When installing wall boxes on both sides of a common partition between a garage and a habitable room, what must be considered?

• A. The fire-resistance rating of the partition.
• B. The color of the drywall.
• C. The length of the run.
• D. The location of the main service panel.

Answer: (A)

Preserving the fire separation between a garage and a living space is the key idea here. A wall that divides a garage from a habitable room is typically required to resist fire for a certain period to slow its spread. Installing wall boxes on both sides creates penetrations through that barrier, which can weaken the rating unless you address them properly. So the important consideration is whether the partition will still meet its fire-resistance rating after those openings, and whether you use fire-rated electrical boxes and appropriate firestop materials to maintain that rating. The color of the drywall, the length of the run, or the location of the main service panel don’t affect the fire-separation requirement in this scenario.