National Fire Protection Association - NFPA 770.216-22 707 770.2 and 800.216-23 2317 770.216-24 190...

National Fire Protection Association 1 Bat terymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471 Phone: 617-770-3000 • Fax: 617-770-0700 • www.nfpa.org

AGENDA

NEC Code-Making Panel 16

Report on Proposal Meeting

Jan. 9-14, 2012

Hilton Head, SC

Item No. Subject 12-1 -1 Call to Order 12-1-2 Introduction of Members and Guests 12-1-3 Review of Meeting Procedures and Revision Schedule 12-1-4 Comments/Questions from Committee Members and/or Guests 12-1-5 Task Group Reports (if any) 12-1-6 Processing of Proposals 12-1-7 Fire Protection Research Foundation Requests 12-1-8 Old Business 12-1-9 New Business 12-1-10 Adjournment

Chair Report 11/23/2011

Log Proposal No. Code Reference Log Proposal No. Code Reference

1170o Entire Document16-1

921o Entire Document16-2

1342a 100.Burial Cover (New), 300.5,16-3

2776 100.Cable Routing Assembly16-4

1732 100.Coaxial Cable (New) and16-5

616 100.Communication Equipment16-6

1730 100.Communications Circuit16-7

1731 100.Communications Raceway16-8

1727 100.Composite Optical Fiber16-9

1726 100.Conductive Optical Fiber16-10

1733 100.Network-Powered16-11

2774 100.Non-Power-Limited Fire16-12

1728 100.Nonconductive Optical16-13

1729 100.Optical Fiber Cable (New)16-14

2777 100.Optical Fiber Raceway16-15

1715 100.Point of Entrance (New)16-16




901 77016-20

627 770, Informational Note16-21

194 770.216-22

707 770.2 and 800.216-23

2317 770.216-24

190 770.2.Abandoned Optical Fiber16-25

164 770.2.Cable Routing Assembly16-26

191 770.2.Exposed (to Accidental16-27

192 770.2. Innerduct16-28

621 770.2.Optical Fiber Cable16-29

916 770.2.Optical Fiber Cable16-30

193 770.2. Point of Entrance16-31

1716 770.2.Point of Entrance16-32

2159 770.2. Point of Entrance16-33


434 770.316-35

429 770.3(B) (New)16-36

708 770.3(C) (New)16-37

709 770.1216-38

436 770.2416-39

1572 770.2416-40

3139 770.2416-41

3358 770.2416-42

822 770.24, Informational Note 116-43


710 770.2616-45

437 770.47 (New)16-46

438 770.48(B)16-47

195 770.49 (New)16-48

196 770.93(B) (New)16-49

430 770.100(A)(4) (New)16-50

623 770.100(A)(5)16-51

197 770.100(B)(1)16-52

624 770.100(B)(1)16-53

625 770.100(B)(3)(1)16-54

626 770.100(B)(3)(2)16-55

2160 770.100(B)(7)16-56

711 770.11016-57

1687 770.110(A)(2)16-58

2334 770.110(C)(3)16-59

2318 770.112 (New)16-60

74 770.11316-61

712 770.11316-62

1627 770.113, 770.18216-63

2327 770.113(B)(2)16-64

75 770.113(D)16-65

1021 770.13316-66

520 770.133(B) and (C)16-67

713 770.133(C)16-68

714 770.133(C)16-69

715 770.133(D) (New)16-70

737 770.15416-71

2423 Table 770.154(a), Informational16-72


76 Table 770.154(A)16-74

915 770.17916-75

2638f 770.179, 800.170, 800.179,16-76

439 770.179(A), Informational Note16-77

1309 770.179(A), 800.179(A),16-78

2105 770.179(G)16-79

1882 770.180 (New)16-80

716 770.18216-81

203 800.216-82

200 800.2 Abandoned16-83

198 800.2 Cable16-84

199 800.2 Communications16-85

201 800.2 Exposed (to Accidental16-86

717 800.2.Innerduct (New)16-87

202 800.2 Point of Entrance16-88

1





440 800.3(C)16-91

441 800.3(D) (New) and 800.1816-92

718 800.3(G)16-93

2778 800.3(G)16-94

2106 800.3(H) (New)16-95

3130 800.4(A)(4)16-96

442 800.12 (New)16-97

1107 800.2416-98

1573 800.2416-99

2945 800.2416-100

3138 800.2416-101


719 800.2616-103

204 800.49 (New)16-104

2424 800.90(A) and Table16-105

2450 800.90(A)(2) and Table16-106

629 800.90(B), Informational Note16-107

823 800.100, Informational Note16-108

205 800.100(B)(1)16-109

444 800.100(B)(2)(3)16-110

630 800.100(B)(2)16-111

631 800.100(B)(3)(1)16-112

2542 800.100(B)(3)(2)16-113

632 800.106(A)(1)16-114

633 800.106(A)(2)16-115

720 800.11016-116

1688 800.110(A)(2)16-117

77 800.11316-118

721 800.11316-119

1628 800.11316-120

2328 800.113(B)(2)16-121

2331 800.113(C)(3)16-122

371 800.113(C)(4) and Table16-123

521 800.133(A)(1),16-124

722 800.133(A)(1)(b)16-125

723 800.133(A)(1)(b)16-126

724 800.133(A)(1)(c) (New)16-127

1839 800.133(A)(2)16-128

1750 800.133(A)(2) Exception No. 116-129

1858 800.133(A)(2) Exception No. 116-130

738 800.15416-131

78 800.154(A)16-132

2335 800.154(A)16-133

1301 800.17016-134

2946 800.170(C) (New)16-135


2107 800.179(G)16-137

445 800.179(I)16-138

1883 800.180 (New)16-139

725 800.18216-140

2950 810.116-141

206 810.216-142

2951 810.316-143

1884 810.6 (New)16-144

1885 810.7 (New)16-145

2952 810.1116-146

2953 810.16(B)16-147

634 810.2116-148

635 810.21(C)16-149

636 810.21(C) Exception16-150

637 810.21(D)16-151

638 810.21(F)(3)16-152

639 810.71(A)16-153


211 820.216-155

208 820.2.Abandoned Coaxial16-156

207 820.2.Coaxial Cable16-157

209 820.2.Exposed (to Accidental16-158



447 820.3(B) and 820.3(C) (New)16-161

448 820.3(B)16-162

726 820.3(H)16-163

2779 820.3(H)16-164

1574 820.2416-165

2947 820.2416-166

3137 820.2416-167


450 820.2616-169

360 820.44(D)16-170

451 820.47(A)16-171

1751 820.47(B) Exception No. 216-172

1907 820.47(B) Exception No. 2 and16-173


1369 820.47(C) (New)16-175

212 820.49 (New)16-176

2



642 820.93, Informational Note16-177

213 820.93(B) (New)16-178

643 820.100 Exception16-179

1844 820.100 Exception16-180

2161 820.100 Exception16-181

14 820.100(A) and (B)16-182

644 820.100(A)(4)16-183

214 820.100(B)(1)16-184

452 820.100(B)(2)(3)16-185

645 820.100(B)(2)16-186

646 820.100(B)(3)(1)16-187

647 820.100(B)(3)(2)16-188

648 820.106(A)(1)16-189

649 820.106(A)(2)16-190

727 820.11016-191

1689 820.110(A)(2)16-192

79 820.11316-193

728 820.11316-194

1629 820.11316-195

2329 820.113(B)(2)16-196

2330 820.113(B)(2)16-197

2332 820.113(C)(2)16-198

522 820.133(A)(1),16-199

729 820.133(A)(1)(b)16-200

730 820.133(A)(1)(b)16-201

731 820.133(A)(1)(c) (New)16-202

1859 820.133(A)(2) Exception No. 116-203

739 820.15416-204



80 Table 820.154(A)16-207

650 820.170 (New)16-208

840 820.17916-209


1886 820.180 (New)16-211


218 830.216-213

215 830.2 Abandoned16-214

216 830.2 Exposed (to Accidental16-215

1179 830.2.Network Interface Unit16-216



454 830.3(B) (New)16-219

455 830.3(B)16-220

456 830.3(C)16-221

732 830.3(F)16-222

2781 830.3(F)16-223

1575 830.2416-224

2948 830.2416-225

3144 830.2416-226


432 830.4716-228

1752 830.47(B) and 830.133(A)(2)16-229



2053 830.47(C)16-232

2452 830.47(C), Table 830.47,16-233

219 830.49 (New)16-234

2162 830.90(1)16-235

653 830.100(A)(4)16-236

220 830.100(B)(1)16-237

458 830.100(B)(2)(3)16-238

654 830.100(B)(2)16-239

655 830.100(B)(3)16-240

656 830.100(B)(3)(1)16-241

657 830.100(B)(3)(2)16-242

658 830.106(A)(1)16-243

659 830.106(A)(2)16-244

733 830.11016-245

81 830.113 (New)16-246

734 830.11316-247

1630 830.11316-248

2333 830.113(C)(2)16-249

519 830.133(A)(1)16-250

735 830.133(A)(1)(c)16-251

736 830.133(A)(1)(e)16-252

2780 830.133(A)(1)16-253

1860 830.133(A)(2) Exception No. 116-254

740 830.15416-255

82 Table 830.154(A)16-256


1887 830.180 (New)16-258

1845 840.116-259

2954 840.116-260

2955 840.116-261


2956 840.1 , Informational Note 216-263

2957 840.1 , Informational Note 216-264

3



222 840.216-265

221 840.2. Fiber-to-the-Premises16-266

660 840.2. Fiber-to-the-Premises16-267

2958 840.2.Parabolic Antenna16-268

431 840.3(B) (New)16-269

461 840.3(B)16-270

462 840.3(C)16-271

463 840.3(D) (New)16-272

3131 840.44(A)(4)16-273

2697 840.4716-274

1753 840.47(B) Exception No. 216-275

1909 840.47(B) Exception No. 216-276

2882 840.47(B) Exception No. 216-277

2426 840.47(C), Table 830.47,16-278


223 840.49 (New)16-280

464 840.93 (New)16-281

662 840.10316-282

663 840.106(A)(1)16-283

664 840.106(A)(2)16-284

1888 840.18016-285

4

Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-1 Log #1170o NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Russell LeBlanc, The Peterson School

In articles 90 through 830, if the wording is not already there, then add the words (or otherstructure(s)) after the word BUILDING(S) wherever the intent of the requirement is to also include STRUCTURES aswell as buildings.

There is a flaw in the NEC. The term "building" is used over 1000 times in the NEC, and in most of thecases the words "or other structure" should follow and apply the same requirements to bridges, billboards, towers,tanks, and other structures that are by definition NOT BUILDINGS. One specific example I can use is section 225.10Wiring onBuildings. I believe that this section is also intended to be applied structures, but the wording "or other structures" is notin the heading or the paragraph. There are literally thousands of other instances throughout the code that this sameproblem exists. This can easily be seen by doing an electronic search for the word "building". In some cases the words"or other structure" (or similar wording) are present, but in the vast majority where the requirements should also beapplied to structures other than buildings, the wording is not there.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-2 Log #921o NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Joe Tedesco, Boston, MA

The term "adequate" and "adequately" and "inadequately" and "inadequate" should be replacedwith terms that can be properly enforced and understood.

Terms are not defined and are considered vague and unenforceable per Table 3.2.1 in the NEC StyleManaual. They are all "incorrect" 148 times in the NEC.

1Printed on 11/23/2011

Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-3 Log #1342a NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________James F. Williams, Fairmont, WV

Revise text to read as follows:

The shortest distance in millimeters (inches) measured between a point on the top surface of anydirect-buried conductor, cable, conduit, or other raceway and the top surface of finished grade, concrete, or similarcover.

Direct-buried cable or conduit or other raceways shall be installed to meetthe minimum burial cover requirements of Table 300.5.

Direct-buried conductors and cables emerging from grade and specified incolumns 1 and 4 of Table 300.5 shall be protected by enclosures or raceways extending from the minimum burial coverdistance below grade required by 300.5(A) to a point at least 2.5 m (8 ft) above finished grade. In no case shall theprotection be required to exceed 450 mm (18 in.) below finished grade.

1. Cover is defined as the shortest distance in millimeters (inches) measured between a point on the top surface of anydirect-buried conductor, cable, conduit, or other raceway and the top surface of finished grade, concrete, or similarcover.

5. Where solid rock prevents compliance with the burial cover depths specified in this table, the wiring shall be installedin metal or nonmetallic raceway permitted for direct burial. The raceways shall be covered by a minimum of 50 mm (2in.) of concrete extending down to rock. renumber notes 2 through 5.

[delete superscript "a" after cover]2. Where solid rock prevents compliance with the burial cover depths specified in this table, the wiring shall be installed

in a metal or nonmetallic raceway permitted for direct burial. The raceways shall be covered by a minimum of 50 mm (2in.) of concrete extending down to rock.

3. In industrial establishments, where conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that qualified persons willservice the installation, the minimum burial cover requirements, for other than rigid metal conduit and intermediate metalconduit, shall be permitted to be reduced 150 mm (6 in.) for each 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete or equivalent placed entirelywithin the trench over the underground installation.

Cover is defined as the shortest distance in millimeters (inches) measured between a point on the top surface of anydirect-buried conductor, cable,conduit, or other raceway and the top surface of finished grade, concrete, or similar cover.

reletter notes b through d... The minimum burial cover depth shall be as given in Table 680.10.

Direct-buried cable, conduit, or other raceways shall be installed to meet the minimumburial cover requirements of Table 830.47. In addition, direct-buried cables emerging from the ground shall be protectedby enclosures, raceways, or other approved means extending from the minimum burial cover distance required by Table830.47 below grade to a point at least 2.5 m (8 ft) above finished grade. In no case shall the protection be required toexceed 450 mm (18 in.) below finished grade. Type BMU and BLU direct-buried cables emerging from the ground shallbe installed in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, or other approved meansextending from the minimum burial cover distance required by Table 830.47 below grade to the point of entrance.

Direct-buried cable, conduit, or other raceway shall be installed to have a minimum burialcover of 150 mm (6 in.).

The defined term is referenced in several articles of the NEC: , , , ,, , , &

In general, Article 100 shall contain definitions of terms that appear in two ormore other articles of the .


Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-4 Log #2776 NEC-P16



A single channel or connected multiple channels, as well as associated fittings, forming astructural system that is used to support, route and protect high densities of wires and cables, typically communicationswires and cables, optical fiber and data (Class 2 and Class 3) cables associated with information technology andcommunications equipment.

A single channel or connected multiple channels, as well as associated fittings, forming astructural system that is used to support, route and protect high densities of wires and cables, typically communicationswires and cables, optical fiber and data (Class 2 and Class 3) cables associated with information technology andcommunications equipment.

The defined term is referenced in several articles of the NEC: 770, 800, 820,In general, Article 100 shall contain definitions of terms that appear in two or

more other articles of the .

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-5 Log #1732 NEC-P16



A cylindrical assembly composed of a conductor centered inside a metallic tube or shield, separated bya dielectric material, and usually covered by an insulating jacket.

A cylindrical assembly composed of a conductor centered inside a metallic tube or shield, separated bya dielectric material, and usually covered by an insulating jacket.

The defined term is referenced in several articles of the NEC: , , ,(1), (2), , , , .2, , <info>, , <note4>,<exc1>, , , , , , , , &


_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-6 Log #616 NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________James E. Brunssen, Telecordia Technologies Inc. / Rep. Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions

(ATIS)Revise definition as follows:

The electronic equipment that performs the telecommunications operations for thetransmission of audio, video, and data, and includes power equipment (e.g., dc converters, inverters, and batteries), andtechnical support equipment (e.g., computers) and conductors dedicated solely for the support of communications.

The present definition is incomplete in that it does not include the conductors that are associated withmentioned equipment.


Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-7 Log #1730 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:The circuit that extends voice, audio, video, data, interactive services, telegraph (except

radio), outside wiring for fire alarm and burglar alarm from the communications utility to the customer’s communicationsequipment up to and including terminal equipment such as a telephone, fax machine, or answering machine.

The circuit that extends voice, audio, video, data, interactive services, telegraph (exceptradio), outside wiring for fire alarm and burglar alarm from the communications utility to the customer’s communicationsequipment up to and including terminal equipment such as a telephone, fax machine, or answering machine.

The defined term is referenced in several articles of the NEC: 98.8(A), T225.3, T250.3,250.94(6)<exc>(3)<info2>, 392.10, T404.4<note7>, T404.4<note13>, 502.150<info>, 518.4(A)<exc>(b), 520.5(A)<exc>,530.11<exc>, 604.1, 620.36, 645.32 Information Technology Equipment, 645.3(D), 645.6<info>, 680.22(D)<info>,708.14(4), 725.121(A)(3)(exc2)<info>(4), 725.139(D), 725.139(D)(1), 725.139(E)(3), 760.139, 760.139(A),770.133(B)(1), 770.133(B)(3), 800.2, 800, 820.3(D), 820.133(A)(1)(a)(2), 820.133(A)(1)(a)(3), 830.3(C)(1),830.90(B)<info>, 830.133(A)(1)(b)(1), 830.133(A)(1)(d)(1), & 840.101(B)


_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-8 Log #1731 NEC-P16



An enclosed channel of nonmetallic materials designed for holding communications wiresand cables in plenum, riser, and general-purpose applications.

