atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Cabling Telephones Systems Wiring Request for comment on my work

Dunno. Isn't it in the NEC and/or the NFPA? Penetration, fire-block and fire-retardant back-boards are required here to pass an inspection.

Fire-retardant back-board prevents the fire from originating at that location. Yes, it may burn eventually from another source, but it won't allow fire to spread from flaming equipment.

Jeff, this is typical of the NEC or NFPA. The boards that write the codes that we have to follow are populated by members who work for manufacturers of the stuff that is now mandated.

It is all about selling more expensive plywood and/or paint. A $10.00 piece of plywood has now become $100.00. You are absolutely correct; the carpet and furnishings will certainly spread a fire before a dinky little piece of plywood in a back closet.

This is just like the new requirements for AFCIs for nearly all circuits, tamper-resistant receptacles, bonding of conduits used as sleeves, you name it. It is equally-corrupt in the plumbing trade.

Manufacturers hold high positions on all national code boards. AHJs enforce their sales tactics. That's just how it is.

AFCIs GRRRRRRRRR another topic.

I bought ONE can of fire-retardant paint (flat black). Used it/saved it. Now I paint the backboards with regular flat paint and show the inspector the can.

Next project: Rubber stamp that says "Fire Rated Plywood". :rofl:

I don't have to deal with that issue up here, but that sounds like you'd be asking for a whole lot of trouble, Danny... :rolleyes:

What, there aren't any fires in Canada?

What are they going to do? Sample the paint on the backboard? I have DOZENS of photographs of work (not mine) that doesn't meet code which inspectors have passed. I'll use that as blackmail if they ever come after me for using the wrong paint!

And I was only kidding about the rubber-stamp...you should know my sense of humor by now.

But, Danny, YOU will become the EXAMPLE!

Prosecutor: Your Honor, I object to those pictures.

Judge: On what grounds.

Prosecutor: We aren't prosecuting about Bob Bumble, Sam Smith, Larry Lazy, Tom Trunkslammer, or Jack Jones. We're prosecuting Danny.

Judge: Objection upheld, pictures cannot be entered into evidence.

Eh. Bring 'em on.

I met with an electrical code (building) inspector a few months ago to finalize a camera installation I did for a municipality (Police Dept.).

The inspector was blotto. Molar'ed. Drunk-as-a-Skunk. Schnockered. Hammered.

And I was his first stop (10am).

I absolutely believe in using fire stop/caulk when penetrating fire-rated walls and plenum where required but the whole "fire-rated wood" makes as much sense as "boiling ice water"........hrm

Just another sales tactic for jack legs to use against us when performing shoddy work.

Saw one job that passed inspection because the AHJ was too lazy to climb a ladder to see it was red tinted silicone caulking rather than fire stop!!

Got that covered, too. I have pics of the Prosecutor and Judge at the strip club down the street...