am using these two pipes to run two audio snakes. One will be used for headphone feeds, and the other for mic lines.
Hope this helps explain my situation Stan as it's probably difficult to see from the pictures.
Good luck!
Andy
Jester, they are subject to totally different sets of tests. For instance, electrical conduits are subject to crush tests and must be sunlight resistant. Plumbing pipe is subject to internal pressures. RodOther than the fittings being made for pulling wire is what is difference in the pipe?