An enclosed channel of nonmetallic materials designed for holding communications wiresand cables in plenum, riser, and general-purpose applications.

The defined term is referenced in several articles of the NEC: , ,(3), (4)a., (4)d., (3)b., (3)d., (3)f., (4)a.,(4)d., (4)f., (4)b., (4)d., (4)f., (3)b.,(3)d., (3)f., (4)b., (4)d., (4)f., (4)b., (4)d.,(4)f., , , , , (2), (2)a., (2)b.,(2)a., (2)b., (2)c., (2)a., (2)b., (2)c.,(3)a., (3)b., (3)c., (2)a., (2)b., (2)c.,

(2)a., (2)b., (2)c., (3)a., (3)b., (3)c., (3)a.,(3)b., (3)c., , (2), (2)a., (2)b., (2)a.,(2)b., (2)c., (2)a., (2)b., (2)c., (2)a.,(2)b., (2)c., (3)a., (3)b., (3)c., , &





Revise text to read as follows:A cable containing optical fibers and current-carrying electrical conductors.

A cable containing optical fibers and current-carrying electrical conductors.The defined term is referenced in several articles of the NEC: 500.8(F), 505.9(F), 506.9(F), 625.17,

626.23(A), 640.21(B), 640.21(C), 770.2, 770, & 830.1<info1>In general, Article 100 shall contain definitions of terms that appear in two or


_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-10 Log #1726 NEC-P16



A factory assembly of one or more optical fibers having an overall covering andcontaining non–current-carrying conductive member(s) such as metallic strength member(s), metallic vapor barrier(s),metallic armor or metallic sheath.

A factory assembly of one or more optical fibers having an overall covering andcontaining non–current-carrying conductive member(s) such as metallic strength member(s), metallic vapor barrier(s),metallic armor or metallic sheath.

The defined term is referenced in several articles of the NEC: 250.94(6)<exc>(3)<info2>,725.139(E)(2), 770.2, 770, 800.133(A)(1)(a)(1), 820.3(C), 820.133(A)(1)(a)(1), 830.133(A)(1)(b)(2), 830.133(A)(1)(d)(2),& 840.2 Fiber-to-the-Premises






The circuit extending from the communications utility’sserving terminal or tap up to and including the NIU.Informational Note: A typical single-family network-powered communications circuit consists of a communications dropor communications service cable and an NIU and includes the communications utility’s serving terminal or tap where it isnot under the exclusive control of the communications utility.

The circuit extending from the communications utility’sserving terminal or tap up to and including the NIU.Informational Note: A typical single-family network-powered communications circuit consists of a communications dropor communications service cable and an NIU and includes the communications utility’s serving terminal or tap where it isnot under the exclusive control of the communications utility.

The defined term is referenced in several articles of the NEC: <exc>(3)<info2>, ,, , , , , , (1), , ,

(1), , (2), (5), , , , ,(1), , (2), , , <exc1>, <exc5>,(3), , (a)(3), (d), (d)<exc1>, ,

<exc1>, <exc2>, , <info>, (a)(3), (c),(c)<exc1>, , <exc1>, <exc2>, , , ,


_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-12 Log #2774 NEC-P16



A fire alarm circuit powered by a source that complies with 760.41and 760.43.

A fire alarm circuit powered by a source that complies with 760.41and 760.43.

The defined term is referenced in several articles of the NEC: 336, 725, 760, 800, 820, 830, 840.In general, Article 100 shall contain definitions of terms that appear in two or





Revise text to read as follows:A factory assembly of one or more optical fibers having an overall covering

and containing no electrically conductive materials.

A factory assembly of one or more optical fibers having an overall covering andcontaining no electrically conductive materials.

The defined term is referenced in several articles of the NEC: 392.60(A)<info>, 725.139(E)(2), 770.2770, 800.133(A)(1)(a)(1), 820.3(C), 820.133(A)(1)(a)(1), 830.133(A)(1)(b)(2), 840.2 Fiber-to-the-Premises, & 840.101


_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-14 Log #1729 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:A factory assembly of one or more optical fibers, having an overall covering, that transmits

light for control, signaling, and communications.

A factory assembly of one or more optical fibers, having an overall covering, that transmits lightfor control, signaling, and communications.

The defined term is referenced in several articles of the NEC: 90.2(A), 110.72<exc>(1),110.75<exc>(1), 300.17<info>, T392.10(A), T404.4, 500.8(F), 505.9(F), 506.9(F), 620.36, 625.17, 626.23(A), 640.21(B),640.21(C), 640.42(B), 640.42(C), 645.3(C), 645.6<info>, 650.3(B), 708.14(3), 760.3(F), 770.2, 770, 800.3(E), 800.3(F),830.1<info1>, 830.3(C)(3), 830.133(A)(1)(b), 830.133(A)(1)(d), 830.179(A), 830.179(B), 840.1<info1>, 840.3(C)(3),840.44, 840.44(A), 840.44(A)(1), 840.44(A)(2), 840.44(A)(3), 844.4(B), 840.47, 840.47(A), 840.47(B), 840.93(A),840.100, 840.154, 840.170(B), & ch9T1<note5>


_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-15 Log #2777 NEC-P16



An enclosed channel of nonmetallic materials designed for holding optical fiber cables inplenum, riser, and general-purpose applications

An enclosed channel of nonmetallic materials designed for holding optical fiber cables inplenum, riser, and general-purpose applications.

The defined term is referenced in several articles of the NEC: 392, 770, 800,In general, Article 100 shall contain definitions of terms that appear in two or






The point within a building at which the wire or cable emerges from an external wall, from aconcrete floor slab, or from a rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal conduit (Type IMC) connected toan equipment bonding conductor.

The point within a building at which the cable emerges from an external wall, from a concretefloor slab, or from a rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal conduit (Type IMC) connected by agrounding conductor to an electrode in accordance with 770.100(B).

Informational Note No. 2: See Article 100 770.2 for the definition of .If a rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal conduit (Type IMC) contains the cable to the

point of entrance, it shall be connected by a grounding conductor to an electrode in accordance with 770.100(B).Table 770.154(A)<note> The definition of point of entrance is in Article 100 770.2..

The defined term is referenced in several articles of the NEC: ,<info>, , , (4)b., (4)c., (4)b.,

(4)c., (5)b., (5)c., (1), (1)<exc>, , ,, , , , ,, , <exc1>, <exc2>, <exc3>, , , ,<exc>, , , , ,

, , , (2), <note>, , ,<info3>, , <info>, , <info>, , <note>,

, (2), , , , , <note>, ,, , , <info>, , & <note>







The point within a building at which the wire or cable emerges from an external wall, from aconcrete floor slab, or from a rigid metal conduit (TypeRMC) or an intermediate metal conduit (Type IMC) connected by a bonding conductor or grounding electrode inaccordance with 800.100(B).




, (2), , , , , <note>, ,, , , <info>, , & <note>


_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-18 Log #1719 NEC-P16



The point within a building at which the wire or cable emerges from an external wall, from a concretefloor slab, or from a rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal conduit (Type IMC) connected to anequipment bonding conductor.

The point within a building at which the coaxial cable emerges from an external wall, from aconcrete floor slab, or from a rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal conduit (Type IMC) connected bya bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor in accordance with 820.100(B).




, (2), , , , , <note>, ,, , , <info>, , & <note>







The point within a building at which the cable emerges from an external wall, from a concretefloor slab, or from a rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal conduit (Type IMC) connected by abonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor in accordance with 830.100(B).




, (2), , , , , <note>, ,, , , <info>, , & <note>


_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-20 Log #901 NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Stanley Kaufman, CableSafe Inc.

Relocate Article 770 to Chapter 8 and renumber as Article 870.Although optical fiber cable may also be used in signaling applications, the preponderance of

applications today is in the area of telecommunications. Where the optical fibers are associated with power conductors(i.e., in composite cables) they are presently required to be classified as electrical cables in accordance with the type ofelectrical conductors contained in the composite cable [see 770.3(B)]. It is therefore appropriate that Article 770 beincorporated in Chapter 8. Relocation of Article 770 to Chapter 8 will facilitate usability of the NEC and have no impacton existing requirements. Optical fiber cables will still be able to be used for data applications, just as communicationscables are used for data applications in addition to their primary applications.

I was on the task group that introduced Article 770. It is not a coincidence that the organization of Article 770 followsclosely the organization of Article 800. I wrote the first draft of Article 770 by modifying the text of Article 800. The taskgroup did not consider which chapter it belonged in. When we finished writing the proposal for the new article, SandyEgesdal, a well known fire alarm expert, suggested that there was room for the new article right after Article 760. That’show we got Article 770.

10Printed on 11/23/2011



(ATIS)Add text as second sentence to introductory Informational Note as follows:

See Informational Note Figures 800(a) and 800(b) for illustrative application of a bonding conductor or groundingelectrode conductor.

The introductory IN of 770 is incomplete as stated. It fails to inform the reader as to the difference inapplication between a bonding conductor and a grounding electrode conductor. Without reference to the figures, theapplication is unclear as the terms appear throughout the Article.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-22 Log #194 NEC-P16



See Part I of Article 100. For purposes of this article, the following additional definitions apply.This is an editorial proposal to bring about compliance with Section 4.1.1 of the 2003 National

Electrical Code Style Manual which states:References shall not be made to an entire article, such as “grounded in

accordance with Article 250” unless additional conditions are specified. References to parts within articles shall bepermitted.

This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Definitions Task Group. The task group reviewed alldefinitions in Articles 770,800, 810, 820, 830 and 840 and submitted proposals to bring about compliance with the NECStyle manual, to correct errors and to establish new definitions where needed.

The Task Group members are:

Representing: Insulated Cable Engineers Association Inc.

Representing: Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

Representing: National Cable & Telecommunications Association

Representing: Satellite Broadcasting & Communications Association

Representing: National Electrical Manufacturers Association

Representing: National Electrical Contractors Association

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-23 Log #707 NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Frank W. Peri, Communications Cable & Connectivity Association

Move the definition of cable routing assembly from 770.2 to 800.2.Since the listing requirements for cable routing assemblies are in 800.182 and a companion proposal

recommends deleting the redundant listing requirements for cable routing assemblies from 770.182, and anothercompanion proposal recommends moving the applications of cable routing assemblies from 770.154 to 800.154, movingthe definition from 770.2 to 800.2 correlates with these proposals.

11Printed on 11/23/2011


_______________________________________________________________________________________________Eric Kench, Kench Engineering Consultant

Revise text to read as follows:Nonconductive Optical Fiber Cable. A factory assembly of one or more optical fibers having an overall covering and

containing non-current-carrying conductive member(s) such as metallic strength members(s), metallic vapor barrier(s),metallic armor or metallic sheath.

Informational Note: Examples of these types of cables are fiber optic patch cables and cords.The proposal is simply explanatory. The reader must have some idea of what is meant by

nonconductive optical fiber cables. This Informational Note will fill this need.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-25 Log #190 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:Informational Note: See Part I of Article 100 for a definition of .

This is an editorial proposal to bring about compliance with Section 4.1.1 of the 2003 NationalElectrical Code Style Manual which states:

References shall not be made to an entire article, such as “grounded inaccordance with Article 250” unless additional conditions are specified. References to parts within articles shall bepermitted.









_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-26 Log #164 NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Jebediah J. Novak, Cedar Rapids Electrical JATC

Relocate definition of Cable Routing Assembly to Article 100, Definitions.The definition of a cable routing assembly states that it not only supports, routes and protects optical

fiber cables, but also communications wires and cables and Class 2 and/or Class 3 data cables. By relocating thisdefinition to Article 100, the definition will apply throughout the NEC and will be applicable to the other types of systemsreferenced by the definition.

12Printed on 11/23/2011



Informational Note: See Part I of Article 100 for two other definitions of .This is an editorial proposal to bring about compliance with Section 4.1.1 of the 2003 National











_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-28 Log #192 NEC-P16


Add new text to read as follows:A nonmetallic raceway, usually circular, placed within a larger raceway.

The term innerduct is used in Article 770 without a definition. This definition is based on the TIA andBICSI dictionaries.









13Printed on 11/23/2011



(ATIS)Revise as follows:

A factory assembly of one or more optical fibers, having an overall covering a cable sheath. , thattransmits light for control, signaling, and communications.

The medium (light) and function (control, signaling) is not pertinent to the definition. Replacing theterm ‘overall covering’ (undefined) with the term ‘cable sheath’, correlates with the definition in 770.2.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-30 Log #916 NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Thomas Guida, TJG Services, Inc.

Revise the definition of Optical Fiber Cable to read as follows:– A factory assembly or field assembly of one or more optical fibers, having an overall covering,

that transmits light for control, signaling and communications.Underwriters Laboratories lists field-assembled optical fiber cables that are not covered by the present

wording of this definition. An excerpt from the UL Guide information is shown below.

This category covers field-assembled optical fiber cable, which is an on-site assembly of one or more optical fiber unitsand an optical fiber jacket. Field-assembled optical fiber cable is intended for installation in buildings in accordance withArticle 770 of ANSI/NFPA 70, "National Electrical Code" (NEC). The optical fiber jacket is installed in a manner similar toconduit or raceway. Once the jacket is installed, the optical fiber units are inserted into the jacket, completing theassembly.

14Printed on 11/23/2011



Add new text to read as follows:The point within a building at which the cable emerges from an external wall, from a concrete floor

slab, or from a rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal conduit (Type IMC) connected by a bondingconductor or grounding electrode in accordance with 770.100(B).

The definition of Point of Entrance could be construed to contain a requirement in violation of Section2.2.2 of the NEC Style Manual. This proposal addresses that issue by deleting the grounding requirement. A companionproposal moves it to new Section 770.49.









_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-32 Log #1716 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:The point within a building at which the cable emerges from an external wall, from a concrete

floor slab, or from a rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal conduit (Type IMC) connected by agrounding conductor to an electrode to an equipment bonding conductor in accordance with 770.100(B).

Suggest that 770.2, 800.2, 820.2, and 830.20 use the same definition for the same concept.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-33 Log #2159 NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Phil Simmons, Simmons Electrical Services

Revise text to read as follows:The point within a building at which the cable emerges from an external wall, from a concrete floor

slab, or from a rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal conduit (Type IMC) connected by a bondingconductor or grounding electrode conductor to an electrode in accordance with 770.100(B).

The term “grounding conductor” was changed to either “bonding conductor” or “grounding electrodeconductor” in several sections during the processing of the 2011 NEC. The term “grounding conductor” in this definitionshould be changed to correlate with the other changes that were made.

15Printed on 11/23/2011



(ATIS)Revise as follows:The point within a building at which the wire or cable emerges from an external wall, from a

concrete floor slab, or from a rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal conduit (Type IMC) connected byvia a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor to an a grounding electrode in accordance with 770.100(B).

The present wording is inconsistent with the 2011 revisions made to the identical definition in otherarticles. The proposed revisions incorporate the global revision in the 2011 NEC replacing the term “groundingconductor” with the terms “bonding conductor” or “grounding electrode conductor” and provides correlation throughoutArticles 770, 800, 820 and 830. Replacing ‘by’ with ‘via’ indicates a path to the grounding electrode, not necessarily adirect connection to the grounding electrode. The term ‘electrode’ is undefined; ‘grounding electrode’ is defined inArticle 100.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-35 Log #434 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:Installations of optical fiber cables and raceways shall comply with 770.3(A) and (B). Only those

sections of Chapters 1 through 4 2 and Article 300 referenced in this article shall apply to optical fiber cables andraceways.

There are very few requirements in Chapter 2, “Wiring and Protection”, Chapter 3, “Wiring Methods”and Chapter 4, “Equipment for General Use” that apply to the installation of optical fiber cables and raceways. It isunreasonably burdensome to expect installers of optical fiber cables, cables which present no electrical hazards, tofigure out for themselves which requirements in Chapters 2, 3 and 4 are appropriate for these no-voltage cables.

Article 770 has references to 300.22 for installations in air-handling spaces and it has references to Chapter 3 for theinstallation of raceways. Chapter 1, “General” has two parts that apply to optical fiber cables and raceways, definitionsin Article 100 and the requirement to use and install listed and labeled equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’sinstructions are referenced Article 770. The rest of Chapter 1 is not needed for optical fiber cable and racewayinstallations.

This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Special Editorial Task Group. The goals of the task groupwere to:

1) place requirements in the appropriate sections;2) improve the parallelism between related Articles such that similar requirements are stated the same way in each

Article;3) make the Articles as self-sufficient as is reasonably possible; and,4) improve the language in the difficult to understand Sections.The Task Group members are Jim Brunssen, Sandy Egesdal, Steve Johnson Stan Kahn, Stan Kaufman, David

Lettkeman, Bill McCoy and Harry Odhe.

16Printed on 11/23/2011


_______________________________________________________________________________________________James E. Brunssen, Telecordia Technologies Inc.

Add new text to read as follows:The requirements of 300.22(A) for wiring

systems shall apply to conductive optical fiber cables.Renumber the existing 770.3(B) to 770.3(C).

