Does the current IBC allow for increasing the non-metallic electrical box density beyond the 100/100 with the use of protective materials? Below is a snippet of the an article on your website addressing this issue. I referenced the 2009 IBC, with more recent versions being implemented, has this information changed?
UNDERSTANDING PUTTY, PADS, AND BOX INSERTS
Summary:
The 2009 IBC is specific on the requirements for membrane penetrations by metallic and non-metallic recessed electrical boxes in rated gypsum walls. However it may be possible to install the boxes under less stringent conditions when such boxes are used in conjunction with wall opening protective materials such as Hilti CP 617 or CFS-P PA Firestop Putty Pads and Firestop Box Inserts. Currently use of wall opening protective materials may allow for (1) reducing the spacing between boxes contained on opposite sides of the wall and/or (2) increasing the size of the boxes. There are currently no UL listings for Wall Opening Protective Materials that would allow box density to be increased beyond the code-allowed 100 square inches per 100 square feet of wall area. The individual
Classifications within this category (CLIV) indicate the specific applications and the method of installation for which each specific product has been evaluated, which should be reviewed prior to installation.
Hello Tom! We appreciate you reaching out to us at ASK Hilti!
The 100 sq.in. in 100 sq.ft. rule is specific to the use of 714.4.2 exception No. 1 (IBC 2021) and not applicable for this scenario of nonmetallic electrical boxes. Nonmetallic membrane electrical boxes will typically fall under 714.4.2 exception 2 or 3, in which the electrical box will need to be a part of a "listed" system or listed as part of a wall opening protective material system. For Hilti's electrical box membrane protection listings (CLIV), installation of electrical boxes, protective materials, wall design, etc should follow that specific listing's installation instructions to meet the requirements and exceptions of the IBC.
See attached for more information on Hilti's electrical box membrane protection (CLIV). It may be appropriate to work with the design team, building official/authority having jurisdiction, etc in order to meet the your applicable building code requirements for your specific condition(s).
Thank You for choosing Hilti as your Firestop Experts!
Joe Newbanks,
Fire Protection Engineering Team
