When is a Wall with Equipment Load-Bearing?

4/27/2023

UL designs discuss loading-bearing and non-load bearing walls.

I haven't seem many where they discuss when, say, electrical, fire pump, fire alarm panels or other equipment are mounted on the walls.

At what point do you have to consider the objects on the wall and consider the wall as load-bearing?

It may just be a structural question, but my structural contacts have said not to worry but I wanted to hear others opinions. Thank you in advance!

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5 Comments

Alex

4/27/2023 08:07:52 am

A load-bearing wall is primarily designed to support vertical loads from the building structure above it, such as roofs, floors, and other walls. Non-load bearing walls, on the other hand, are not designed to carry these structural loads and primarily function as partitions, providing separation between spaces.

When it comes to mounting equipment like electrical panels, fire pump panels, fire alarm panels, or other equipment on walls, the wall may not necessarily need to be considered as load-bearing. However, you should still ensure that the wall is capable of supporting the weight and forces imposed by the equipment.

Pete H

4/27/2023 08:09:17 am

I don't think ever.

One of the requirements of a load bearing wall is that it can't be taken down during renovations. Even if you have a wall mounted fire pump.... if you're renovating, you're allowed to disconnect the fire pump and remove that wall/change the shape of the room as long as you re attach the fire pump before the end of work. You may have to provide a fire watch due to the lack of fire protection during that renovation, but it still is an allowable renovation. Which is why I think your structural buddies told you not to worry about it.

Take with a grain of salt, as I'm not a structural guy and don't know what I'm talking about.

Glenn Berger

4/27/2023 08:35:38 am

Alex's response is spot on. Equipment mounted on a wall does not make the wall load bearing.

If in doubt, if the wall can support equipment, check with structural engineer.

Todd E Wyatt

4/27/2023 09:03:32 am

2021 IBC defines this as follows :

WALL, LOAD-BEARING.
Any wall meeting either of the following classifications:
1. Any metal or wood stud wall that supports more than 100 pounds per linear foot (1459 N/m) of vertical load in addition to its own weight.
2. Any masonry, concrete or mass timber wall that supports more than 200 pounds per linear foot (2919 N/m) of vertical load in addition to its own weight.

WALL, NONLOAD-BEARING.
Any wall that is not a load-bearing wall.

Jesse

4/27/2023 10:34:39 am

What Alex said. The presence of mounted equipment on the wall isn't an indication of its load bearing ability.

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When is a Wall with Equipment Load-Bearing?

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