Adding this requirement for optical fiber cable correlates with a similar requirement in 800.3, as well ascompanion proposals to include the requirement in 820.3, 830.3 and 840.3. Only conductive optical fiber cables arecited as nonconductive optical fiber cables do not pose a hazard.





_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-37 Log #708 NEC-P16


Add new text as follows:(new) The definition in 800.2, the applications in 800.154, and installation rules in

800.110 and 800.113 shall apply to Article 770.The listing requirements for cable routing assemblies are in 800.182 and are recommended to be

deleted from 770.182 by a companion proposal, the applications of cable routing assemblies recommended to bemoved from 770.154 to 800.154 and the definition moved from 770.2 to 800.2. The proposal correlates with thosecompanion proposals.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-38 Log #709 NEC-P16


Delete 770.12.This proposal is one of a series of proposals to simplify the types of raceways specified in Articles 770,

800 and 820. Optical fiber, communications and CATV raceways are identical raceways with different markings. CMP16 eliminated CATV raceways from the 2011 NEC. Acceptance of a companion proposal will delete optical fiberraceways and leave one type of raceway, communications raceways, to be used for optical fiber, communications andCATV cable use.

Section 770.12, which deals with using optical fiber raceways as innerduct, becomes meaningless once optical fiberraceways are eliminated. A companion proposal for 800.12 (new) permits communications raceways to be used asinnerduct.

17Printed on 11/23/2011




Optical fiber cables shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner. Cables installed exposed on the surface ofceilings and sidewalls shall be supported by the building structure in such a manner that the cable will not be damagedby normal building use. Such cables shall be secured by hardware including straps, staples, cable ties, hangers, orsimilar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable. The installation shall also conform with to 300.4(D)and 300.11.

This is an editorial proposal to correct grammar and to make this section parallel to 800.24, 820.24and 830.24.





_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-40 Log #1572 NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________David Clements, International Association of Electrical Inspectors


Optical fiber cables shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner. Cables installed exposed on the surface ofceilings and sidewalls shall be supported by the building structure in such a manner that the cable will not be damagedby normal building use. Such cables shall be secured by hardware including straps, staples, cable ties, hangers, orsimilar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable. The installation shall also conform with 300.4 (D)(A) through (G) and 300.11.

In addition to the physical protection required in 300.4(D) regarding distance from parallel framingmembers, optical fiber cable also needs to be protected when installed other-than-parallel to framing members such asperpendicular through bored holes and notches in wood framing, holes in metallic framing, in shallow grooves, underroof decking, etc. Cables also require support when installed behind accessible panels.

The reference needs to be to 300.4(A) through (G) not just to (D).

18Printed on 11/23/2011


_______________________________________________________________________________________________Marcus R. Sampson, Lysistrata Electric


Optical fiber cables shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner. Cables installed exposed on the surface ofceilings and sidewalls shall be supported by the building structure in such a manner that the cable will not be damagedby normal building use. Such cables shall be secured by hardware including straps, staples, cable ties, hangers, orsimilar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable. The installation shall also conform with300.4 (D)(A) through (G) and 300.11.

In addition to the physical protection required in 300.4(D) regarding distance from parallel framingmembers, optical fiber cable also needs to be protected when installed other-than-parallel, to framing members such asperpendicular through bored holes and notches in wood framing, holes in metallic framing, in shallow grooves, underroof decking, etc. Cables also require support when installed behind accessible panels.The reference needs to be to 300.4(A) through (G) not just to (D).

19Printed on 11/23/2011


_______________________________________________________________________________________________Gregg Lytle, Solvay Solexis

Revise text to read as follows:Optical fiber cables shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner.

Cables installed exposed on the surface of ceilings and sidewalls shall be supported by the building structure in such amanner that the cable will not be damaged by normal building use. Such cables shall be secured by hardware includingstraps, staples, cable ties, hangers, or similar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable. Theinstallation shall also conform with 300.4(D) and 300.11. Cable ties used to secure optical fiber plenum cables in otherspace used for environmental air (plenums) shall be listed as having low smoke and heat release properties.

Informational Note No. 1: Accepted industry practices are described in ANSI/NECA/BICSI 568-2001,, ANSI/NECA/FOA 301-2004,

, and other ANSI-approved installation standards.Informational Note No. 2: See NFPA 90A-2009,

, for discrete combustible components installed in accordance with 300.22(B) and (C).Informational Note No.2: See

for information on listing discrete products as having low smokeand heat release properties.

The Standards Council has assigned primary responsibility for combustibles in air handling spaces tothe Technical Committee on Air-Conditioning and its Standard NFPA 90,

NFPA 90A-2012 has requirements for cable ties in ceiling cavity plenums (4.3.11.2.6.5) andraised floor plenums (4.3.11.5.5.6). These plenums are called “Other Spaces Used for Environmental Air (Plenums) inthe NEC.

The two relevant sections of NFPA 90A are shown below:Loudspeakers, recessed lighting fixtures, and other electrical equipment with combustible enclosures,

including their assemblies and accessories, cable ties, and other discrete products, shall be permitted in the ceilingcavity plenum where listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average optical density of 0.15or less, and a peak heat release rate of 100 kW or less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2043,

Loudspeakers, recessed lighting fixtures, and other electrical equipment with combustible enclosures,including their assemblies and accessories, cable ties, and other discrete products, shall be permitted in the raised floorplenum where listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average optical density of 0.15 or less,and a peak heat release rate of 100 kW or less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2043,

The purpose of this proposal is to bring the NEC into correlation with NFPA 90A by requiring that cable ties installed inOther Spaces Used for Environmental Air be listing as having low smoke and heat release rates properties.

Adopting this proposal will require that cables ties used with plenum grade cables will also be plenum grade; whichwould be a sensible proposal even if correlation with NFPA 90A were not required.

Informational Note No.2 in the current code is simply not enough, a mandatory requirement is needed to correlate withNFPA 90A.

Plenum grade cable ties are available on the market today. Adoption of this proposal would not require the invention ofa new product.

20Printed on 11/23/2011


_______________________________________________________________________________________________Aidan McCallion, National Electrical Contractors Assn.

Revise text to read as follows:Informational Note No.1: Accepted industry practices are described in ANSI/NECA/BICSI 568-20016,

, ANSI/NECA/FOA 301-20049,, and other ANSI-approved installation standards.

The proposed revised text in regards to ANSI/NECA/BICSI 568-20016, Standard forwill make the NEC consistent with other sections. The proposed

revised text in regards to NSI/NECA/FOA 301-20049, will makethe current in regards to the current version of the standard.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-44 Log #435 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:Informational Note No. 2: See Sections 4.3.11.2.6.5 and 4.3.11.5.5.6 of NFPA 90A-2009,

, for discrete combustible components installed in accordance with300.22(B) and (C).

NFPA 90A has no provisions for discrete components in air ducts (300.22(B) space), only in ceilingcavity plenums and raised floor plenums, Sections 4.3.11.2.6.5 and 4.3.11.5.5.6.





21Printed on 11/23/2011



Delete text as follows:

Installations of optical fiber cables and raceways in hollow spaces, vertical shafts, and ventilation or air-handling ductsshall be made so that the possible spread of fire or products of combustion will not be substantially increased. Openingsaround penetrations of optical fiber cables and raceways through fire-resistant–rated walls, partitions, floors, or ceilingsshall be firestopped using approved methods to maintain the fire resistance rating.

Informational Note: Directories of electrical construction materials published by qualified testing laboratories containmany listing installation restrictions necessary to maintain the fire-resistive rating of assemblies where penetrations oropenings are made. Building codes also contain restrictions on membrane penetrations on opposite sides of afire-resistance–rated wall assembly. An example is the 600-mm (24-in.) minimum horizontal separation that usuallyapplies between boxes installed on opposite sides of the wall. Assistance in complying with 770.26 can be found inbuilding codes, fire resistance directories, and product listings.

This proposal is one of a series of proposals to simplify the types of raceways specified in Articles 770,800 and 820. Optical fiber, communications and CATV raceways are identical raceways with different markings. CMP16 eliminated CATV raceways from the 2011 NEC. Acceptance of a companion proposal will delete optical fiberraceways and leave one type of raceway, communications raceways, to be used for optical fiber, communications andCATV cable use.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-46 Log #437 NEC-P16


Add new text to read as follows:

Underground optical fiber cables entering buildings shall comply with 770.47(A) through (B).

Underground conductive optical fiber cables entering buildings with electric light, power, Class 1, or non–power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors in a raceway, handhole enclosure, or manhole shall be located in a sectionseparated from such conductors by means of brick, concrete, or tile partitions or by means of a suitable barrier.

Direct-buried conductive optical fiber cables shall be separated by at least300 mm (12 in.) from conductors of any electric light, power, or non–power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors or Class1 circuit.

Article 770 is missing Section 770.47. Sections 800.47, 820.47, 830.47 and 840.47 are in the 2011NEC. The new Section 770.47 is similar to 820.47 and 840.47 in the 2011 NEC.





22Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:Unlisted nonconductive outside plant optical fiber cables shall be permitted to

enter the building from the outside and run in raceway systems installed in compliance with any of the followingraceways: articles in Chapter 3: Article 342, Intermediate Metal Conduit: Type IMC; Article 344, Rigid Metal Conduit:Type RMC; Article 352, Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Conduit: Type PVC; and Article 358, Electrical Metallic Tubing: TypeEMT.

(1) Intermediate Metal Conduit (Type IMC)(2) Rigid Metal Conduit (Type RMC)(3) Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Conduit (Type PVC)(4) Electrical Metallic Tubing (Type EMT)

Section 3.3.2 of the NEC Style manual states:If possible, use lists or tables to present requirements, rather than long text descriptions.

Acceptance of this proposal will bring the section into compliance with the style manual.This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Special Editorial Task Group. The goals of the task group

were to:1) place requirements in the appropriate sections;2) improve the parallelism between related Articles such that similar requirements are stated the same way in each



23Printed on 11/23/2011



Add new text to read as follows:. Rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal

conduit (Type IMC) containing entrance cable shall be connected by a bonding conductor or grounding electrodeconductor to a grounding electrode in accordance with 770.100(B).

The definition of Point of Entrance could be construed to contain a requirement in violation of Section2.2.2 of the NEC Style Manual. This proposal addresses that issue by moving the grounding requirement to new section770.49.









24Printed on 11/23/2011



Add new text to read as follows:Informational Note: See 770.2 for a definition of .


“ Parallel construction means stating similar requirements in similar ways for greaterconsistency. This helps makes the clear for users. Lack of consistency often creates confusion, causing users toask:

There are several kinds of parallel construction:”Acceptance of this proposal will make the text of this informational note parallel to the text of 800.93(B) and 830.93(B)

Informational Notes.This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Definitions Task Group. The task group reviewed all

definitions in Articles 770,800, 810, 820, 830 and 840 and submitted proposals to bring about compliance with the NECStyle manual, to correct errors and to establish new definitions where needed.








25Printed on 11/23/2011



Add new 770.100(A)(4) as follows, renumber existing (4) and (5) as (5) and (6), respectively.The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be as short as practicable. In one- and

two-family dwellings, the bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be as short as practicable, not toexceed 6.0 m (20 ft) in length.

Informational Note: Similar bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor length limitations applied at apartmentbuildings and commercial buildings help to reduce voltages that may be developed between the building's power andcommunications systems during lightning events.

Section 770.100(A) does not contain any length limitations on the bonding conductor or groundingelectrode conductor as do Sections 800.100(A), 820.100(A) and 830.100(A). Where conductive optical fiber cable isentering buildings, it is subject to the same power and lightning influences as is communications and CATV (coaxial)cables. Acceptance of this proposal will result in correlation across Articles 770, 800, 820 and 830. This is one of agroup of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Special Editorial Task Group. The goals of the task group were to:




_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-51 Log #623 NEC-P16



Where necessary, the bonding conductor and grounding electrode conductorBonding conductors and grounding electrode conductors shall be guarded from protected where exposed to physicaldamage. Where these conductors are Where the bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor is installed in ametal raceway, both ends of the raceway shall be bonded to the contained conductors conductor or to the sameterminal or electrode to which the conductor(s) is (are) bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor isconnected.

The proposed revision provides correlation with similar Sections 800.100(A)(6), 820.100(A)(6) and830.100(A)(6). Additionally, the use of the plural “conductors” in the second sentence implies that there will be both abonding conductor and grounding electrode conductor simultaneously present. This is not typically the case.

26Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:Informational Note: See Part I of Article 100 for the definition of .











_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-53 Log #624 NEC-P16


(ATIS)Revise text as follows:

If the building or structure served has an intersystem bonding termination as required by 250.94, the bondingconductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be connected to the intersystem bonding termination.

If the building has and IBT then it’s a bonding conductor, not a grounding electrode conductor, thatconnects to the IBT. See Informational Note Figure 800(a). The proposed revision provides correlation with800.100(B)(1), 810.21(F)(1), 820.100(B)(1) and 830.100(B)(1).

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-54 Log #625 NEC-P16



(1) To any one of the individual grounding electrodes described in …The term ‘electrode’ is undefined. The proposed revision identifies that it is specifically a grounding

electrode that is being connected to and provides correlation with the term ‘grounding electrode’ as it is used throughoutthe NEC.

27Printed on 11/23/2011



(ATIS)Revise first sentence as follows:

“…or (B)(3)(1), to any one of the individual grounding electrodes described in…"The term ‘electrode’ is undefined. Provides correlation with similar text in 800.100(B)(3)(2) and

820.100(B)(3)(2).

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-56 Log #2160 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:(7) The grounding electrode conductor or the grounding electrode of a building or structure disconnecting means that is

grounded to an electrode as covered in 250.32.The term “grounding conductor” was changed to either “bonding conductor” or “grounding electrode

conductor” in several sections during the processing of the 2011 NEC. The term “grounding conductor” in this sectionshould be changed to correlate with the other changes that were made.

28Printed on 11/23/2011




Optical fiber cables shall be permitted to be installed in any raceway that complies with either(A)(1) or (A)(2) ), and in cable routing assemblies installed in compliance with (C).

Optical fiber cables shall be permitted to be installed in any racewayincluded in Chapter 3. The raceways shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.

Optical fiber cables shall be permitted to be installed in listedplenum optical fiber raceway, listed plenum communications raceways, listed riser optical fiber raceway, listed risercommunications raceways, listed general-purpose optical fiber raceway, or and listed general-purpose communicationsraceways selected in accordance with the provisions of 770.113, 800.110, and 800.113, and installed in accordancewith 362.24 through 362.56, where the requirements applicable to electrical nonmetallic tubing apply.

Raceway fill for optical fibers cables shall comply with either (B)(1) or(B)(2).

Where optical fiber cables are installed in raceway without electriclight or power conductors, the raceway fill requirements of Chapters 3 and 9 shall not apply.

Where nonconductive optical fibercables are installed with electric light or power conductors in a raceway, the raceway fill requirements of Chapters 3 and9 shall apply.

. Optical fiber and cables shall be permitted to be installed in plenum cable routingassemblies, riser cable routing assemblies and general-purpose cable routing assemblies selected in accordance withthe provisions of 800.113, and installed in accordance with 366.30(B) where the requirements applicable to nonmetallicauxiliary gutters apply.

This proposal is one of a series of proposals to simplify the types of raceways specified in Articles 770,800 and 820. Optical fiber, communications and CATV raceways are identical raceways with different markings. CMP16 eliminated CATV raceways from the 2011 NEC. Acceptance of this and its companion proposals will delete opticalfiber raceways and leave one type of raceway, communications raceways, to be used for optical fiber, communicationsand CATV cable use.

Cable routing assemblies were introduced into the 2011 NEC without any installation rules beyond those in 770.113,800.113, 820.113 and 830.113. In order to provide those rules, the coverage of this section is proposed to be expandedto include cable routing assemblies. Sub-section (A2) applies some of the installation rules for electrical nonmetallictubing to communications raceways. Similarly, this proposal applies some of the installation rules for nonmetallicauxiliary gutters to cable routing assemblies.The text of 366.30(B) is:

Nonmetallic auxiliary gutters shall be supported and secured at intervals not toexceed 900 mm (3 ft) and at each end or joint, unless listed for other support intervals. In no case shall the distancebetween supports exceed 3 m (10 ft).

The title of (A2) has been changed from “Other Permitted Raceways” to “Communications Raceways” to focus on thecontent of the sub-section.Changing “or” to “and” corrects an error.

Editorial changes are proposed to bring about compliance with section 3.3.3 of the NEC Style Manual which states:Unless referring to a single item of equipment, references to electrical components and parts shall be

plural rather than singular. This results in greater consistency and makes it clear that the provision refers tocomponents or parts of a given type or class.

29Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:Optical fiber cables shall be permitted to be installed in listed plenum

optical fiber raceway, listed plenum communications raceway, listed riser optical fiber raceway, listed risercommunications raceway, listed general-purpose optical fiber raceway, or listed general-purpose communicationsraceway selected in accordance with the provisions of 770.113, and installed in accordance with 362.24 through 362.56,where the requirements applicable to electrical nonmetallic tubing (ENT) apply.

"Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing" is also referred to as “ENT”.Suggest that "ENT" be added to all references. This will make finding all references to "electrical nonmetallic tubing"

easier and more reliable.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-59 Log #2334 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:Types OFNPOFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN and OFCPOFC cables installed in plenum optical fiber raceway or

plenum communications raceway.The rule pertaining to listed plenum raceways containing only Type OFNP cables has been removed

because they are presently permitted to be installed exposed in air handling spaces and they possess low-smokeproducing characteristics. This proposal requires that nonplenum rated cable be installed in plenum raceways.Non-plenum cable installed in listed plenum communications raceways would have the same low-smoke producingcharacteristics as a plenum rated cable installed exposed in an air handling space.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-60 Log #2318 NEC-P16


Add text to read as follows:Conductive optical fiber cables containing a

non-current-carrying structural member shall be permitted to be run in as straight a line as practicable. Conductiveoptical fiber cable shall be installed within the specified bend radius in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Fiber optic cable containing structural members do have a purpose. Fiber optic cable is subject toadditional propagation losses when they are bent. The structural member insures that the fiber optic cable does nothave any bends and is run as straight as possible. If bends are necessary, the manufacturer's instructions must befollowed. I am therefore proposing that a NEC section/paragraph be incorporated into the NEC.

30Printed on 11/23/2011


_______________________________________________________________________________________________

31Printed on 11/23/2011


William A. Wolfe, Steel Tube Institute of North AmericaRevise proposed text t as follows:

770.113(B)(2) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC installed in metal raceways thatare installed in compliance with 300.22(B).

770.113(C)(5) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC installed in metal raceways thatare installed in compliance with 300.22(C).

770.113(D)(2) Delete this text.770.113(D)(3) Renumber to (D)(2) and revise the text as follows: Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, and OFCR installed in

plenum optical fiber raceway, plenum communications raceway, riser optical fiber raceway, riser communicationsraceway or listed riser cable routing assemblies in accordance with 770.110.

770.113(E) Risers- Cables in Metal Raceways or Fireproof Fire-resistance-rated Shafts. Types OFNP, OFCP,OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC shall be permitted in metal raceway or in a fireproof fire-resistance-ratedshaft with firestops at each floor.

770.113(F)(3) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC installed in plenum, riser, orgeneral-purpose optical fiber raceway or plenum, riser or general-purpose communications raceway or in a racewaypermitted in Chapter 3.

770.113(G) Cable Trays. The following cables and raceways shall be permitted to be installed supported in cabletrays: Cable trays and cables in plenums shall be installed in accordance with 300.22 and 800.113(C)(4).

In (B)(2), the word “metal” should be added to make this requirement very simple and very clearwithout having to refer to the entire text of 300.22, just as the Panel clarified in (C)(4) that only cable trays areallowed. The informational note in this section refers to NFPA 90A which requires the use of metal raceways in thesespaces.

In (C)(5) “metal” was added to clarify that these cables must be installed in metal raceways in accordance with therequirements in 300.22(C) and NFPA 90A.

Text in 770.113(D)(2) was deleted and the requirement combined with the text in (3), now renumbered to (2). Thiseliminates redundant text.

In (E) “Fireproof” was changed to “fire-resistance-rated”, which is the appropriate terminology.In (F)(3) text was added to include Chapter 3 raceways which can also be used in one and two family dwellingsIn (G) the word “installed” was changed to “supported” to properly reflect the use of cable tray as a support method.

Text was added to clarify special requirements for plenum applications. Most of the other sections of 770.113 are(spaces uses for environmental air, risers, other building locations, etc.) not . The use of cable tray

and the type of cables allowed in cable trays are dependent upon where the tray is installed. This gets lost in thecurrent (G), since it appears as if you could use all types of optical fiber cables in cable trays no matter where the cabletray is installed.

32Printed on 11/23/2011




Installation of optical fiber cables and raceways, and cable routing assemblies shall comply with 770.113(A) through(J). Installation of raceways shall also comply with 770.12 and 770.110.

Optical fiber cables and raceways, and cable routing assemblies installed in buildings shall be listed.

The following cables shall be permitted in ducts, as described in300.22(B) if they are directly associated with the air distribution system:

(1) Up to 1.22 m (4 ft) of Types OFNP and OFCP cables(2) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables installed in raceways that are installed

in compliance with 300.22(B)Informational Note: For information on fire protection of wiring installed in fabricated ducts see 4.3.4.1 and 4.3.11.3.3 in

NFPA 90A-2009, .The following cables and raceways shall be permitted in

other spaces used for environmental air as described in 300.22(C):(1) Types OFNP and OFCP cables(2) Plenum optical fiber raceway(32) Types OFNP and OFCP cables installed in plenum optical fiber raceway or plenum communications raceways(3) Types OFNP and OFCP cables installed in plenum cable routing assemblies(4) Types OFNP and OFCP cables and plenum optical fiber raceways supported by open metallic cable trays or cable

tray systems(5) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables installed in raceways that are installed

in compliance with 300.22(C)(6) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables and plenum optical fiber raceways, riser

optical fiber raceways and general-purpose optical fiber raceways supported by solid bottom metal cable trays with solidmetal covers in other spaces used for environmental air (plenums) as described in 300.22(C)

(7) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables installed in plenum communicationsraceways, riser communications raceways or general-purpose communications raceways supported by solid bottommetal cable trays with solid metal covers in other spaces used for environmental air (plenums) as described in300.22(C)

Informational Note No. 1: For information on fire protection of wiring installed in other spaces used for environmentalair see 4.3.11.2, 4.3.11.4, and 4.3.11.5 of NFPA 90A-2009,

.Informational Note No. 2: See 800.110 and 800.113 for installation requirements for cable routing assemblies and

communications raceways.The following cables, raceways

and cable routing assemblies shall be permitted in vertical runs penetrating one or more floors and in vertical runs in ashaft:

(1) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, and OFCR cables(2) Plenum and riser optical fiber raceways(3) Riser cable routing assemblies(42) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, and OFCR cables installed in:a. Plenum optical fiber communications racewaysb. Plenum communications raceway cable routing assembliesc. Riser optical fiber racewaydc. Riser communications racewaysed. Riser cable routing assembly assembliesInformational Note: See 770.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables and raceways shall be permitted inmetal raceways in a riser having firestops at each floor:

(1) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables

33Printed on 11/23/2011

Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70(2) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose optical fiber raceways(32) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables installed in:a. Plenum optical fiber racewayba. Plenum communications racewaysc. Riser optical fiber racewaydb. Riser communications racewayse. General-purpose optical fiber racewayfc. General-purpose communications racewaysInformational Note: See 770.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables,raceways, and cable routing assemblies shall be permitted to be installed in fireproof riser shafts having firestops ateach floor:

(1) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables(2) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose optical fiber raceways(3) Riser and general-purpose cable routing assemblies(42) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables installed in:a. Plenum optical fiber racewayba. Plenum communications racewaysb. Plenum cable routing assembliesc. Riser optical fiber racewaydc. Riser communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assembliese. General-purpose optical fiber racewayfe. General-purpose communications racewaysg. Riser cable routing assemblyhf. General-purpose cable routing assembly assembliesInformational Note: See 770.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables, raceways, and cable routing assemblies shallbe permitted in one- and two-family dwellings:

(1) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables(2) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose optical fiber raceways(3) Riser and general-purpose cable routing assemblies(42) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables installed in:a. Plenum optical fiber racewayba. Plenum communications racewaysc. Riser optical fiber racewayb. Plenum cable routing assembliesdc. Riser communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assembliese. General-purpose optical fiber racewayfe. General-purpose communications racewaysg. Riser cable routing assemblyh. General-purpose cable routing assembly assemblies

The following cables and raceways shall be permitted to be supported by cable trays:(1) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables(2) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose optical fiber raceways(3) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables installed in:a. Plenum optical fiber racewayba. Plenum communications racewaysc. Riser optical fiber racewaydb. Riser communications racewayse. General-purpose optical fiber racewayfc. General-purpose communications raceways

The following cables, raceways, and cable routing assembliesshall be permitted to be installed in distributing frames and cross-connect arrays:

(1) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables(2) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose optical fiber raceways

34Printed on 11/23/2011

Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70(3) Riser or general-purpose cable routing assemblies(4) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables installed in:a. Plenum optical fiber racewayba. Plenum communications racewaysb. Plenum cable routing assembliesc. Riser optical fiber racewaydc. Riser communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assembliese. General-purpose optical fiber racewayfe. General-purpose communications racewaysg. Riser cable routing assemblyhf. General-purpose cable routing assembly assemblies

The following cables, raceways, and cable routing assemblies shall be permitted to beinstalled in building locations other than the locations covered in 770.113(B) through (I):

(1) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables(2) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose optical fiber raceways(3) Riser and general-purpose cable routing assemblies(42) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables installed in:a. Plenum optical fiber racewayba. Plenum communications racewaysb. Plenum cable routing assembliesc. Riser optical fiber racewaydc. Riser communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assembliese. General-purpose optical fiber racewayfe. General-purpose communications racewaysg. Riser cable routing assemblyhf. General-purpose cable routing assembly assemblies(5) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables installed in a raceway of a type

recognized in Chapter 3This proposal is one of a series of proposals to simplify the types of raceways specified in Articles 770,

800 and 820. Optical fiber, communications and CATV raceways are identical raceways with different markings. CMP16 eliminated CATV raceways from the 2011 NEC. Acceptance of this and its companion proposals will delete opticalfiber raceways and leave one type of raceway, communications raceways, to be used for optical fiber, communicationsand CATV cable use.

This is also a companion proposal to the proposals to establish applications and listing requirements for plenum cablerouting assemblies.Since the listing requirements for cable routing assemblies are in 800.182 and are recommended to be deleted from770.182 by a companion proposal, the installation rules for cable routing assemblies recommended to be moved from770.113 to 800.113.

Editorial changes are proposed to bring about compliance with section 3.3.3 of the NEC Style Manual which states:Unless referring to a single item of equipment, references to electrical components and parts shall be

plural rather than singular. This results in greater consistency and makes it clear that the NEC provision refers to allcomponents or parts of a given type or class.

35Printed on 11/23/2011


_______________________________________________________________________________________________Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International

Revise text to read as follows:. Installation of optical

fiber cables and raceways, and cable routing assemblies shall comply with 770.113(A) through (J). Installation ofraceways shall also comply with 770.12 and 770.110.

The following cables, racewaysand cable routing assemblies shall be permitted in vertical runs penetrating one or more floors and in vertical runs in ashaft:

(1) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, and OFCR cables(2) Plenum and riser optical fiber raceways(3) Plenum cable routing assemblies(4) Riser cable routing assemblies(4) (5) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, and OFCR cables installed in:a. Plenum optical fiber racewayb. Plenum communications racewayc. Riser optical fiber racewayd. Riser communications racewaye. Riser cable routing assemblyInformational Note: See 770.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables,raceways, and cable routing assemblies shall be permitted to be installed in fireproof riser shafts having firestops ateach floor:

(1) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables(2) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose optical fiber raceways(3) Riser Plenum, riser and general-purpose cable routing assemblies(4) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables installed in:a. Plenum optical fiber racewayb. Plenum communications racewayc. Riser optical fiber racewayd. Riser communications racewaye. General-purpose optical fiber racewayf. General-purpose communications racewayg. Plenum cable routing assemblh. g. Riser cable routing assemblyh. i. General-purpose cable routing assemblyInformational Note: See 770.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables, raceways, and cable routing assemblies shallbe permitted in one- and two-family dwellings:

(1) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables(2) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose optical fiber raceways(3) Riser Plenum, riser and general-purpose cable routing assemblies(4) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables installed in:a. Plenum optical fiber racewayb. Plenum communications racewayc. Riser optical fiber racewayd. Riser communications racewaye. General-purpose optical fiber racewayf. General-purpose communications racewayg. Plenum cable routing assemblyh. g. Riser cable routing assembly

36Printed on 11/23/2011

Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70h. i. General-purpose cable routing assembly

The following cables, raceways, and cable routing assemblies shall be permitted to beinstalled in building locations other than the locations covered in 770.113(B) through (I):

(1) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables(2) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose optical fiber raceways(3) Riser Plenum, riser and general-purpose cable routing assemblies(4) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables installed in:a. Plenum optical fiber racewayb. Plenum communications racewayc. Riser optical fiber racewayd. Riser communications racewaye. General-purpose optical fiber racewayf. General-purpose communications racewayg. Plenum cable routing assemblyh. g. Riser cable routing assemblyh. i. General-purpose cable routing assembly(5) Types OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC cables installed in a raceway of a type

recognized in Chapter 3

Optical fiber raceways and cable routing assemblies shall be listed in accordance with 770.182(A) through (C).Plenum optical fiber raceways shall be listed as having adequate fire-resistant

and low smoke-producing characteristics.Informational Note: One method of defining that an optical fiber raceway is a low smoke producing raceway and a

fire-resistant raceway is that the raceway exhibits a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average opticaldensity of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.52 m (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance withthe plenum test in UL 2024, .

Plenum cable routing assemblies shall be listed as having adequatefire-resistant and low smoke-producing characteristics.

Informational Note: One method of defining that a cable routing assembly is a low smoke producing cable routingassembly and a fire-resistant cable routing assembly that the assembly exhibits a maximum peak optical density of 0.5or less, an average optical density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.52 m (5 ft) or less whentested in accordance with the plenum test in UL 2024A, .

Applications: In risers – In plenum cable routing assembliesCable types: OFNP/OFCP: Y* - OFNR/OFCR: Y* - all other columns: NApplications: Within buildings in other than air-handling spaces and risers – In plenum cable routing assembliesCable types: OFNP/OFCP: Y* - OFNR/OFCR: Y* - OFNG/OFCG/OFN/OFC: Y* - Riser cable routing assemblies: N –

General purpose cable routing assemblies: Y*Cable routing assemblies are different from raceways in that they may or may not enclose the

associated cables. These products are often open and are thus not covered by the concept of raceways. However, theyare covered by UL Subject 2024A, entitled “Cable Routing Assemblies”. This proposal includes cable routing assembliesin risers and cable trays. It does not address cable routing assemblies in plenums because NFPA 90A has not permittedthem. However it does permit listed plenum cable routing assemblies (which it defines) into risers and cable trays. Notealso that UL 2024A lists “general use cable routing assemblies” instead of “general purpose cable routing assemblies”.

Note that NFPA 90A does not approve of the use of cable routing assemblies in plenums but UL lists them and theyshould be able to be used in risers and cable trays.

37Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:(2) Types OFNP, and OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN AND OFC cables installed in raceways that are

installed in compliance with 300.22(B).This proposal will limit the cable to Types OFNP and OFCP in ducts and Plenums since they have low

smoke producing characteristics and therefore, will not present any danger to persons in case of fire. Also, a period isadded at the end.

38Printed on 11/23/2011


_______________________________________________________________________________________________

39Printed on 11/23/2011


William A. Wolfe, Steel Tube Institute of North AmericaRevise the title of 770.113(D) to read:

Change the charging paragraph to read "...optical fiber cables...".Also, change the charging paragraph to read: "...in vertical runs in a fire-resistive-rated shaft.

This correlates with 770.113(E) that stipulates metal and requires a “fireproof” shaft; this is alsoneeded for non-metallic. ASTM and various codes now use the correct term “fire-resistance- rated” instead of“fireproof”. We have submitted a comment to facilitate that term in 770.113(E). The term “optical fiber” is inserted forclarity and consistency.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-66 Log #1021 NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________James T. Dollard, Jr., IBEW Local Union 98

Replace 600V with 1000V.This proposal is the work of the “High Voltage Task Group” appointed by the Technical Correlating

Committee. The task group consisted of the following members: Alan Peterson, Paul Barnhart, Lanny Floyd, AlanManche, Donny Cook, Vince Saporita, Roger McDaniel, Stan Folz, Eddie Guidry, Tom Adams, Jim Rogers and JimDollard.

The Task Group identified the demand for increasing voltage levels used in wind generation and photovoltaic systemsas an area for consideration to enhance existing NEC requirements to address these new common voltage levels. Thetask group recognized that general requirements in Chapters 1 through 4 need to be modified before identifying andgenerating proposals to articles such as 690 specific for PV systems. These systems have moved above 600V and arereaching 1000V due to standard configurations and increases in efficiency and performance. The committee reviewedChapters 1 through 8 and identified areas where the task group agreed that the increase in voltage was of minimal or noimpact to the system installation. Additionally, there were requirements that would have had a serious impact and thetask group chose not to submit a proposal for changing the voltage. See table (supporting material) that summarizes allsections considered by the TG.

Note: Supporting material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters.

40Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:Optical fibers shall be permitted in the same cable, and conductive and

nonconductive optical fiber cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, box, enclosure, raceway, or cablerouting assembly, with conductors of any of the following:

(1) Communications circuits in compliance with Parts I and IV V of Article 800(2) Community antenna television and radio distribution systems in compliance with Parts I and IV V of Article 820(3) Low-power network-powered broadband communications circuits in compliance with Parts I and IV V of Article 830

Optical fibers shall be permitted in the same cable, and conductive and nonconductive opticalfiber cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, box or enclosure, or raceway, with conductors of any ofthe following:

(1) Class 2 and Class 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits in compliance with Parts I and III of Article725

(2) Power-limited fire alarm systems in compliance with Parts I and III of Article 760Acceptance of this proposal will reference the appropriate part of each article, the part dealing with

wiring within a building (Part V) and not the grounding part (Part IV). In addition, “box” was added to correlate with thetitle. Obviously, cables that are permitted to be run in the same raceway should also be permitted to be run in the boxesthat connect to raceways. The order of the wiring methods was changed to be parallel with Articles 800, 820 and 830.





_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-68 Log #713 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:Optical fibers shall be permitted in the same cable, and conductive and nonconductive optical

fiber cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, box, enclosure, or raceway or cable routing assembly,with conductors of any of the following:


(2) Power-limited fire alarm systems in compliance with Parts I and III of Article 760This proposal is a companion proposal to proposals to CMP 3 to recognize cable routing assemblies.

CMP 16 should accept this proposal contingent upon CMP 3 accepting the companion proposals.

41Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:Optical fibers shall be permitted in the same cable, and conductive and nonconductive optical

fiber cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, box, enclosure, or raceway or cable routing assembly,with conductors of any of the following:

(1) Class 2 and Class 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits in compliance with Parts I and III of Article725 or Article 645

(2) Power-limited fire alarm systems in compliance with Parts I and III of Article 760This proposal is a companion proposal to proposals to CMPs 3 and 12 to recognize cable routing

assemblies. CMP 16 should accept this proposal contingent upon CMPs 3 & 12 accepting the companion proposals.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-70 Log #715 NEC-P16


Re-letter the existing 770.133(D) to 770.133(E).onductive and nonconductive

optical fiber cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, box, enclosure, or cable routing assembly withClass 2 and Class 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits in compliance with Article 645.

This proposal is a companion proposal to proposals to CMP 12 to recognize cable routing assemblies.CMP 16 should accept this proposal contingent upon CMP 12 accepting the companion proposals.

42Printed on 11/23/2011




Permitted and nonpermitted applications of listed optical fiber cables and raceways, and cable routing assembly typesshall be as indicated in Table 770.154(a). The permitted applications shall be subject to the installation requirements of770.110 and 770.113. The substitutions for optical fiber cables in Table 770.154(b) and illustrated in Figure 770.154shall be permitted.

*****Insert NEC_L737_ Tb 770.154(a)_Rec Here****

This proposal is one of a series of proposals to simplify the types of raceways specified in Articles 770,800 and 820. Optical fiber, communications and CATV raceways are identical raceways with different markings. CMP16 eliminated CATV raceways from the 2011 NEC. Acceptance of this and its companion proposals will delete opticalfiber raceways and leave one type of raceway, communications raceways , to be used for optical fiber, communicationsand CATV cable use.

Since the listing requirements for cable routing assemblies are in 800.182 and are recommended to be deleted from770.182 by a companion proposal, the applications of cable routing assemblies recommended to be moved from770.154 to 800.154.

Table 770.154(a) has been revised to delete the five columns on the right (riser and general-purpose cable routingassemblies and plenum, riser and general-purpose optical fiber raceways). Applications have been added for plenumcable routing assemblies. Applications of optical fiber raceways have been deleted.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-72 Log #2423 NEC-P16


Add text to read as follows:

Informational Note 1: Part V of Article 770 covers installation methods within buildings. This table covers theapplications of listed optical fiber cables and raceways, and cable routing assemblies in buildings. The definition of pointof entrance is in 770.2. Optical fiber entrance cables that have not emerged from the rigid metal conduit or intermediatemetal conduit (IMC) are not considered to be in the building..

"Intermediate Metal Conduit" is also referred to as “IMC” “Metallic Conduit”Suggest that "IMC" be added to all references. This will make finding all references to “Intermediate Metal Conduit"


43Printed on 11/23/2011

NEC/L737/Tb 770.154(a)/Rec/A2013/ROP

Table 770.154(a) Applications of Listed Optical Fiber Cables in Buildings

Applications

Cable Type OFNP, OFCP

OFNR, OFCR

OFNG, OFCG, OFN, OFC

In Fabricated Ducts as Described in 300.22(B)

In fabricated ducts Y* N N In metal raceway that complies with 300.22(B) Y* Y* Y*

In Other Spaces Used for Environmental Air as Described in 300.22(C)

In other spaces used for environmental air Y* N N In metal raceway that complies with 300.22(C) Y* Y* Y*

In plenum communications raceways Y* N N In plenum cable routing assemblies Y* N N Supported by open metal cable trays Y* N N Supported by solid bottom metal cable trays with solid metal covers Y* Y* Y*

In Risers

In vertical runs Y* Y* N In metal raceways Y* Y* Y* In fireproof shafts Y* Y* Y* In plenum communications raceways Y* Y* N In plenum cable routing assemblies Y* Y* N In riser communications raceways Y* Y* N In riser cable routing assemblies Y* Y* N In one- and two-family dwellings Y* Y* Y*

Within Buildings in other than Air-Handling Spaces and Risers

General Y* Y* Y* Supported by cable trays Y* Y* Y* In distributing frames and cross connect arrays Y* Y* Y*

In any raceway recognized in Chapter 3 Y* Y* Y* In plenum communications raceways Y* Y* Y* In plenum cable routing assemblies Y* Y* Y* In riser communications raceways Y* Y* Y* In riser cable routing assemblies Y* Y* Y* In general-purpose communications raceways Y* Y* Y*

In general-purpose cable routing assemblies Y* Y* Y*

Note: An ‘N’ in the table indicates that the cable type shall not be permitted to be installed in the application. A ‘Y*’ indicates that the cable shall be permitted to be installed in the application, subject to the limitations described in 770.110 and 770.113.

Informational Note 1: Part V of Article 770 covers installation methods within buildings. This table covers the applications of listed optical fiber cables in buildings. The definition of point of entrance is in 770.2. Optical fiber entrance cables that have not emerged from the rigid metal conduit or intermediate metal conduit are not considered to be in the building. Informational Note No. 2: For information on the restrictions to the installation of optical fiber cables in fabricated ducts see 770.113(B).




Informational Note 1: Part V of Article 770 covers installation methods within buildings. This table covers theapplications of listed optical fiber cables and raceways, and cable routing assemblies in buildings. The definition of pointof entrance is in 770.2. Optical fiber entrance cables that have not emerged from the rigid metal conduit (RMC) orintermediate metal conduit are not considered to be in the building.

"Rigid Metal Conduit" is also referred to as “RMC” “Metallic Conduit”Suggest that "RMC" be added to all references. This will make finding all references to "Rigid Metal Conduit" easier

and more reliable.

44Printed on 11/23/2011


_______________________________________________________________________________________________

William A. Wolfe, Steel Tube Institute of North AmericaFor the purpose of this comment the columns are referenced numerically from left to right and as

shown in the draft.Revise column headings as follows:Column 1. Add “Specifically” before “Fabricated”; delete “and plenums”Column 4. Change “fireproof” to “fire-resistance- rated.”

1. To correlate with the title of 300.22(B) and avoid confusion.4. The term “fireproof “ is being replaced with the correct description “fire-resistance-rated” throughout ASTM fire

45Printed on 11/23/2011

Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70related standards and other codes. It is a known fact that that “fireproof” is not a legally defensible term. A commenthas been submitted to change the term in 770.113(E).

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-75 Log #915 NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Thomas Guida, TJG Services, Inc.

Add text to read as follows:Optical Fiber Cables shall be listed in accordance with 770.179(A) through (E) and

shall be marked in accordance with Table 179.179. In addition, the overall covering of a field-assembles optical fibercable shall have a surface marking indicating the specific optical fiber conductors with which it is listed and the opticalfiber conductors shall have a permanent marking such as a marker tape indicating the overall covering with which theyare listed. The overall covering of a field-assembled optical fiber cable shall meet the listing requirements for OpticalFiber Raceways in 179.82. Optical Fiber Cables shall have a temperature rating of not less than 60°C (140°F).

The addition of the specific marking requirements for field-assembled cable components is proposedto preclude the removal and replacement of listed conductors at a later date without any indication of the limitationsplaced on the outer covering in the listing. The testing in accordance with the optical fiber raceway covers thecircumstance when the outer covering is not filled with the required conductor. It is my understanding that currently listedproducts are tested with and without installed conductors. UL requires the cross-marking but it is on a tag or similar andtherefore not permanent.

46Printed on 11/23/2011

Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-76 Log #2638f NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________John R. Kovacik, Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

Update the references to UL Standards in the Informational Notes as shown below:

Types OFNR and OFCR nonconductive and conductive optical fiber riser cables shallbe listed as being suitable for use in a vertical run in a shaft or from floor to floor and shall also be listed as having thefireresistant characteristics capable of preventing the carrying of fire from floor to floor.

Informational Note: One method of defining fire-resistant characteristics capable of preventing the carrying of fire fromfloor to floor is that the cables pass the requirements of ANSI/UL 1666-2002 2011,

.Types OFN and OFC nonconductive and conductive optical fiber cables shall be listed as

being suitable for general-purpose use, with the exception of risers, plenums, and other spaces used for environmentalair, and shall also be listed as being resistant to the spread of fire.Informational Note: One method of defining is that the cables do not spread fire to the top

of the tray in the “UL Flame Exposure, Vertical TrayFlame Test” in ANSI/UL 1685-2000 2010,

. The smoke measurements in the test method are not applicable.Cables suitable for use in systems to ensure survivability of critical

circuits and pathways during a specified time under fireconditions shall be additionally listed as circuit integrity (CI) cable. Cables identified in 770.179(A) through (D) that meetthe requirements for circuit integrity shall have theadditional classification using the suffix “CI.”

Informational Note: One method of defining circuit integrity (CI) cable is by establishing a minimum 2-hour fireresistance rating for the cable when tested in accordance with UL 2196-2001 2011,

.Communications equipment shall be listed as being suitable for electrical connection to a

communications network.Informational Note: One way to determine applicable requirements is to refer to UL 60950-1-2003,

; UL 1459-1995 1999, ; or UL 1863-2004,

. For information on listing requirements forcommunications raceways, see UL 2024-2004 2011,

.The primary protector shall consist of an arrester connected between each line conductor and

ground in an appropriate mounting. Primary protector terminals shall be marked to indicate line and ground asapplicable.

Informational Note: One way to determine applicable requirements for a listed primary protector is to refer to ANSI/UL497-1995 2009,

.

The secondary protector shall be listed as suitable to provide means to safely limit currentsto less than the current-carrying capacity of listedindoor communications wire and cable, listed telephone set line cords, and listed communications terminal equipmenthaving ports for external wire line communications circuits. Any overvoltage protection, arresters, or groundingconnection shall be connected on the equipment terminals side of the secondary protector current-limiting means.

Informational Note: One way to determine applicable requirements for a listed secondary protector is to refer toANSI/UL 497A-1996 2008, .

Type CMR communications riser cables shall be listed as being suitable for use in a vertical run in ashaft or from floor to floor and shall also be listed as having fire-resistant characteristics capable of preventing thecarrying of fire from floor to floor.

Informational Note: One method of defining fire-resistant characteristics capable of preventing the carrying of fire fromfloor to floor is that the cables pass the requirements

47Printed on 11/23/2011

Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70of ANSI/UL 1666-2002 2011,

Type CM communications cables shall be listed as being suitable for general-purpose communicationsuse, with the exception of risers and plenums, and shall also be listed as being resistant to the spread of fire.

Informational Note: One method of defining is that the cables do not spread fire to the topof the tray in the “UL Flame Exposure, Vertical FlameTray Test” in ANSI/UL 1685-2000 2011,

. The smoke measurements in the test method are not applicable.Type CMX limited-use communications cables shall be listed as being suitable for use in dwellings and

for use in raceway and shall also be listed as beingresistant to flame spread.

Informational Note: One method of determining that cable is resistant to flame spread is by testing the cable to theVW-1 (vertical-wire) flame test in ANSI/UL 1581-2001 2011,

Type CMUC undercarpet communications wires and cables shall belisted as being suitable for undercarpet use and shall also be listed as being resistant to flame spread.

Informational Note: One method of determining that cable is resistant to flame spread is by testing the cable to theVW-1(vertical-wire) flame test in ANSI/UL 1581-1991 2011,

.Cables suitable for use in communications systems to ensure

survivability of critical circuits during a specified time under fire conditions shall be listed as circuit integrity (CI) cable.Cables identified in 800.179(A) through (E) that meet the requirements for circuit integrity shall have the additionalclassification using the suffix “CI.”

Informational Note: One method of defining circuit integrity (CI) cable is by establishing a minimum 2-hour fireresistance rating for the cable when tested in accordance with UL 2196-1995 2011,

.Communications wires, such as distributing frame wire and jumper wire, shall be listed as

being resistant to the spread of fire.Informational Note: One method of defining is that the cables do not spread fire to the top

of the tray in the “UL Flame Exposure, Vertical FlameTray Test” in ANSI/UL 1685-2000 2010,

. The smoke measurements in the test method are not applicable.Listed hybrid power and communications cables shall be permitted

where the power cable is a listed Type NM or NM-Bconforming to the provisions of Article 334, and the communications cable is a listed Type CM, the jackets on the listedNM or NM-B and listed CM cables are rated for 600 volts minimum, and the hybrid cable is listed as being resistant tothe spread of fire.

Informational Note: One method of defining is that the cables do not spread fire to thetopof the tray in the “UL Flame Exposure, Vertical FlameTray Test” in ANSI/UL 1685-2000 2010,

. The smoke measurements in the test method are not applicable.Communications raceways shall be listed in

accordance with 800.182(A) through (C).Plenum communications raceways listed as plenum optical fiber raceways

shall be permitted for use in ducts, plenums, and otherspaces used for environmental air and shall also be listed as having adequate fire-resistant and low smoke-producingcharacteristics.

Informational Note: One method of defining that an optical fiber raceway is a low smoke producing raceway and afire-resistant raceway is that the raceway exhibits a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average opticaldensity of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.52 m (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance withthe plenum test in UL 2024-2004 2011,

.Riser communications raceways and

risercable routing assemblies shall be listed as having adequate fire-resistant characteristics capable of preventing thecarrying of fire from floor to floor.

Informational Note: One method of defining fire-resistant characteristics capable of preventing the carrying of fire from

48Printed on 11/23/2011

Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70floor to floor is that the raceways pass the requirementsof the test for Flame Propagation (riser) in UL 2024-2004 2011,

, or UL 2024a-2008, ,as applicable.

General-purposecommunications raceways and cable routing assemblies shall be listedas being resistant to the spread of fire.

Informational Note: One method of defining resistance to the spread of fire is that the raceways pass the requirementsof the Vertical-Tray Flame Test (General Use) in UL 2024-2004 2011,

, or UL 2024a-2008,, as applicable.

Type CATVR community antenna television riser coaxial cables shall be listed as being suitable foruse in a vertical run in a shaft or from floor to floor andshall also be listed as having fire-resistant characteristics capable of preventing the carrying of fire from floor to floor.

Informational Note: One method of defining fire-resistant characteristics capable of preventing the carrying of fire fromfloor to floor is that the cables pass the requirementsof ANSI/UL 1666-2002 2011,

Type CATV community antenna television coaxial cables shall be listed as being suitable forgeneral-purpose CATV use, with the exception of risers andplenums, and shall also be listed as being resistant to the spread of fire.

Informational Note: One method of defining is that the cables do not spread fire to the topof the tray in the “UL Flame Exposure, Vertical Tray Flame Test” in ANSI/UL 1685-2000 2010,

. The smokemeasurements in the test method are not applicable.

Type CATVX limited-use community antenna television coaxial cables shall be listed as beingsuitable for use in dwellings and for use in raceway and shall also be listed as being resistant to flame spread.

Informational Note: One method of determining that cable is resistant to flame spread is by testing the cable to theVW-1 (vertical-wire) flame test in ANSI/UL 1581-2001 2011,

.Network-powered broadband communications systems shall be classified as having lowor

medium-power sources as specified in 830.15(1) or (2).(1) Sources shall be classified as defined in Table 830.15.(2) Direct-current power sources exceeding 150 volts to ground, but no more than 200 volts to ground, with the current

to ground limited to 10 mA dc, that meet the current and power limitation for medium-power sources in Table 830.15shall be classified as medium power sources.

Informational Note: One way to determine compliance with 830.15(2) is listed information technology equipmentintended to supply power via a communications network that complies with the requirements for RFT-V circuits asdefined in UL 60950-21-2003 2007,

.

Type BMR cables shall be listed as being suitable for use in a vertical run in a shaft or from floor tofloor and shall also be listed as having fire-resistant characteristics capable of preventing the carrying of fire from floor tofloor.


.Type BM cables shall be listed as being suitable for general-purpose use, with the exception of risers

and plenums, and shall also be listed as being resistantto the spread of fire.

