In a concealed location, piping must be protected by a steel plate and extend a minimum of how many inches above the sole plate and below the top plates?

In concealed spaces, such as behind walls or in ceilings, it is essential to protect vulnerable piping to prevent physical damage from impacts. The requirement for a steel plate serves as an additional layer of protection. According to plumbing codes, when piping is installed near structural framing members, the steel plate must extend at least a specific distance above and below these members to ensure that the piping is adequately safeguarded from any potential hazards, such as nails or screws being driven in during construction or renovations.

The correct specification is that the steel plate must extend a minimum of 2 inches above the sole plate (the bottom horizontal framing member) and 2 inches below the top plate (the upper horizontal member). This distance is crucial because it covers the areas where the piping might be most at risk if being affixed to or altered during construction activities.

Choosing 2 inches aligns with the code requirements for safeguarding plumbing in concealed locations while balancing the need for a practical deployment of protective measures without unnecessary bulking up of the wall assembly. Thus, the answer reflects the standard industry practice aimed at ensuring durability and safety within the concealed spaces of building structures.