Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!husc6!m2c!bu.edu!buit13!kwe
From: kwe@buit13.bu.edu (Kent England)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.lans
Subject: Re: Fire codes & cabling
Summary: It's impossible
Message-ID: <65129@bu.edu.bu.edu>
Date: 27 Sep 90 19:37:39 GMT
References: <4277@husc6.harvard.edu>
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Reply-To: kwe@buit13.bu.edu (Kent England)
Followup-To: comp.dcom.lans
Organization: Boston U. Information Technology
Lines: 52

In article <4277@husc6.harvard.edu> 
 joltes@husc9.harvard.edu (Richard Joltes) writes:
>
>Where can you find the safety specs pertaining to cable type & insulation (i.e.
>teflon vs. PVC) and applications of each?  I've been told that teflon "is
>required in any situation where the cable passes through a supporting or fire
>abating wall or floor" but can't find the source for the specs.  Does anyone
>know what the specs are, what book/publication they're in, and how I can get
>a copy?  
>
	So called "low voltage" data cable is included in NFPA fire
codes along with electrical wiring and both are covered in the NEC.

	The fire code regulations are determined by each individual
state and municipality.  Even though I can throw a rock thru your
window (figuratively speaking) the fire code over here in Boston bears
no necessary relationship to the code in Cambridge.

	But most state and local codes are based on the National
Electrical Code (NEC) and the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)
has input to that.

	I once spent several days trying to track down all the
references to low voltage cable in the Mass code (1987) and gave up.
It is literally impossible to track all the references and most
references are vague and unclear.

	There are new regulations since then that have been
promulgated by the NFPA, but I don't think they are yet in the NEC or
any state codes.

	At any rate, the final arbiter is the inspector, so you need a
knowledgeable general contractor who can assure you that what he plans
is to spec for your situation and even then you can't be sure.

	Given all that, in general, if cable is in space that is not
defined to be environmental air space, it can be PVC.  If it is
environmental air space, it must be fire rated and that means teflon.
An example of environmental airspace is room space.  Another example
is air plenum, like an above ceiling space used for wiring and
ventilation.  An exception has been made in the Boston code for plenum
space that is wired with smoke detectors that shut down fans when
smoke is detected.  With the smoke detector, PVC is allowed in above
ceiling space in Boston.  Skyscrapers may be subject to other
regulation. 

	I disclaim all responsibility for the above interpretations.
I am not qualified to render more than opinion on the above.  Seek the
guidance of qualified contractors and inspectors before installing
wire.  Don't try this at home.

	--Kent