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Not NEC...
Posted by homebild  on July 23rd, 2008 10:41 PM
In reply to interior basement walls by davele1 on July 23rd, 2008 04:42 PM [Go to top of thread]
The NEC (National Electric Code) does not require that the unfinished side of a partition wall (in which wiring or boxes are located) be covered with drywall, but building codes such as the International Residential Code often do.
The reason is to make sure the stud spaces that contain switch boxes, receptacle boxes, fixture boxes, or junction boxes are "firestopped" to contain a fire that might ignite within the stud space that contains them.
Covering the unfinished side with drwyall can provide a 20 minute fire rated assembly that can prevent the spread of fire into the ceiling joist cavities above and into the adjacent room with the currently unfinished side as well.
There are exceptions, such as for when attic 'knee walls' communicate only to rarely accessed attic spaces or when firestopping measures are achieved without the use of drywall.
The bottom line, however, is that using drywall on the unfinished side of basement partitions...even if the drywall isn't taped and finished...is good practice and cheap insurance to contain an electrical fire should one start...even if it is not a 'code' requirement.
Talk to your local code office for requirements or suggestions regarding your personal circumstances. Was this post helpful? Yes: or No:
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