Cutting electrical outlets into shear panels

[blitziger]

Does anyone know if there are any code restriction for cutting outlet boxes into the sheathing of an interior alternate brace panel? I cannot locate a specific reference to holes in chapter 6 of the IBC.

[Bill Robinson]

Yes, the hole diminishes the lateral resistance of a shear panel, if that is what you are referring to.

Need an engineer to design, or you could just use a rule of thumb.

Rules of thumb are for manly men who do not need no stiknin' engineer and just want an inexpensive, tried and true way of installing electrical boxes.

[kfc510]

Does anyone know if there are any code restriction for cutting outlet boxes into the sheathing of an interior alternate brace panel? I cannot locate a specific reference to holes in chapter 6 of the IBC.

It can vary, if you have an engineer, ask him or her, or try asking your inspector.

That said, when I have asked that very question to my engineers the answer I got was that as long as the hole is smaller than the nailing schedule it is not a problem. Otherwise you must block around the opening with edge nailing of ply.

YMMV.

kevin

[aerieandy]

Thats been my experience as well. I've had some penetrations (unplanned) that were larger and blocking and edge nailing at all perimeters was called for. Guess that would be problematic with a hardy frame though.

[blitziger]

Thanks for the replys. I took the rule of smaller than the edge nailing pattern (thanks Kevin), installed a 4x4 box, and crossed my fingers. The inspector came out and said it was OK. The next day, the City finally returned my phone inquiry from three days previous and said the rule was 6x6 max.

[kfc510]

The next day, the City finally returned my phone inquiry from three days previous and said the rule was 6x6 max.

By the City you mean SF, blitz?
kevin