Re: Far Side Chat -- Fire Alarm Code Issue

["Frank Olson" <feolson@xxxxxxxxxx>]

"Robert L. Bass" <robertlbass@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:bZ6dnXni6Ypu4-3fRVn-hA@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

>>> Presumably you leave the 18-gauge outside the octo-boxes until you're
>>> ready to do the takeover, yes?
>>
>> Nope.   They're tagged "for alarm system use only".
>
> Do you wait until the 110 VAC cables are removed from the breaker panel
> before inserting the low voltage cables into the boxes?


No Robert.  And I know where you're "steering" the discussion too.  There is
no connection to any low voltage equipment at the time the building is
inspected for occupancy so your next "argument" won't work, but even if
there was there wouldn't be a problem.  There are many instances where low
voltage and 110VAC cables are in the same electrical box (most FACP's are
good examples).  There's no way for you to connect a 24VDC door strike or
strobe light (or your residential security panel) to a smoke alarm with a
built-in relay (or compatible relay module) for instance, without "mixing
voltages in the same box".  There is no US Code prohibiting such a
connection (or situation).  The only proviso is that the high voltage and
low voltage cables have to have a "physical separation" and/or be clearly
marked as such to prevent confusion.  Usually the "separation" is just a
small piece of "Bakelite", but I've seen examples where there is nothing and
the wires are just individually tagged.