I wanted to run a new electric wire from the basement up to my second story. There appears to be easy access along a cast iron vent pipe that has 18″ X 6″ box built around it. Is there any safety/code concerns with having them run in the same space. If I can safely run it there it will save me a lot of demolition time. Thanks for the help. Brian
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
A standardized approach, quick-to-install hardware, and a simplified design make building custom casework cost-effective.
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
No problem with it all.Plumbing stacks are the first thing we look for when trying to get from floor to floor.
The thing you DON'T want to do is to run them inside heating/cooling ductwork (though crossing through the duct is generally legal in residential construction).
Also, any vertical "raceways" that go more than two stories or so generally are required to have fireblocks at regular intervals, and the integrity of these fireblocks must be maintained when you run wires through.
Things get a lot touchier in commercial construction.
In your case, just for your own safety (and that of your family) you should be careful to not reduce the level of fire-blocking present (and you might want to increase it). Also, don't do anything to increase air leakage up this area and into the attic.