Do Electrical Rooms Need to Be Fire-Rated?

Electrical rooms are essential for the functionality and safety of commercial buildings. These spaces house critical systems such as transformers, switchgear, and circuit breakers, which ensure seamless power distribution. The equipment within electrical rooms also pose a significant risk. A common question arises: do these rooms need to be fire-rated?

The answer depends on various factors, including the type of equipment housed in the room, its location, and the applicable building codes. In this article, we’ll explore when fire ratings are necessary, why they matter, and how to ensure compliance in your commercial space.

What Is a Fire-Rated Electrical Room?

A fire-rated electrical room is designed for one of two reasons – to contain fires and prevent their spread or to prevent fires outside the electrical room from entering the room. The required fire rating is for a defined period, typically one or two hours. These rooms achieve this through the use of fire-resistant materials for walls, ceilings, and doors. Openings, such as those for cables or ducts, are sealed with fire-stopping materials to maintain the integrity of the fire barrier.

Electrical rooms are often located in basements, mechanical rooms, or utility spaces to centralize equipment and reduce risks. This strategic placement isolates potential hazards from occupied areas while providing technicians easy access for maintenance. Fire-rated construction ensures these rooms offer safety and compliance in all scenarios.

Why Fire-Rating Electrical Rooms is Crucial

Electrical rooms are inherently prone to fire hazards due to the high-risk equipment they contain. Transformers can overheat or fail, and panelboards, switchboards, and disconnect switches are susceptible to faults or arc flashes. Circuit breakers, essential for interrupting electrical flow during faults, may generate heat or sparks. Panels and distribution boards can also overheat when overloaded, while backup power systems like generators or UPS units pose additional risks due to combustible fuels or batteries.

Conversely, electrical rooms may contain essential equipment that needs to remain operational during a fire.

When is Fire-Rating Required for Electrical Rooms?

Various codes and standards, such as NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) and the International Building Code (IBC), outline when electrical rooms require fire-rating. Some of the most common requirements for fire-rated electrical rooms include:

• Electrical rooms that are located in covered or open malls and that open into exit passageways require a 1-hour fire rating for walls and doors that are common to the electrical room and the exit passageway. IBC-2024 section 402.8.7
• Electrical vaults containing equipment operating at more than 1,000 volts require a 3-hour fire rating. NFPA 70-2023 (National Electrical Code) section 110.31(A)
• Transformer vaults. NFPA 70-2023 (National Electrical Code) section 450.42
• Rooms housing dry-type transformers rated over 112.5 kVA require a 1-hour fire rating unless the transformer is completely enclosed, except for ventilating openings, and the transformer is equipped with Class 155 or higher insulation system. NFPA 70-2023 (National Electrical Code) section 450.21(B) and Exception No. 2
• Rooms housing transfer switches, transformers, panelboards, and switchboards associated with an emergency system require a 2-hour fire rating unless the room is fully protected by an approved automatic fire protection system. NFPA 70-2023 (National Electrical Code) section 700.10(D)(3)
• Rooms housing transfer switches, transformers, panelboards, and switchboards associated with a critical operations power system (COPS) require a 2-hour fire rating. NFPA 70-2023 (National Electrical Code) section 708.11(B)(1)
• Rooms housing indoor on-site power sources associated with the essential electrical system in healthcare facilities require a 2-hour fire rating. NFPA 99-2024 (Healthcare Facilities Code) section 6.7.1.2.3.1(B)
• Rooms housing an indoor emergency power supply (EPS), such as generators, used for emergency and standby power systems require a 2-hour fire rating. NFPA 110-2022 (Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems) section 7.2.1.1.

How to Ensure Compliance

Understand the Codes

Start by reviewing the applicable codes and standards, including local amendments, to understand the specific requirements for your project. These standards outline when fire-rated construction is needed and detail the materials and methods for ensuring compliance.

Use the Right Materials

Certified fire-resistant materials are essential for ensuring safety. Fire-rated walls, ceilings, and doors must meet the required duration, typically one or two hours. Openings must be sealed with approved fire-stopping materials to preserve the barrier’s integrity and prevent fire from spreading.

Install Fire Protection Systems

Installing appropriate fire protection systems further enhances safety in electrical rooms. Sprinkler systems are common in commercial buildings, while gas-based clean agent systems like FM-200 or Novec 1230 are ideal for rooms with sensitive electrical equipment. Smoke detection systems provide early warnings, helping prevent small issues from escalating into significant hazards.

Work with Qualified Electrical Engineers

Qualified electrical engineers can simplify the compliance process by designing electrical rooms that meet fire-rating requirements while incorporating necessary fire protection systems. Their expertise ensures proper material selection, installation, and adherence to building codes.

Maintain Routine Inspections

Routine inspections ensure that fire-rated barriers and systems remain functional over time. Fire-resistant doors, walls, and seals can degrade, so regular evaluations help identify and address issues before they compromise safety or compliance.

Taking these steps not only ensures compliance with fire-rating requirements but also creates a safer environment for occupants and protects critical infrastructure from fire-related risks.

Conclusion

Fire-rated electrical rooms are essential for ensuring the safety and functionality of commercial buildings. Whether your electrical room requires fire-rating depends on the equipment it houses, its location, and the building’s occupancy type. Complying with fire-rating requirements reduces risks, enhances occupant safety, and protects critical infrastructure.

If you’re unsure about the fire-rating requirements for your electrical rooms or need assistance in designing compliant spaces, consult with Schnackel Engineers. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate building codes, design safe systems, and meet your project goals. Reach out to us today to discuss your needs and learn how we can support your next project.