fire break \ fire box??

BeeFarmer

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Mar 3, 2005, 4:40:15 PM3/3/05

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I am in need of some info. I am trying to place a flat computer into a
wall at a business. The fire marshal mentioned that if I cut into the wall
between the studs that I should use a fire box. I guess this would be
something like a medicine cabinet. I question is, are there any companies
that provide a metal cabinet that would fit between two studs that would be
exclusively used for a fire box?

Thanks
Bob

Robert Allison

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Mar 3, 2005, 5:22:33 PM3/3/05

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There are different codes for different jurisdictions, but the
simple rule is this: Whatever is code for the wall you cut into can
be utilized for the box.

I.e.: If the code for the wall is 5/8" drywall, taped and floated,
then you can install 2x4 blocking continuously around the box (and
the studs would be considered blocking), then install 5/8 drywall on
the sides, top and bottom. You have a firebox. If the wall is
metal studs, the same would apply except that you can use metal
studs for the blocking.

If they are requiring a metal box for some reason, you can have a
sheet metal shop fabricate any size you want in whatever material
you want (galvanized, stainless, etc.) as long as it is sheet metal.

You should call the fire marshall and ask him what he wants. You
are much safer that way.

--
Robert Allison
Rimshot, Inc.
Georgetown, TX

JerryD(upstateNY)

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Mar 3, 2005, 5:28:29 PM3/3/05

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>>>> I question is, are there any companies that provide a metal cabinet
>>>> that would fit between two studs that would be exclusively used for a
>>>> fire box?<<<<

First they will need to know if the studs are 16" centers or 24" centers.

--
JerryD(upstateNY)

Lil' Dave

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Mar 4, 2005, 6:35:06 AM3/4/05

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"BeeFarmer" <OhioBe...@Hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:38pei0F...@individual.net...

The only "flat computer" that I know of is a server rack type that was meant
to be installed in a ventilated area and would not fit in a wall due to its
orientation requirements.

If you mean a monitor (display), you need to check the ventilation
requirements for it as well. Routing of power and data cables will be
interesting, and may have their own fire code requirements too.

The firebox sounds like a custom job. Check with a sheet metal fab shop,
and don't forget to tell them the mounting requirements for the "flat
computer".

BeeFarmer

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Mar 4, 2005, 7:58:08 AM3/4/05

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Thanks for all the replies I think my project will be a bit difficult as
each state probably has it's own rules. An the idea of 16 or 26 stud
placement would require different fittings. I would bet there are places
that won't even have the 24 or 16 standard. Here is a link to show the
device I am mounting http://www.resourcesystem.com/new/default.asp It is a
stand alone KIOSK. Thanks for all the replies as I will continue to think
this process out.

Thanks
Bob

"Lil' Dave" <spamyo...@virus.net> wrote in message
news:KJXVd.888$603...@newsread2.news.atl.earthlink.net...

Thomas Hoban

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Mar 4, 2005, 1:16:55 PM3/4/05

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You could use rockwool and plasterboard to get some fire protection. I
can't help with details as this will depend on your local regs. I also can't
help with an american translation of the above materials, but am fairly sure
you know what I mean.
Tom

"BeeFarmer" <OhioBe...@Hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:38pei0F...@individual.net...

tmu...@peoplepc.com

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Mar 5, 2005, 9:21:58 PM3/5/05

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You might try wonderboard cement board as a firebox.

Tekkie

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Mar 7, 2005, 8:45:28 PM3/7/05

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BeeFarmer posted for all of us....

>
> Thanks for all the replies I think my project will be a bit difficult as
> each state probably has it's own rules. An the idea of 16 or 26 stud
> placement would require different fittings. I would bet there are places
> that won't even have the 24 or 16 standard. Here is a link to show the
> device I am mounting http://www.resourcesystem.com/new/default.asp It is a
> stand alone KIOSK. Thanks for all the replies as I will continue to think
> this process out.
>
> Thanks
> Bob
>

Looks to me from the demo that it is to be surface mounted, especially using
a card swipe. Call the manufacturer, they've most likely encountered this
and mounting problems. They will require some sort of ventilation on it-as
others have mentioned and being in a health care facility raises the
requirements where the internal maintenance staff may require access for
repair, immediate replacement, calibration, electrical certification, etc.

If you are worried about knocking it off the wall put grab bars around it.
--
Tekkie

BeeFarmer

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Mar 8, 2005, 7:58:59 AM3/8/05

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You're correct it is mounted on the wall in the picture however, with
current
regulations it needs to be flush with the wall when mounted 38 "handrail
level"
to 60 inches on a wall. And yes the swipe card needs to be taken
into consideration. Luckily these devices are compact flash and have no
fans as
heat isn't an issue. Thanks for the info I think what I have found out so
far is that
every state has it's own set of rules and even cities\rural areas seem to
have different
guidelines or maybe some are just stricter than others.