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From: imp@jhereg.osa.com (Charles T. Lukaszewski)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.lans
Subject: Re: Fire codes & cabling
Summary: Importance of fire code
Message-ID: <1990Oct8.215428.4192@jhereg.osa.com>
Date: 8 Oct 90 21:54:28 GMT
References: <4277@husc6.harvard.edu> <1990Sep28.093731@mortal.enet.dec.com> <65455@bu.edu.bu.edu>
Sender: Charles T. Lukaszewski
Distribution: na
Organization: Open Systems Architects, Inc.
Lines: 28

As a company that installs networks for a living, we couldn't agree with Kent
more on this issue.  It is critical that anyone putting in cabling for the 
first time or as a retrofit understand the issues involved, and Kent has
summarized pretty well.

I'd like to add one other thought to the discussion.  In many localities,
older structures are accorded a certain amount of "immunity" from present
fire codes.  As has been pointed out, ultimate authority rests with your
local fire marshall - if you aren't sure about something, check it out.
However, in one particular heavy manufacturing environment that we work in,
a large (over 4,000,000 square feet) plant is substantially exempt from such
codes.  Nevertheless, the dangers posed by fire are the same, and we have
opted to install all twisted pair, fiber and coax according to Code.

At OSA we see the exemption issue a lot.  It is usually a judgment call you
have to make based on the site and the dangers involved if fire were to
break out.  However, I would urge everyone to err on the side of caution,
which frequently is not the cheapest option.

_______________________________________________________________________________
Charles T. Lukaszewski            imp@osa.com                      612 525-0000
Managing Partner & Chairman                       Open Systems Architects, Inc.
 "Who needs a disclaimer? I liked the opinions so much, I bought the company!"
-- 
_______________________________________________________________________________
Charles T. Lukaszewski            imp@osa.com                      612 525-0000
Managing Partner & Chairman                       Open Systems Architects, Inc.
 "Who needs a disclaimer? I liked the opinions so much, I bought the company!"