Informational Note: One method of defining resistant to the spread of fire is that the cables do not spread fire to the topof the tray in the UL Flame Exposure, Vertical TrayFlame Test in ANSI/UL 1685-2007 2010,

. The smoke measurements in the test method are not applicable.Type BLR cables shall be listed as being suitable for use in a vertical run in a shaft, or from floor to

49Printed on 11/23/2011

Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70floor, and shall also be listed as having fire-resistant characteristics capable of preventing the carrying of fire from floorto floor.


.Type BL cables shall be listed as being suitable for general-purpose use, with the exception of risers and

plenums, and shall also be listed as being resistant to the spread of fire.Informational Note: One method of defining resistant to the spread of fire is that the cables do not spread fire to the top

of the tray in the UL Flame Exposure, Vertical TrayFlame Test in ANSI/UL 1685-2007 2010,

. The smoke measurements in the test method are not applicable.Type BLX limited-use cables shall be listed as being suitable for use outside, for use in dwellings, and

for use in raceways and shall also be listed as being resistant to flame spread.Informational Note: One method of determining that cable is resistant to flame spread is by testing the cable to VW-1

(vertical-wire) flame test in ANSI/UL 1581-2001 2011,.

Premises-powered broadband communications systems equipment and cables shallcomply with 840.170(A) through (D).

The ONT and applicable grounding means shall be listed for application with premisespowered broadband communications systems.

Informational Note No. 1: One way to determine applicable requirements is to refer to UL 60950-1-2003 2007,,

UL 498A-2008, , or UL 467-2007, .References to UL Standards in the NEC should reflect the current edition.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-77 Log #439 NEC-P16


Change “0.5” to “0.50” in the Informational Note.This change correlates with the requirement in NFPA 90A. Additionally, the relationship between

optical density and smoke developed index in non-linear and testing laboratories “round down” for values up to 0.549.This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Special Editorial Task Group. The goals of the task group




50Printed on 11/23/2011


_______________________________________________________________________________________________Terry Peters, The Society of the Plastics Industry

Revise text to read as follows:Informational Note: One method of defining a cable that is low smoke producing cable and fire-resistant cable is that

the cable exhibits a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an average optical density of 0.15 or less, and amaximum flame spread distance of 1.52 m (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262-2007 2011,

.The plenum cable requirement in section 4.3.11.2.6.1 (Ceiling Cavity Plenum) of NFPA 90A-2012

is:Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables shall be listed as having a maximum peak optical

density of 0.50 or less, an average optical density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m (5 ft)or less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262,

, or shall be installed in metal raceways without an overall nonmetallic covering,metal sheathed cable without an overall nonmetallic covering, or totally enclosed nonventilated metallic busway withoutan overall nonmetallic covering.

The peak optical density requirement has been changed from 0.5 to 0.50.Acceptance of this proposal will bring about correlation between the informational note and the plenum cable listing

requirements in NFPA 90A.Also, the latest edition of NFPA 262 is the 2011 edition.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-79 Log #2105 NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________James Conrad, RSCC

Revise 770.179 (E) to read as follows and an add new Informational Note(E) Optical Fiber Circuit Integrity (CI) Cables or Electrical Circuit Protective System. Cables suitable for use in systems

to ensure survivability of critical circuits and pathways during a specified time under fire conditions shall be additionallylisted as circuit integrity (CI) cable. Cables identified in 770.179(A) through (D) that meet the requirements for circuitintegrity shall have the additional classification using the suffix “CI.”

(1) Circuit Integrity (CI) cables specified in 770.179 (A) through (D) and used for survivability of critical circuits shallhave the additional classification using the suffix “-CI”. These cables shall not be installed in a raceway unless part of anElectrical Circuit Protective System.

(2) Electrical Circuit Protective System meeting the requirements for survivability of critical circuits. Cables that are partof an Electrical Circuit Protective System shall be identified with the system number printed on the outer surface.Informational Note No. 2: UL guide information for electrical circuit protective systems (FHIT) contains information onproper installation requirements to maintain the fire rating.

This proposal adds Electrical Circuit Protective Systems and separates them into two methods ofestablishing cable survivability. Cable are either tested as a CI cable or tested as part of an electrical circuit protectivesystem. The UL Guide Information “FHIT- Electrical Circuit Protective Systems” states: “CI cable is tested on steel ringsto simulate installation in free air. If CI cable is intended to be installed in a raceway it is so tested. CI cable that hasbeen tested in a raceway will be specified in the system.” The new text clarifies the two cable options and markingrequirements This is also the same language used in Articles 725 and 760. Either method is used for survivability.

Note: Supporting material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters

51Printed on 11/23/2011


_______________________________________________________________________________________________Randy Ivans, Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

Add new text to read as follows:Where bonding or grounding is required, devices used to connect a shield, sheath or

non–current-carrying metallic members of a cable to a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall belisted or be part of listed equipment.

Where required by existing requirements in the NEC, proper and reliable grounding and bonding iscritical for the safety of people and premises. Although requirements exist that specify when grounding or bonding of ashield, sheath or non–current-carrying metallic members of a cable is required, there is no requirement that the devicesused should be listed. Listed devices or grounding devices that are part of listed equipment comply with UL 467,Grounding and Bonding Equipment, that ensures the connection meets construction and performance criteria necessaryfor reliable bonding and grounding.Without this new paragraph, the grounding and bonding connection is undefined. This can result in poor connectionsdue to questionable installation methods (e.g. wrapping the conductor around a cable sheath) or employing devices thatdo not have the necessary strength to maintain a solid connection or utilize materials unsuitable for the application.

The paragraph number was selected to be in alignment with the same proposals submitted for Articles 800, 820, 830and 840.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-81 Log #716 NEC-P16


Delete 770.182.770.182 has listing requirements for cable routing assemblies and optical fiber raceways.

This proposal is one of a series of proposals to simplify the types of raceways specified in Articles 770, 800 and 820.Optical fiber, communications and CATV raceways are identical raceways with different markings. CMP 16 eliminatedCATV raceways from the 2011 NEC. Acceptance of this and its companion proposals will delete optical fiber racewaysand leave one type of raceway, communications raceways , to be used for optical fiber, communications and CATVcable use.

The listing of cable routing assemblies is covered twice in the 2011 NEC, in 770.182 and 800.182. Deleting 770.182removes this redundancy.

52Printed on 11/23/2011




See Part I of Article 100. For purposes of this article, the following additional definitions apply.This is an editorial proposal to bring about compliance with section 4.1.1 of the 2003 National











53Printed on 11/23/2011




This is an editorial proposal to bring about compliance with section 4.1.1 of the 2003 NationalElectrical Code Style Manual which states:










54Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:A factory assembly of two or more conductors having an overall covering.An assembly of one or more insulated conductors or optical fibers, within an enveloping sheath.

Article 800 includes coaxial cables (see 880.179) and well as multipair cables.The current definition of a cable does not correlate with the definition of a coaxial cable.

A factory assembly of two or more conductors having an overall covering.A cylindrical assembly composed of a conductor centered inside a metallic tube or shield, separated by

a dielectric material, and usually covered by an insulating jacket.The solution to this conflict is to use the TIA and BICSI definition of a cable.This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Definitions Task Group. The task group reviewed all









55Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:An enclosed channel of nonmetallic materials designed expressly for holding

communications wires and cables, typically communications wires and cables, optical fiber and data (Class 2 and Class3), in plenum, riser, and general-purpose applications.

Communications raceways are permitted to carry CATV and optical fiber cables; therefore thedefinition needs to be revised.

The work “expressly” was added to correlate with the general definition of raceway in Part I of Article 100. Therecommended text illustrates the types of wires and cables that might be in a communications raceway without violatingthe style manual prohibition on having a requirement in a definition.









56Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:Informational Note: See Part I of Article 100 for two other definitions of .











_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-87 Log #717 NEC-P16


Add new text to read as follows:A nonmetallic raceway, usually circular, placed within a larger raceway.

This is a companion proposal to permit communications cables to be used as innerduct. This definitionis based on the TIA and BICSI dictionaries.

57Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:The point within a building at which the wire or cable emerges from an external wall, from a

concrete floor slab, or from a rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal conduit (Type IMC) connected bya bonding conductor or grounding electrode in accordance with 800.100(B).

The definition of Point of Entrance could be construed to contain a requirement in violation of section2.2.2 of the NEC Style Manual. This proposal addresses that issue by deleting the grounding requirement. A companionproposal moves it to new section 800.49.









_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-89 Log #628 NEC-P16


(ATIS)Revise as follows:The point within a building at which the wire or cable emerges from an external wall, from a

concrete floor slab, or from a rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal conduit (Type IMC) connected byvia a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor to a grounding electrode in accordance with 800.100(B).

This definition was revised during the 2011 revision cycle and the text “conductor” was inadvertentlyomitted. The text “to an electrode” was present in the 2008 Edition, but omitted from the 2011 Edition, and clarifies theconnection of the bonding or grounding electrode conductor. However, the term ‘electrode’ is undefined; ‘groundingelectrode’ is defined in Art. 100. Replacing ‘by’ with ‘via’ indicates a path to the electrode, not necessarily a directconnection to the electrode.

58Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:The point within a building at which the wire or cable emerges from an external wall, from a

concrete floor slab, or from a rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal conduit (Type IMC) connected bya bonding conductor or grounding electrode to an equipment bonding conductor in accordance with 800.100(B).

“by” implies a from-to relationship, suggest “to”. “grounding electrode” is unlike 820.2 and 830.2 whichboth state “grounding electrode conductor”.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-91 Log #440 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:The requirements of 300.22(C)(3) shall apply.

The correct reference for equipment in other spaces used for environmental air is 300.22(C)(3).This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Special Editorial Task Group. The goals of the task group




59Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:The requirements of 110.3(B) shall apply.

Equipment electrically connected to a communications network shall be listed in accordance with 800.170. Installationof equipment shall also comply with 110.3(B).

Re-letter existing 800.3(D) to 800.3(C), etc.This is an editorial proposal to bring about compliance with Section 3.3.5 of the 2003 National

Electrical Code Style Manual which states:Parallel construction means stating similar requirements in similar ways for greater

consistency. This helps makes the clear for users. Lack of consistency often creates confusion, causing users toask:

There are several kinds of parallel construction:Acceptance of this proposal will move the requirement for equipment to comply with 110.3(B) from 800.18 to a new

800.3(D) which is the proper place for the reference to another article. It will also establish parallelism with 820.3.This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Special Editorial Task Group. The goals of the task group




_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-93 Log #718 NEC-P16


Delete text as follows:The definition in 770.2, the applications in 770.154, and installation rules in 770.113

shall apply to Article 800.The listing requirements for cable routing assemblies are in 800.182 and 770.182 in the 2011 NEC.

Companion proposals delete the listing requirements from 770.182, move the applications to 800.154 and move thedefinition to 800.2.

800.3(G) needs to be deleted to correlate with the companion proposals.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-94 Log #2778 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:The definition in 770.2, the applications in 770.154, and installation rules in

770.113 shall apply to Article 800.Edit to reflect proposed move of definition to 100 I.

60Printed on 11/23/2011



Add new text 800.3 (H) to read as follows and an add new Informational Note(H) Vertical Support for Fire Rated Cables and Conductors.Vertical installations of circuit integrity (CI) cables and conductors installed in a raceway or conductors and cables of

electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with 300.19.Informational Note : UL guide information for electrical circuit protective systems (FHIT) contains information on proper

installation requirements to maintain the fire rating.Substantiation: This proposal is needed to ensure the proper installation of fire rated cables when they

are installed in raceways. This requirement is already in Articles 725 and Article 760.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-96 Log #3130 NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Frederic P. Hartwell, Hartwell Electrical Services, Inc.

Revise as follows:Supply service drops and sets of overhead service conductors of 0–750 volts running above and

parallel to communications service drops shall have a minimum separation of 300 mm (12 in.) at any point in the span,including the point of and at their attachment to the building, provided the nongrounded ungrounded conductors areinsulated and that a clearance of not less than 1.0 m (40 in.) is maintained between the two services at the pole.

This provision needs to be correlated with the revisions to service terminology made in the 2011 NEC.“Nongrounded” is changed to “ungrounded” because that is the appropriate term as covered in Article 250.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-97 Log #442 NEC-P16


Add new text to read as follows:Listed plenum communications raceway, listed riser communications raceway, and listed

general-purpose communications raceway selected in accordance with the provisions of 800.154 shall be permitted tobe installed as innerduct in any type of listed raceway permitted in Chapter 3.

Communications raceways are permitted to substitute for optical fiber raceways. Optical fiberraceways are permitted to be used as innerduct consequently parallel text to 770.12 is needed in Article 800.




Lettkeman, Bill McCoy and Harry Odhe.Note: Supporting material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters.

61Printed on 11/23/2011


_______________________________________________________________________________________________Kevin M. Weigman, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Add new text to read as follows:Communication cables shall be supported at intervals not exceeding the distances listed in Table 800.24.

******Insert Table 800.24 Here******

The informational note, which references the TIA-EIA 568 standard, states that cables be supportedevery 4-5 feet. Being an informational note, it is not enforceable to the AHJs in the field. This proposal aims to give theAHJ a distance that would now be enforceable. The distances in the table are based on the diameter of the cable that isbeing installed.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-99 Log #1573 NEC-P16



Communications circuits and equipment shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner. Cables installed exposedon the surface of ceilings and sidewalls shall be supported by the building structure in such a manner that the cable willnot be damaged by normal building use. Such cables shall be secured by hardware, including straps, staples, cableties, hangers, or similar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable. The installation shall also conformto 300.4 (D) (A) through (G) and 300.11.

In addition to the physical protection required in 300.4(D) regarding distance from parallel framingmembers, communication cable also needs to be protected when installed other-than-parallel to framing members suchas perpendicular through bored holes and notches in wood framing, holes in metallic framing, in shallow grooves, underroof decking, etc. Cables also require support behind accessible panels.The reference needs to be to 300.4(A) through (G) not just to (D).

62Printed on 11/23/2011

A2013/ROP/NFPA 70/Log #1107/Rec

Table 800.24

Diameter of Cable Maximum Distance Between

Supports 3.17mm (.125 inch) or Less 1.5 meters (5 feet)

3.18mm – 12.7 mm (.126 - .5 inch) 1.4 meters (4.5 feet)

12.95 mm (.51 inch) or greater 1.2 meters (4 feet)



Revise text to read as follows:Communications circuits and equipment shall be installed in a neat and

workmanlike manner. Cables installed exposed on the surface of ceilings and sidewalls shall be supported by thebuilding structure in such a manner that the cable will not be damaged by normal building use. Such cables shall besecured by hardware, including straps, staples, cable ties, hangers, or similar fittings designed and installed so as not todamage the cable. The installation shall also conform to 300.4(D) and 300.11. Cable ties used to securecommunications plenum cables in other space used for environmental air (plenums) shall be listed as having low smokeand heat release properties.Informational Note No. 1: Accepted industry practices are described in ANSI/NECA/BICSI 568-2006,

; ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.1-2004 — Part 1, GeneralRequirements Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard; ANSI/TIA-569-B-2004,

; ANSI/TIA-570-B,, and other ANSI-approved installation standards.

Informational Note No. 2: See NFPA 90A-2009, , fordiscrete combustible components installed in accordance with 300.22(B) and (C).Informational Note No.2: See

for information on listing discrete products as having low smoke and heatrelease properties.


NFPA 90A-2012 has requirements for cable ties in ceiling cavity plenums (4.3.11.2.6.5) andraised floor plenums (4.3.11.5.5.6). These plenums are called “Other Spaces Used for Environmental Air (Plenums) inthe NEC.The two relevant sections of NFPA 90A are shown below:

Loudspeakers, recessed lighting fixtures, and other electrical equipment with combustible enclosures,including their assemblies and accessories, cable ties, and other discrete products, shall be permitted in the ceilingcavity plenum where listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average optical density of 0.15or less, and a peak heat release rate of 100 kW or less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2043,


The purpose of this proposal is to bring the NEC into correlation with NFPA 90A by requiring that cable ties installed inOther Spaces Used for Environmental Air be listing as having low smoke and heat release rates properties.Adopting this proposal will require that cables ties used with plenum grade cables will also be plenum grade; whichwould be a sensible proposal even if correlation with NFPA 90A were not required.Informational Note No.2 in the current code is simply not enough, a mandatory requirement is needed to correlate withNFPA 90A.Plenum grade cable ties are available on the market today. Adoption of this proposal would not require the invention of anew product.

63Printed on 11/23/2011




Communications circuits and equipment shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner. Cables installed exposedon the surface of ceilings and sidewalls shall be supported by the building structure in such a manner that the cable willnot be damaged by normal building use. Such cables shall be secured by hardware, including straps, staples, cable ties,hangers, or similar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable. The installation shall also conform to300.4 (D) (A) through (G) and 300.11.

In addition to the physical protection required in 300.4(D) regarding distance from parallel framingmembers, communication cable also needs to be protected when installed other-than-parallel to framing members suchas perpendicular through bored holes and notches in wood framing, holes in metallic framing, in shallow grooves, underroof decking, etc. Cables also require support behind accessible panels.


