An interesting trade association war over building codes has broken out between the National Multi Housing Council and the National Fire Prevention Association, with the NMHC going so far as to call on its members to join the NFPA en masse in an effort to vote down the Fire Prevention group's current position.

While public relations stories discuss in general terms whether the NHMC-backed International Code Council's proposed building codes are superior to those offered by the NFPA, at the core of the argument is money: Specifically, use of inexpensive Romex electrical cable vs. more expensive conduit.

The NFPA wants conduit used in buildings that have four or more floors, claiming that Romex cable is a fire hazard.

The NMHC, however, argues that Romex is used throughout the single-family home building business and that Romex does not suddenly become fire-prone when extended above three floors.

Rather, says NMHC Vice President Ron Nickson, the Fire Prevention group actually wants to make sure that conduit is used in tall buildings because (1) conduit is more expensive than Romex and (2) union labor typically is used in construction of larger buildings and use of more-difficult-to-install conduit means more jobs for longer periods.

In an effort to battle from within, NMHC's Nickson already has joined NFPA and become a member of its Building Code Technical Coordinating Committee. He also has applied for membership on several other technical committees.

Howver, notes a Multi Housing Council "call to action," "Without additional support from the industry at large, our ability to effect change in the NFPA process is severely limited. As a technical committee member, we advocate for the industry as a whole at the meetings, but when it comes time to vote, we have just a single vote to cast.

"To ultimately succeed, we need to increase our voting power by getting as many NMHC members as possible to join NFPA."

Among members of the NFPA are a number of electrical supply companies which have a monetary interest in making sure conduit is used extensively - making new buildings more expensive.

Among members of the NHMC are the nation's largest corporate apartment and condominium building owners, who want to keep costs of construction as low as possible.

The NMHC notes, "Membership (in NFPA), which costs $115 per year, is on an individual basis, allowing multiple representatives from a single firm to join. There are no special requirements or qualifications for membership."

The Multi Housing Council even notes, "The time commitment required to join NFPA and participate in the organization's meetings is relatively minor. NMHC staff will continue to monitor" the situation and let members know at which meetings crucial votes will take place, a statement said.