- Author
- Kaufman, S.
- Title
- National Electrical Code Fire Safety Requirements for Communications Cables, 1987.
- Coporate
- AT&T Bell Labs., Norcross, GA
- Book or Conf
- International Conference on Fire Safety, December 1985 and the Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) Conference, January 1986., 1986
- Keywords
- communication cables | tunnel tests
- Abstract
- The 1987 National Electrical Code has established four levels of fire-resistance for communications cables. The highest level is required for plenum cables; these cables are tested per the UL 910 tunnel test. The second highest level is required for riser cables, which must pass the UL riser test (UL 1666). These requirements for plenum and riser cables are not new. New in the 1987 Code is the third level requirement that general purpose cables (not plenum, nor riser) must pass the vertical-tray flame test. This test is the least severe of the large scale fire tests. Communications cables that only pass the small scale vertical-wire (VW-1) test (lowest level) will be permitted as general wiring in residences, and in conduit in nonresidential buildings. Exposed lengths of up to 10 feet are also permitted in nonresidential buildings in nonconcealed spaces only. Non-fire-resistant outside plant telephone cable may not be run more than 50 feet beyond the building entrance.