Exothermic or irreversible compression connections, together with the mechanical means used to attach to fireproofed structural metal, shall not be required to be accessible.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Depends

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that certain joints are intended to be permanent and non-reversible. Exothermic (thermite) welds and irreversible compression connections are used to create enduring electrical continuities, and they aren’t meant to be serviced or replaced after installation. Requiring them to be accessible would be impractical and could compromise the fireproofing or the structural attachment. For the same reason, the mechanical means used to attach conductors to fireproofed structural metal are treated as permanent connections that don’t need to be accessible for routine maintenance. As long as these joints are properly installed and meet the relevant installation requirements, accessibility is not required.