Recessed electrical panel in fire-rated wall?

[xLnT]

Hello,
I have been trying to find information on whether it is allowed to recess electrical panels in fire-rated (IE30/IE60) walls and what the regulations are for this.
Can anyone direct me to any current information?

Best regards

 

[Johan456]

Hello,
I have tried to find information about whether it is allowed to recess electrical panels in fire-rated (IE30/IE60) walls and what applies to this.
Can anyone refer me to any current information?

Best regards

The simple answer is that it is possible if the panel does not compromise the fire cell. I seem to remember seeing such structures. One could also consider building a niche for the recessed box, running the conduits and fire-sealing in and around the pipes after pulling the cables. Then you install the panel, and voila, the fire cell is not affected. However, it's a lot of work, if this is to be done commercially, I would look for another location.

 

[xLnT]

The simple answer is that it can be done if the panel doesn't compromise the fire cell. I seem to recall seeing such beasts. You could also consider building a niche for the flush-mounted box, pulling down the conduits, and fireproofing in and around the pipes after running the cables. Then, install the panel, and presto, the fire cell is unaffected. However, that's a lot of work. If this is to be done commercially, I would look for another location.

This is new construction, I would have preferred to install a flush-mounted panel instead of a surface-mounted one.
Do you mean encasing the flush-mounted panel with fire-rated gypsum?

 

[Johan456]

Yes, in principle. But regular gypsum is enough, usually 2 layers for EI 30/60. Then the thickness of the insulation decreases, but I can't believe this problem can't be solved. For instance, recessed boxes are allowed under certain conditions on both sides of a fire-rated wall, both EI 30 and EI 60. Contact companies like Garo or Hager, and they likely have a solution. With a metal bottom box, this should reasonably be possible.

 

[jonaserik]

Double plasterboard at the back and on the sides is fire-rated 60, and the wall that is flush with the edge of the central unit is also double plasterboard. Then with the holes into the central unit, it is okay to use fire sealing compound. To be really proper, there should be a transition to opg or armor for the last bit (0.5 meters), but it's probably not too critical if the wall cladding is A60.

 

[xLnT]

Yes, in principle. But regular gypsum is enough, usually 2 layers for EI 30/60. Then the thickness of the insulation is reduced but I can't believe this can't be solved. You are allowed, for example, recessed boxes, under certain conditions on both sides of a fire-rated wall, both EI 30 and EI 60. Contact a company like Garo or Hager and they surely have a solution. With a metal base box, this should reasonably work.

We have installed/will install a single layer with fire gypsum (15mm) which should be sufficient.

 

[hempularen]

But you then need to have it so that it completely surrounds the hole where the central unit will be located. Additionally, you need to fireproof all penetrations.

 

[Johan456]

But you need to have it completely surround the hole where the center will be placed. Additionally, you need to fire-seal all penetrations.

Yes, I wrote niche and that the pipes are sealed in and around.

 

[xLnT]

It would have been interesting to see someone's (assuming it's the insurance companies) specification of what is required.
I think if you allow plastic junction boxes and likewise pipes to connect them somewhere, it doesn't feel completely foreign to install a recessed central unit.

 

[hempularen]

No plastic boxes are allowed in a fire-rated wall either. Or, I believe there's some special kind that is approved.

 

[xLnT]

No, plastic boxes are also not allowed in a fire-rated wall. Or, I seem to recall there is a special one that is approved.

Seems to be correct: http://www.elko.se/produkter/dosor-tacklock-kabel-m-m/branddosor-infallda/

 

[Johan456]

No, plastic boxes are not allowed in a fire-rated wall either. Or, I believe there is some special exception that is approved.

Yes, they are indeed allowed. See, for example, Gyproc's handbook.

 

[hempularen]

OK, found the page after a while. Apparently OK with regular boxes provided that there is full insulation in the wall.

 

[Johan456]

OK, found the page after a while. Apparently, it's OK with regular boxes provided that you have full insulation in the wall.

or in the compartment where boxes are to be mounted and depending on the type of fire cell, type of insulation, etc. Sound requirements are harder to meet.