Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: Npstewart, Location: Lockport, IL
Asked on: Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 4:13 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 2:50 am EDT
Question: If I have a two story building with a electrical room on the 1st floor and a restroom directly above separated by a lay-in acoustical ceiling, is there a minimum distance the sanitary/water piping needs to be ABOVE the electrical equipment or do I just need to get it away all together?Would it be wise to ask the architect for a hard ceiling above the electrical room instead of a acoustical? Obviously this would be a last resort.PS. Right now im looking at 110.21 exhibit in the handbook. It shows 6' above for a sprinkler pipe. Would water/sanitary be OK 6' above as well?
Minimum Distance for Sanitary/Water PipingAccording to the National Electrical Code (NEC) 110.26(A)(3)
- Sanitary/water piping must be kept at least 6 inches above electrical equipment.
Acoustical Ceiling- If there is an acoustical ceiling separating the electrical room from the restroom, the sanitary/water piping must be installed above the ceiling tile and supported by the ceiling grid.- The NEC does not specify a minimum distance for sanitary/water piping above an acoustical ceiling.
Hard Ceiling- A hard ceiling above the electrical room is not required by the NEC.- However, it may be a wise decision to request a hard ceiling to provide additional protection for the electrical equipment from potential water damage.6-foot Clearance- The 6-foot clearance specified in NEC 110.21(A)(3) applies to sprinkler pipes.- It does not directly apply to sanitary/water piping. However, it is still advisable to maintain a minimum 6-inch clearance above electrical equipment for all types of piping.
Recommendation
In your case, it is recommended to:- Maintain a minimum 6-inch clearance between the sanitary/water piping and the electrical equipment in the electrical room.- If there is an acoustical ceiling, install the piping above the ceiling tile and support it with the ceiling grid.- Consider requesting a hard ceiling above the electrical room for added protection against water damage. Flag for review