SJO cable in a theater

[mrb]

Is SJO cable allowed to be used in a theater (for use other than breakouts and two-fers)? I saw a new install and all the cable was SJO. I was under the impression the NEC calls for pretty much everything except breakouts and two-fers to be SO cable. I appreciate any info

[Esoteric]

Yes. NEC specifies SO Cord.

Mike

[ship]

What's the specific classification of the theater space verses "Assembly Hall" by way of code?

Type "S" Extra Hard Service in general is the norm and required but type "SJ" Junior Hard Service at times is appropriate, or at least acceptable. Little specific details also about support verses drop or floor uses also tangling up the specifics beyond length. That said, if theater proper, I would question and not accept SJ.

Bean counters or sales people in quoting out what is cheaper on the other hand is the next battle in getting what they would for budget. Once the contract is signed in often neither the buyer or the sales person knowing code or the requirements of the space gets done, hard to re-do what the budget afforded or what was in best intent or signed for reversed. In theory those supervising the space in a tech sense know whats' required and have imput, but often that's not the case. Often even if imput, it's not the case those managing the space have any idea of what they want or need.


Lots of wiggle room and stuff we could get into in length about this whole concept, even an orange extension cord acceptance. Hard battle overall to fight and figure out.

[mrb]

the 'theater' in question is a dedicated performing arts space with a permanant stage and permanant audience seating. Trusses and whatnot hung in the air with fixtures on them which will be cabled in place for years.

Theater right?

Seems to me like it should all be SO, except for twofers and breakouts.

I keep seeing people mention that its ok if the SJ cable is fixed to truss or battens or whatever, but I cant find anything in the code allowing it. 520 seems pretty cut and dry about which cable is allowed where.

[STEVETERRY]

Originally Posted by mrb

Is SJO cable allowed to be used in a theater (for use other than breakouts and two-fers)? I saw a new install and all the cable was SJO. I was under the impression the NEC calls for pretty much everything except breakouts and two-fers to be SO cable. I appreciate any info

For areas covered by NEC article 520, it has to be extra-hard usage cable, that is type S and derivatives. Junior hard service cord, type SJ and derivatives is only allowed for twofers and breakouts under certain length and mounting restrictions.

520.1 Scope.
This article covers all buildings or that part of a building or structure, indoor or outdoor, designed or used for presentation, dramatic, musical, motion picture projection, or similar purposes and to specific audience seating areas within motion picture or television studios.

For assembly occupancies covered by Article 518 , both types are acceptable. However, Article 520 rules, even in 518 spaces, under certain conditions:

518.1 Scope.
Except for the assembly occupancies explicitly covered by 520.1, this article covers all buildings or portions of buildings or structures designed or intended for the gathering together of 100 or more persons for such purposes as deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, drinking, amusement, awaiting transportation, or similar purposes.

518.2 General Classification.
(A) Examples. Assembly occupancies shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Armories Exhibition halls
Assembly halls Gymnasiums
Auditoriums Mortuary chapels
Bowling lanes Multipurpose rooms
Club rooms Museums
Conference rooms Places of awaiting transportation
Courtrooms Places of religious worship
Dance halls Pool rooms
Dining and drinking
facilities Restaurants
Skating rinks

(B) Multiple Occupancies. Where an assembly occupancy forms a portion of a building containing other occupancies, Article 518 applies only to that portion of the building considered an assembly occupancy. Occupancy of any room or space for assembly purposes by less than 100 persons in a building of other occupancy, and incidental to such other occupancy, shall be classified as part of the other occupancy and subject to the provisions applicable thereto.
(C) Theatrical Areas. Where any such building structure, or portion thereof, contains a projection booth or stage platform or area for the presentation of theatrical or musical productions, either fixed or portable, the wiring for that area, including associated audience seating areas, and all equipment that is used in the referenced area, and portable equipment and wiring for use in the production that will not be connected to permanently installed wiring, shall comply with Article 520.
FPN: For methods of determining population capacity, see local building code or, in its absence, NFPA 101-2006, Life Safety Code.

(copyright NFPA)

ST

[STEVETERRY]

Originally Posted by ship

What's the specific classification of the theater space verses "Assembly Hall" by way of code?

I listed the scopes of both 518 and 520 in another post, which I think will answer that question.

ST

[mrb]

Originally Posted by STEVETERRY

I listed the scopes of both 518 and 520 in another post, which I think will answer that question.

ST

seems really cut and dry, if youve got a stage -youre under 520 (for the stage and its audience area)

[TimMiller]

I would inform them that their cabling is not to code, and that they should go after the company that did the install, lots of people think that all 12/3 is the same.

[Footer]

I am fighting this exact thing with my district. People before me used orange and yellow extension cord with stagepin ends. Told them I need 2k too bring the place up to code. They said I was already there. I told them they were wrong... cited sources.... all new cable and two-fers coming.

[mrb]

Originally Posted by Footer

I am fighting this exact thing with my district. People before me used orange and yellow extension cord with stagepin ends. Told them I need 2k too bring the place up to code. They said I was already there. I told them they were wrong... cited sources.... all new cable and two-fers coming.

If your orange and yellow cables are STW and not SJTW they would actually be ok....unlikely, but possible.