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From: knight@mortal.enet.dec.com (Paul Knight)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.lans
Subject: Re: Fire codes & cabling
Message-ID: <1990Sep28.093731@mortal.enet.dec.com>
Date: 28 Sep 90 15:37:31 GMT
References: <65129@bu.edu.bu.edu> <4277@husc6.harvard.edu>
Sender: news@shodha.enet.dec.com
Reply-To: knight@mortal.enet.dec.com (Paul Knight)
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Lines: 77

In article <65129@bu.edu.bu.edu>, kwe@buit13.bu.edu (Kent England) writes:

|> 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? 
|> >
|> 	So called "low voltage" data cable is included in NFPA fire
|> codes along with electrical wiring and both are covered in the NEC.
|> 
|> 	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.
|> 
Okay so far...
The NEC can be ordered from:
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
1-800-344-3555

I believe there are several volumes, so you'll probably want to check 
with the NFPA to determine which ones you need..

Perhaps a better source for your purposes is the "BICSI Telecommunications
Distribution Methods Manual" from the Building Industry Consulting Service,
International (BICSI).  The 1989-1990 price is $72 for members and $179 (gulp)
for non-members.  Order from:
TESTMARK Laboratories
Publications Department
3050 Harrodsburg Road
Lexington, KY 40503
(606) 223-3061
(my source says to make checks payable to "GTE Supply Inc."

|> 	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.

okay... except that PVC and Teflon(tm) are not the only types..

|> An example of environmental airspace is room space. 

No No No!  You can use PVC in offices, rooms, etc.   There has been some 
discussion of not allowing it for computer rooms, however.  I'm not sure
of the status in computer rooms now.

|> Another example
|> is air plenum, like an above ceiling space used for wiring and
|> ventilation. 

If you have a suspended ceiling with air grills (for return air) which open into
the space above the ceiling (plenum), then the entire plenum is environmental
airspace classified as "other".  You have to use plenum-rated wiring here.
(This must be marked CL2P - this is often Teflon(tm), but other formulations
are
available.)

If you have a suspended ceiling with BOTH supply and return air ducts, then
the space not in the ducts is non-environmental airspace.  You MAY be able
to use general building wiring (CL2 - often PVC) in this space, but many local
codes vary.

In NO CASE can you run cables through air ducts.

Your best rule of thumb is to use CL2P for any behind-the-wall or 
over-the-ceiling wiring.
|> 
|> I disclaim all responsibility for the above interpretations.  Seek the
|> guidance of qualified contractors and inspectors before installing
|> wire.  
|> 
|> 	--Kent

Me too.  -  Paul Knight  - DEC Networks and Site Services