Detached building wiring - subject to physical damage

[constant-meh]

Let me apologize up front for my lack of knowledge (sorry). I have a new post-frame detached garage with new service (in the process of being installed). The garage has a loft and will be used for storage and a gym. My initial plan is to insulate the walls with foam board insulation between the posts. I don’t plan to use a wall covering like drywall or osb (unless I have too). I also plan to add hvac. I am trying to navigate the "subject to physical damage"

Q1 – Given the above, with regards to Romex, what is the requirement for protecting the wiring from damage? Am I required to use conduit if the wiring is not behind a wall covering?
Q2 - If conduit is req'd with Romex, would UF-P alleviate the need for conduit?
Q3 - Is there a height requirement? (i.e. wires must be protected from the floor up to 8 feet or something similar).
Q4 - Can I run Romex to the first floor ceiling joists for the lights and the loft outlets? There will not be a “ceiling” installed either. Or would this require conduit as well.

Thanks in advance.

 

[rancherbill]

Hi WELCOME.

It helps on some of these answers to have your location showing, as mine does. Here' I wouldn't see any problems with what you want to do.

 

[constant-meh]

Yup, sure would. I'm in the US, I believe I'm under NEC 2017.

 

[pattenp]

As long as romex is fastened along side surfaces of framing members or running boards and is kept a minimum of 1.25" from nailing surfaces you're good to go.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

UF-b wont change that requirement...

 

[u2slow]

Ask  your inspector what he wants. 'Mechanical damage' is subjective. Where a truck can sideswipe it is different from an electrical room, for the example.

My neighbour couldn't close his garage's electrical permit until he put up one course of 4' wall board to protect the wiring in the stud bays.

 

[constant-meh]

Ask  your inspector what he wants. 'Mechanical damage' is subjective. Where a truck can sideswipe it is different from an electrical room, for the example.

My neighbour couldn't close his garage's electrical permit until he put up one course of 4' wall board to protect the wiring in the stud bays.

Thanks. I appreciate the response. I have tried asking my inspector questions before, but they didn't seem too eager to help. To be fair, I imagine they are over worked given the building boom and answering my phone calls between inspections probably isn't the highlight of their day.

 

[beemerphile]

"Subject to physical damage" is one of the great undefined areas of the code. One could make the argument that covered with drywall is MORE subject to physical damage because if you could see it you wouldn't drive a damned screw through it. But, unless you are the inspector, your opinion is worth zip. One might say that over eight feet is fine and the next may say "If I can see it I can damage it". Unfortunately, in their jurisdictions, both are correct.

If your inspectors won't talk to you try to find a sparky who has worked under the same AHJ who may tell you what they allow and don't allow. Otherwise, it costs you an inspection to find out.

 

[Zeke]

OT but exposed foam board will yellow and deteriorate. It will take awhile but it will happen.

 

[billconner]

Many inspectors won't accept exposed XPS and EPS foam.

 

[garagenvy]

The correct answer will be 100% dependent on your local .gov office and their building code. Ask them what it is (a print out of the requirements is best) and build to that spec. If they do inspect it you'll be up to code and not need to redo the work.

 

[beemerphile]

The correct answer will be 100% dependent on your local .gov office and their building code. Ask them what it is (a print out of the requirements is best) and build to that spec. If they do inspect it you'll be up to code and not need to redo the work.

You can do that, but if the document doesn't define "subject to physical damage" and the AHJ is resistant to offering counsel, then no workie. Some things in the code are prescriptive and others are left open for interpretation. What you suggest will cover the majority of questions one might have, but other times you just have to find out what they are approving and what they are failing. There is an appeal process for an off-the-rails inspector, but in my county it is the Zoning Board and they just support "their guy", so unless it is worth fighting until the last dog is dead, you just cave and do what they require. This would be one of those.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Most exposed foam burns very easily. Is there such a thing as fire resistant paint ?

1" - 2" of spray foam will seal all small openings and provide a vapor barrier. Apply additional insulation over that.

 

[billconner]

Poli-iso is not considered combustible. EPS and XPS are combustible, and I believe poly urethane spray foams are also.

 

[Zeke]

Most exposed foam burns very easily. Is there such a thing as fire resistant paint ?

1" - 2" of spray foam will seal all small openings and provide a vapor barrier. Apply additional insulation over that.

Fire resistant paint and all other materials in including furnishings are require to be fire resistant here. Curtains, wall coverings, etc.

 

[billconner]

Fire resistant paint and all other materials in including furnishings are require to be fire resistant here. Curtains, wall coverings, etc.

Not in an accessory building to a 1 or 2 family dwelling, nor in the dwelling.

 

[Zeke]

Not in an accessory building to a 1 or 2 family dwelling, nor in the dwelling.

Yeah, I forgot to mention that was restaurants and theaters. My point was that fire resistant paint, etc. exists. Sorry for the mistake.