_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-102 Log #443 NEC-P16









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Revise text to read as follows:Installations of communications cables, and communications

raceways and cable routing assemblies in hollow spaces, vertical shafts, and ventilation or air-handling ducts shall bemade so that the possible spread of fire or products of combustion will not be substantially increased. Openings aroundpenetrations of communications cables, and communications raceways and cable routing assemblies throughfire-resistant-rated walls, partitions, floors, or ceilings shall be firestopped using approved methods to maintain the fireresistance rating.

Cable routing assemblies were introduced into the 2011 NEC. Companion proposals provide for thelisting, applications and installation of plenum cable routing assemblies. Requirements for the prevention of the spreadof fire and products of combustion obviously should apply to cable routing assemblies just as they apply to racewaysand cables.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-104 Log #204 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:. Rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal

conduit (Type IMC) containing entrance wire or cable shall be connected by a bonding conductor or grounding electrodeconductor to a grounding electrode in accordance with 800.100(B).

The definition of Point of Entrance could be construed to contain a requirement in violation of section2.2.2 of the NEC Style Manual. This proposal addresses that issue by moving the grounding requirement to new section800.49.









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Add text to read as follows:800.90(A) Informational Note No.2(2) Interbuilding cable runs of 42 m (140 ft) or less, directly buried or in underground conduit, where a continuous

metallic cable shield or a continuous metallic conduit (IMC) containing the cable is connected to each building groundingelectrode system..

Informational Note 1: Part V of Article 800 covers installation methods within buildings. This table covers theapplications of listed communications wires, cables and raceways in buildings. The definition of point of entrance is in800.2. Communications entrance cables that have not emerged from the rigid metal conduit or intermediate metalconduit (IMC) are not considered to be in the building..



_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-106 Log #2450 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:800.90(A) Informational Note No.2(2) Interbuilding cable runs of 42 m (140 ft) or less, directly buried or in underground conduit, where a continuous

metallic cable shield or a continuous metallic conduit (RMC) containing the cable is connected to each buildinggrounding electrode system.

Informational Note 1: Part V of Article 800 covers installation methods within buildings. This table covers theapplications of listed communications wires, cables and raceways in buildings. The definition of point of entrance is in800.2. Communications entrance cables that have not emerged from the rigid metal conduit (RMC) or intermediatemetal conduit are not considered to be in the building.


and more reliable.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-107 Log #629 NEC-P16


(ATIS)Revise text of the Informational Note as follows:

"…shortest practicable primary protector bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor helps limit …"The proposed revision correlates with the use of the new terms and similar INs of 820.93 and 830.93.

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_______________________________________________________________________________________________Aidan McCallion, National Electrical Contractors Assn.

Add new text to read as follows:Information Note: For further information, see ANSi/NECACA/BICSI 607-2011,

and other ANSI-approvedstandards.

Article 800 is independent of the other articles in the NEC unless referenced from within Article 800 asindicated in Section 90.3.Accepted and essential industry practices are referred to from the informational note following Section 110.1. However,this informational note is not applicable because of the language in 90.3. This new proposed informational note refersusers to a specific newly developed ANSI-approved standard that addresses important design and installation criteria forgrounding and bonding systems installed to protect telecommunications systems conductors and equipment. This ANSIstandard is directly related to the information contained in Article 800 and can assist installers and designers in attainingcompliance with the minimum requirements in the NEC while at the same time addressing important performance andquality requirements for these important safety systems.


_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-109 Log #205 NEC-P16













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Revise text to read as follows:(3) The power service accessible means external to enclosures as covered in 250.94 Exception

The reference to the Exception implies that only the Exception is applicable instead of all of Section250.94. When grounding paths described within the Exception of 250.94 are not accessible, then using the intersystembonding termination described in Section 250.94 is necessary.

Also, making this deletion will establish parallelism with Section 770.100(B)(2)(3).This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Special Editorial Task Group. The goals of the task group




_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-111 Log #630 NEC-P16


(ATIS)Revise first sentence, next-to-last paragraph as follows:

A bonding device intended to provide a termination point for the grounding electrode bonding conductor (intersystembonding) shall not interfere with the opening of an equipment enclosure.

A conductor that connects to a bonding device (intersystem bonding) should be identified as a bondingconductor, not a grounding electrode conductor. See Figures 800(a) and (b), and 810.21(F)(2), last paragraph.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-112 Log #631 NEC-P16



(1) To any one of the individual grounding electrodes described in …The term ‘electrode’ is undefined. The proposed revision identifies that it is specifically a grounding


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_______________________________________________________________________________________________William Gross, Electric Service of Clinton

Revise text to read as follows:(2) If the building or structure served has no intersystem bonding termination or has no grounding means, as described

in 800.100(B)(2) or (B)(3)(1), to any one of the individual grounding electrodes described in 250.52(A)(7) and (A)(8) or toa ground rod or pipe not less than 1.5m (5 ft) in length and 12.7 mm (1/2 in.) in diameter driven where practicable , intopermanently damp earth and electrode as described in 250.52(A)(5) separated from lightning conductors as covered in800.53 and at least 1.8m (6 ft) from electrodes of other systems. Steam or hot water pipes or air terminal conductors(lightning-rod conductors) shall not be employed as electrodes for protectors and grounded metallic members.

Since rod type grounding electrode efficiencies are based on length and diameter, it would seem that arod type electrode driven for a communications system would have the same minimum requirements as a rod providingthe same ground connection for a power system. Since permanently damp earth is not very practicable, the ½” 5 footrod should be removed and replaced with the standard rod description from 250.52 (A)(5).

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-114 Log #632 NEC-P16



(1) Where there is no mobile home service equipment located within 9.0 m (30 ft) of the exterior wall of the mobilehome it serves, the primary protector grounding terminal shall be connected to a grounding electrode conductor orgrounding electrode in accordance with 800.100(B)(3).

Specifying ‘grounding terminal’ identifies what terminal on the protector is connected to the groundingelectrode.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-115 Log #633 NEC-P16



(1) Where there is no mobile home disconnecting means grounded in accordance with 250.32 and located within 9.0 m(30 ft) of the exterior wall of the mobile home it serves, the primary protector grounding terminal shall be connected to agrounding electrode in accordance with 800.100(B)(3).

Specifying ‘grounding terminal’ identifies what terminal on the protector is connected to the groundingelectrode.

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Communications wires and cables shall be permitted to be installed in any raceway thatcomplies with either (A)(1) or (A)(2), and in cable routing assemblies installed in compliance with (C).

Communications wires and cables shall be permitted to be installed in anyraceway included in Chapter 3. The raceways shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.

Communications wires and cables shall be permitted to be installedin listed plenum communications raceways, listed riser communications raceways, or and listed general-purposecommunications raceways selected in accordance with the provisions of 800.113, and installed in accordance with362.24 through 362.56, where the requirements applicable to electrical nonmetallic tubing apply.

The raceway fill requirements of Chapters 3 and 9 shall notapply to communications wires and cables.

. Communications wires and cables shall be permitted to be installed in plenum cablerouting assemblies, riser cable routing assemblies and general-purpose cable routing assemblies selected inaccordance with the provisions of 800.113, and installed in accordance with 366.30(B) where the requirementsapplicable to nonmetallic auxiliary gutters apply.

Cable routing assemblies were introduced into the 2011 NEC without any installation rules beyondthose in 770.113, 800.113, 820.113 and 830.113. In order to provide those rules, the coverage of this section isproposed to be expanded to include cable routing assemblies. Sub-section (A2) applies some of the installation rules forelectrical nonmetallic tubing to communications raceways. Similarly, this proposal applies some of the installation rulesfor nonmetallic auxiliary gutters to cable routing assemblies.

The text of 366.30(B) is:Nonmetallic auxiliary gutters shall be supported and secured at intervals not to

exceed 900 mm (3 ft) and at each end or joint, unless listed for other support intervals. In no case shall the distancebetween supports exceed 3 m (10 ft).

The title of (A2) has been changed from “Other Permitted Raceways” to “Communications Raceways” to focus on thecontent of the sub-section.

Changing “or” to “and” corrects an error.Editorial changes are proposed to bring about compliance with section 3.3.3 of the NEC Style Manual which states:

Unless referring to a single item of equipment, references to electrical components and parts shall beplural rather than singular. This results in greater consistency and makes it clear that the NEC provision refers to allcomponents or parts of a given type or class.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-117 Log #1688 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:Communications wires and cables shall be permitted to be installed in

listed plenum communications raceway, listed riser communications raceway, or listed general-purpose communicationsraceway selected in accordance with the provisions of 800.113, and installed in accordance with 362.24 through 362.56,where the requirements applicable to electrical nonmetallic tubing (ENT) apply.

"electrical nonmetallic tubing" is also referred to as “ENT”Suggest that "ENT" be added to all references. This will make finding all references to "electrical nonmetallic tubing"


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_______________________________________________________________________________________________

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William A. Wolfe, Steel Tube Institute of North AmericaRevise the text as follows:

800.113(B)(2) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, CMX and listed communications wires installed in metal raceways thatare installed in compliance with 300.22(B).

800.113(C)(5) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, CMX, and listed communications wires installed in metal raceways thatare installed in compliance with 300.22(C).

800.113(E) Risers- Cables in Metal Raceways or Fireproof Fire-Resistance-Rated Shafts. Types CMP, CMR, CMG,CM and CMX shall be permitted in metal raceway or in a fireproof fire-resistance-rated shaft with firestops at each floor.

800.113(F)(4) Types CMP, CMR, CMG and CM installed in plenum, riser or general-purpose communicationsraceway or in a raceway permitted in Chapter 3.

800.113(G) Cable Trays. The following cables and raceways shall be permitted to be installed supported in cabletrays: and shall comply with 300.22 when installed in ducts, plenums, and other environmental air spaces.


In (C)(5) “metal” was added to clarify that these cables must be installed in metal raceways in accordance with therequirements in 300.22(C) and NFPA 90A. 800.113(C)(2) and (3) list plenum communications raceways which are thenonmetallic type of raceways that are allowed for use with CMP cables only.

In (E) “Fireproof” was changed to “fire-resistance-rated”, which is the appropriate terminology.In (F)(4) text was added to include Chapter 3 raceways which can also be used in one and two family dwellings.In (G) the word “installed” was changed to “supported” to properly reflect the use of cable tray as a support method.

Text was added to clarify special requirements for plenum applications. Most of the other sections of 800.113 are(spaces uses for environmental air, risers, other building locations, etc.) not . The use of cable tray

and the type of cables allowed in cable trays are dependent upon where the tray is installed. This gets lost in thecurrent (G), since it appears as if you could use Types CMP, CMR, CMG and CM cable in cable trays wherever thecable tray is installed. 300.22 requires solid bottom metal cable tray and solid metal covers.

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Revise text as follows:Installation

of communications wires, cables, and raceways, and cable routing assemblies shall comply with 800.113(A) through (L).Installation of raceways and cable routing assemblies shall also comply with 800.110.

Communications wires, communications cables, and communications raceways and cable routingassemblies installed in buildings shall be listed.

The following wires and cables shall be permitted in ducts used forenvironmental air as described in 300.22(B) if they are directly associated with the air distribution system:

(1) Up to 1.22 m (4 ft) of Type CMP cable(2) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables and communications wires installed in raceways that are installed

in compliance with 300.22(B)Informational Note: For information on fire protection of wiring installed in fabricated ducts see 4.3.4.1 and 4.3.11.3.3 in

NFPA 90A-2009, .The following wires, cables, and raceways and cable

routing assemblies shall be permitted in other spaces used for environmental air as described in 300.22(C):(1) Type CMP cables(2) Plenum communications raceways(3) Plenum cable routing assemblies(34) Type CMP cables installed in plenum communications raceways(5) Type CMP cables installed in plenum cable routing assemblies(46) Type CMP cables and plenum communications raceways supported by open metallic cable trays or cable tray

systems(57) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables and communications wires installed in raceways that are installed

in compliance with 300.22(C)(68) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables, and plenum communications raceways, riser communications

raceways and general-purpose communications raceways supported by solid bottom metal cable trays with solid metalcovers in other spaces used for environmental air (plenums) as described in 300.22(C)

(9) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables installed in plenum communications raceways, risercommunications raceways and general-purpose communications raceways supported by solid bottom metal cable trayswith solid metal covers in other spaces used for environmental air (plenums) as described in 300.22(C)

Informational Note: For information on fire protection of wiring installed in other spaces used for environmental air see4.3.11.2, 4.3.11.4, and 4.3.11.5 of NFPA 90A-2009,

.The following cables, and raceways and cable routing

assemblies shall be permitted in vertical runs penetrating one or more floors and in vertical runs in a shaft:(1) Types CMP and CMR cables(2) Plenum and riser communications raceways(3) Plenum and riser cable routing assemblies(34) Types CMP and CMR cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewaysb. Riser communications racewaysc. Plenum cable routing assembliescd. Riser cable routing assembly assembliesInformational Note: See 800.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables and raceways shall be permitted inmetal raceways in a riser having firestops at each floor:

(1) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables(2) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways(3) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables installed in:a. Plenum communications raceways

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Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70b. Riser communications racewaysc. General-purpose communications racewaysInformational Note: See 800.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables, andraceways and cable routing assemblies shall be permitted to be installed in fireproof riser shafts having firestops at eachfloor:

(1) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables(2) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways(3) Plenum, riser and general-purpose cable routing assemblies(34) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewaysb. Riser communications racewaysc. General-purpose communications racewaysd. Plenum cable routing assembliesde. Riser cable routing assembly assembliesef. General-purpose cable routing assembly assembliesInformational Note: See 800.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables, and raceways and cable routing assembliesshall be permitted in one- and two-family dwellings:

(1) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables(2) Type CMX cables less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter(3) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways(4) Plenum, riser and general-purpose cable routing assemblies(45) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewaysb. Riser communications racewaysc. General-purpose communications racewaysd. Plenum cable routing assembliesde. Riser cable routing assembly assembliesef. General-purpose cable routing assembly assemblies

The following wires, cables, and raceways shall be permitted to be supported by cable trays:(1) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables(2) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways(3) Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewaysb. Riser communications racewaysc. General-purpose communications raceways

The following wires, cables, and raceways and cable routingassemblies shall be permitted to be installed in distributing frames and cross-connect arrays:

(1) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables and communications wires(2) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways(3) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose cable routing assemblies(3) Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewaysb. Riser communications racewaysc. General-purpose communications racewaysd. Plenum cable routing assembliesde. Riser cable routing assembly assembliesef. General-purpose cable routing assembly assemblies

The following wires, cables, and raceways and cable routing assemblies shall bepermitted to be installed in building locations other than the locations covered in 800.113(B) through (I):

(1) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables(2) A maximum of 3 m (10 ft) of exposed Type CMX in nonconcealed spaces(3) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways(4) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose cable routing assemblies(45) Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:a. Plenum communications raceways

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Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70b. Riser communications racewaysc. General-purpose communications raceways(56) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:a. Plenum cable routing assembliesab. Riser cable routing assembly assembliesbc. General-purpose cable routing assembly assemblies(67) Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables installed in a raceways of a type

recognized in Chapter 3(78) Type CMUC undercarpet communications wires and cables installed under carpet

The following cables, raceways, and cable routing wiring assemblies shall be permitted tobe installed in multifamily dwellings in locations other than the locations covered in 800.113(B) through (G):

(1) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables(2) Type CMX cables less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter in nonconcealed spaces(3) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways(4) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose cable routing assemblies(45) Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewaysb. Riser communications racewaysc. General-purpose communications raceways(56) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:a. Plenum cable routing assembliesab. Riser cable routing assembly assembliesbc. General-purpose cable routing assembly assemblies(67) Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables installed in a raceways of a type


The following cables, and raceways and cable routing assemblies shall bepermitted to be installed in one- and two-family dwellings in locations other than the locations covered in 800.113 (B)through (F):

(1) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables(2) Type CMX cables less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter(3) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways(4) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose cable routing assemblies(45) Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewaysb. Riser communications racewaysc. General-purpose communications raceways(56) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:a. Plenum cable routing assembliesab. Riser cable routing assembly assembliesbc. General-purpose cable routing assembly assemblies(67) Communication wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables installed in a raceways of a type

recognized in Chapter 3(78) Type CMUC undercarpet communications wires and cables installed under carpet(89) Hybrid power and communications cable listed in accordance with 800.179(I)

This is a companion proposal to the proposals to establish applications and listing requirements forplenum cable routing assemblies. This proposal integrates installation of plenum cable routing assemblies into theinstallation rules for communications cables and raceways, and other (riser and general-purpose) cable routingassemblies. In addition, several editorial changes included cable routing assemblies in places where they had beeninadvertently omitted.

Some editorial changes are proposed to increase clarity.Other editorial changes are proposed to bring about compliance with section 3.3.3 of the NEC Style Manual which

states:Unless referring to a single item of equipment, references to electrical components and parts shall be


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Revise text to read as follows:Installation of communications wires, cables,

and raceways shall comply with 800.113(A) through (L). Installation of raceways shall also comply with 800.110.

The following cables and raceways shall be permitted in vertical runspenetrating one or more floors and in vertical runs in a shaft:

(1) Types CMP and CMR cables(2) Plenum and riser communications raceways(3) Types CMP and CMR cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewayb. Riser communications raceway(c) Plenum cable routing assemblyd. Riser cable routing assemblyInformational Note: See 800.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables and raceways shall be permitted to beinstalled in fireproof riser shafts having firestops at each floor:

(1) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM and CMX cables(2) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways(3) Types CMP, CMR, CMG and CM cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewayb. Riser communications racewayc. General-purpose communications racewayd. Plenum cable routing assemblye. d. Riser cable routing assemblye. f. General-purpose cable routing assemblyInformational Note: See 800.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables and raceways shall be permitted in one- andtwo-family dwellings:

(1) Types CMP, CMR, CMG and CM cables(2) Type CMX cable less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter(3) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways(4) Types CMP, CMR, CMG and CM cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewayb. Riser communications racewayc. General-purpose communications racewayd. Plenum cable routing assemblye. d. Riser cable routing assemblye. f. General-purpose cable routing assembly

The following wires, cables and raceways shall be permitted to be installed in buildinglocations other than the locations covered in 800.113(B) through (I):

(1) Types CMP, CMR, CMG and CM cables(2) A maximum of 3 m (10 ft) of exposed Type CMX cable in nonconcealed spaces(3) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways(4) Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG and CM cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewayb. Riser communications racewayc. General-purpose communications raceway(5) Types CMP, CMR, CMG and CM cables installed in:a. Plenum cable routing assembly

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Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70b. a. Riser cable routing assemblyc. b. General-purpose cable routing assembly(6) Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM and CMX cables installed in a raceway of a type

recognized in Chapter 3(7) Type CMUC communications wires and cables installed under carpet

The following cables, raceways, and wiring assemblies shall be permitted to be installed inmultifamily dwellings in locations other than the locations covered in 800.113(B) through (G):

(1) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables(2) Type CMX cable less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter in nonconcealed spaces(3) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways(4) Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewayb. Riser communications racewayc. General-purpose communications raceway(5) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:a. Plenum cable routing assemblyb. Riser cable routing assemblyb. c. General-purpose cable routing assembly(6) Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables installed in a raceway of a type


The following cables and raceways shall be permitted to be installed in one- andtwo-family dwellings in locations other than the locations covered in 800.113(B) through (F):

(1) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables(2) Type CMX cable less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter(3) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways(4) Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewayb. Riser communications racewayc. General-purpose communications raceway(5) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:a. Plenum cable routing assemblyb. Riser cable routing assemblyb. c. General-purpose cable routing assembly(6) Communication wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables installed in a raceway of a type

recognized in Chapter 3(7) Type CMUC undercarpet communications wires and cables installed under carpet(8) Hybrid power and communications cable listed in accordance with 800.179(I)

Applications: In risers – In plenum cable routing assembliesCable types: CMP: Y* - CMR: Y* - all other columns: N

Applications: Within buildings in other than air-handling spaces and risers – In plenum cable routing assembliesCable types: CMP: Y* - CMR: Y* - CMG/CM: Y* - CMX: N – CMUC: N – Hybrid power and communications cables: N –Communications wires: Y

Cable routing assemblies are different from raceways in that they may or may not enclose theassociated cables. These products are often open and are thus not covered by the concept of raceways. However, theyare covered by UL Subject 2024A, entitled “Cable Routing Assemblies”. This proposal includes cable routing assembliesin risers and cable trays. It does not address cable routing assemblies in plenums because NFPA 90A has not permittedthem. However it does permit listed plenum cable routing assemblies (which it defines) into risers and cable trays. Notealso that UL 2024A lists “general use cable routing assemblies” instead of “general purpose cable routing assemblies”.


78Printed on 11/23/2011


_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-121 Log #2328 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:(2) Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, AND CMX cables and communications wires installed in raceways that are installed

in compliance with 300.22(B).This proposal will limit the cable to Type CMP in ducts and plenums since they have low smoke

producing characteristics and therefore, will not present any danger to persons in case of fire. Also, a period is added atthe end.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-122 Log #2331 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:Types CMPCMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cable installed in plenum communications raceway.

The rule pertaining to listed plenum communication raceways containing only Type CMP cables hasbeen removed because they are presently permitted to be installed exposed in air handling spaces and they possesslow-smoke producing characteristics. This proposal requires that nonplenum rated cable be installed in plenumraceways. Non-plenum cable installed in listed plenum communications raceways would have the same low-smokeproducing characteristics as a plenum rated cable installed exposed in an air handling space.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-123 Log #371 NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________John Judge, Judge Pro-Tech LLC

800.113(C)(4) permits communications raceways to be supported by open metal cable trays in aplenum. Table 800.154(a) does not indicate this and needs to be corrected to conform to 800.113.

Correction of the table will eliminate confusion.

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(a) . Communications cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cabletray, box, enclosure, or cable routing assembly with cables of any of the following:

(1) Nonconductive and conductive optical fiber cables in compliance with Parts I and IV V of Article 770(2) Community antenna television and radio distribution systems in compliance with Parts I and IV V of Article 820(3) Low-power network-powered broadband communications circuits in compliance with Parts I and IV V of Article 830(b) Communications cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, box or enclosure with

cables of any of the following:(1) Class 2 and Class 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits in compliance with Parts I and III of Article

725(2) Power-limited fire alarm systems in compliance with Parts I and III of Article 760

Acceptance of this proposal will reference the appropriate part of each article, the part dealing withwiring within a building (Part V) and not the grounding part (Part IV). In addition, “box” was added to correlate with thetitle. Obviously, cables that are permitted to be run in the same raceway should also be permitted to be run in the boxesthat connect to raceways. “Cables” were not added because they are covered in (c). Cable routing assemblies wereadded to the title to correlate with the text of the requirements.





_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-125 Log #722 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:(b) Communications cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, or enclosure or cable

routing assembly with cables of any of the following:(1) Class 2 and Class 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits in compliance with Parts I and III of Article



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Revise text to read as follows:(b) Communications cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, or enclosure or cable

routing assembly with cables of any of the following:(1) Class 2 and Class 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits in compliance with Parts I and III of Article

725 or Article 645(2) Power-limited fire alarm systems in compliance with Parts I and III of Article 760

This proposal is a companion proposal to proposals to CMPs 3 and 12 to recognize cable routingassemblies. CMP 16 should accept this proposal contingent upon CMPs 3 & 12 accepting the companion proposals.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-127 Log #724 NEC-P16


Re-letter the existing 800.133(d) to 800.133(e) and the existing 800.133(c) to 800.133(d).Communications cables shall be

permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, box, enclosure, or cable routing assembly with Class 2 and Class 3remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits in compliance with Article 645.


_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-128 Log #1839 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:800.133(A)(2)

Add missing ")".

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-129 Log #1750 NEC-P16



"metal clad cable" is referred to in several ways: "metal clad cable" & "type MC"Suggest that "MC" be added to all references. This will make finding all references to "metal clad cable" easier and

more reliable.[These files form a group for this purpose MC_110, MC_250, MC_250, MC_300, MC_392, MC_396, MC_424, MC_504,

MC_551, MC_552, MC_725, MC_800, MC_820, MC_830, MC_840]

81Printed on 11/23/2011




"nonmetallic sheathed cable" is referred to in several ways: "nonmetallic sheathed cable", "type NM""type MNC" "type NMS" "NM" ....

Nonmetallic sheathed also appears to be used for other than NM cable in some cases.Suggest that "NM" be added to all references. This will make finding all references to "nonmetallic sheathed cable"


_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-131 Log #738 NEC-P16



Permitted and nonpermitted applications of listed communications wires, and cables, and raceways shall be as indicatedin Table 800.154(a). Permitted and nonpermitted applications of listed communications raceways shall be as indicatedin Table 800.154(b). Permitted and nonpermitted applications of listed cable routing assemblies shall be as indicated inTable 800.154(c). The permitted applications shall be subject to the installation requirements of 800.110 and 800.113.The substitutions for communications cables listed in Table 800.154(bd and illustrated in Figure 800.154 shall bepermitted.

Renumber existing Table 800.154(b) to 800.154(d).

*****Insert NEC_L738_Tb 800.154(a) and Tbl 800.154(b) & (c) new_Rec Here****

This proposal includes plenum grade cable routing assemblies, in order to provide for applications inplenums (other space used for environmental air), particularly under raised floors in raised floor plenums. Companionproposals have been submitted to provide listing and installation rules for plenum cable routing assemblies.

The current version of Table 800.154(a) in the 2011 NEC includes communications wires and cables as well ascommunications raceways. Adding cable routing assemblies to that table would have made it unduly complex. Instead,this proposal simplifies the applications tables by proposing three tables, one for communications wires and cables, asecond for communications raceways and third for cable routing assemblies.

The applications of plenum communications raceways have been corrected to show that they are permitted to besupport by metal cable trays in a plenum.

82Printed on 11/23/2011

NEC/L738/Tb 800.154(a) and Tbl 800.154(b) & (c)/Rec/A2013 ROP/1

Table 800.154(a) Applications of Listed Communications Wires and Cables in Buildings

Applications

Wire and Cable Type CMP CMR CMG

CM CMX CMUC Hybrid power and

communications cables

Communications wires

In Fabricated Ducts as Described in 300.22(B)

In fabricated ducts Y* N N N N N N In metal raceway that complies with 300.22(B)

Y* Y* Y* Y* N N Y*


In other spaces used for environmental air

Y* N N N N N N

In metal raceway that complies with 300.22(C)

Y* Y* Y* Y* N N Y*

In plenum communications raceways

Y* N N N N N Y*

In plenum cable routing assemblies

Y* N N N N N N

Supported by open metal cable trays

Y* N N N N N N

Supported by solid bottom metal cable trays with solid metal covers

Y* Y* Y* Y* N N N

In Risers

In vertical runs Y* Y* N N N N N In metal raceways Y* Y* Y* Y* N N N In fireproof shafts Y* Y* Y* Y* N N N In plenum communications raceways

Y* Y* N N N N N


Y* Y* N N N N N

In riser communications raceways

Y* Y* N N N N N

In riser cable routing assemblies

Y* Y* N N N N N

In one- and two-family dwellings

Y* Y* Y* Y* N Y* N

Within Buildings in Other Than Air-Handling Spaces and Risers

General Y* Y* Y* Y* N N N In one- and two-family dwellings

Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* N

In multifamily dwellings Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* N N In nonconcealed spaces Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* N N Supported by cable trays Y* Y* Y* N N N N Under carpet N N N N Y* N N In distributing frames and cross-connect arrays

Y* Y* Y* N N N Y*

In any raceway recognized in Chapter 3

Y* Y* Y* Y* N N Y*


Y* Y* Y* N N N Y*


Y* Y* Y* N N N Y*


Y* Y* Y* N N N Y*


Y* Y* Y* N N N Y*

In general-purpose communications raceways

Y* Y* Y* N N N Y*

In general-purpose cable routing assemblies

Y* Y* Y* N N N Y*

Note: An ‘N’ in the table indicates that the cable type shall not be permitted to be installed in the application. A ‘Y*’ indicates that the cable shall be permitted to be installed in the application, subject to the limitations described in 800.113.

Informational Note 1: Part V of Article 800 covers installation methods within buildings. This table covers the applications of listed communications wires, cables and raceways in buildings. The definition of point of entrance is in 800.2. Communications entrance cables that have not emerged from the rigid metal conduit or intermediate metal conduit are not considered to be in the building. Informational Note No. 2: For information on the restrictions to the installation of communications cables in fabricated ducts see 800.113(B).


Table 800.154(b) new Applications of Listed Communications Raceways in Buildings

Applications

Raceway Type Plenum

communications raceways

Riser communications raceways

General-purpose communications

raceways In Fabricated Ducts as Described in 300.22(B)

In fabricated ducts N N N In metal raceway that complies with 300.22(B)

Y* Y* Y*



Y* N N


Y* Y* Y*


N N N


Y* N N


Y* Y* Y*

In Risers

In vertical runs Y* Y* N In metal raceways Y* Y* Y* In fireproof shafts Y* Y* Y* In plenum cable routing assemblies

N N N


N N N


Y* Y* Y*

Within Buildings in Other Than Air-

Handling Spaces and Risers

General Y* Y* Y* In one- and two-family dwellings

Y* Y* Y*

In multifamily dwellings Y* Y* Y* In nonconcealed spaces Y* Y* Y* Supported by cable trays Y* Y* Y* Under carpet N N N In distributing frames and cross-connect arrays

Y* Y* Y*


Y* Y* Y*


N N N


N N N

In general-purpose cable routing assemblies

N N N

Note: An ‘N’ in the table indicates that the cable type shall not be permitted to be installed in the application. A ‘Y*’ indicates that the cable shall be permitted to be installed in the application, subject to the limitations described in 800.110 and 800.113.



Table 800.154(c) new Applications of Listed Cable Routing Assemblies in Buildings

Applications

Cable Routing Assembly Type Plenum Cable

Routing Assembly Riser Cable Routing

Assembly General-purpose Cable Routing

Assembly In Fabricated Ducts as Described in 300.22(B)

In fabricated ducts N N N In metal raceway that complies with 300.22(B)

N N N



Y* N N


N N N


N N N


N N N


N N N

In Risers

In vertical runs Y* Y* N In metal raceways N N N In fireproof shafts Y* Y* Y* In plenum communications raceways

N N N


N N N


Y* Y* Y*

Within Buildings in Other Than Air-

Handling Spaces and Risers

General Y* Y* Y* In one- and two-family dwellings

Y* Y* Y*

In multifamily dwellings Y* Y* Y* In nonconcealed spaces Y* Y* Y* Supported by cable trays N N N Under carpet N N N In distributing frames and cross-connect arrays

Y* Y* Y*


N N N


N N N


N N N

In general-purpose communications raceways

N N N




_______________________________________________________________________________________________

83Printed on 11/23/2011


William A. Wolfe, Steel Tube Institute of North AmericaIt is understood 16-172 is a companion proposal to 16-160.

For the purpose of this comment the columns are referenced numerically from left to right and as shown in the draft.Revise column headings as follows:1. Add “Specifically” before “Fabricated”; delete “and plenums”4. Change “fireproof” to “fire-resistance- rated.”


related standards and other codes. It is a known fact that that “fireproof” is not a legally defensible term. A comment hasbeen submitted to change the term in 800.113(E).

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-133 Log #2335 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:(A) Plenum. Cables installed in ducts, and plenums, and other spaces used for environmental air shall be Type CMP.

Abandoned cables shall not be permitted to remain. type CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX and communications wirecables shall be installed in compliance with 300.22(B). shall be permitted. Listed plenum communications racewaysshall be permitted to be installed in ducts and plenums as described in 300.22(B) and in other spaces used forenvironmental air as described in 300.22(C). Only Type CMP cable shall be permitted to be installed in raceways.

The rules pertaining to air handling spaces should be separated from other rules pertaining to ductsand plenums so that they could be more easily understood. A new proposal accompanying this one will institute rules forair handling spaces. This proposal will limit the cable to Type CMP in ducts and plenums because they have low smokeproducing characteristics and therefore will not present any danger to persons in case of fire. Please note that NEC300.22(B) does not contain rules for plenum communication raceways. The proposal will also require that cablesinstalled in ducts and plenums shall comply with 300.22(B).

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-134 Log #1301 NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Frank W. Peri, Communications Cable & Connectivity Assoc.

Revise text to read as follows:Informational Note: One way to determine applicable requirements is to refer to UL 60950-1-2003,

; UL 1459-1995, ; or UL 1863-2004,. For information on listing requirements for cable routing

assemblies and communications raceways, see UL 2024-4-2011 2004,.

Underwriters Laboratories has merged the requirements for listing cable routing assemblies, formerlyin UL 2024a-2008, , and the requirements for listingcommunications and optical fiber raceways, formerly in ANSI/UL 2024-2004, ,into one standard. The new standard ANSI/UL 2024-4-2011,

has listing requirements for plenum, riser and general-purpose grades of signaling,optical fiber and communications raceways as well as plenum, riser and general-purpose grades of cable routingassemblies.

84Printed on 11/23/2011



Add text to read as follows:Cable ties intended for use in other space used for environmental air (plenums)

shall be listed as having low smoke and heat release properties.Informational Note: See






The purpose of this and companion proposals is to bring the NEC into correlation with NFPA 90A by requiring that cableties installed in Other Spaces Used for Environmental Air (Plenum) be listing as having low smoke and heat releaserates properties.Plenum grade cable ties are available on the market today. Adoption of this proposal would not require the invention of anew product.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-136 Log #446 NEC-P16







85Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise 800.179 (G) to read as follows and an add new Informational NoteCables suitable for use in

communications systems to ensure survivability of critical circuits during a specified time under fire conditions shall belisted as circuit integrity (CI) cable. Cables identified in 800.179(A) through (E) that meet the requirements for circuitintegrity shall have the additional classification using the suffix “CI.

(1) Circuit Integrity (CI) cables specified in 800.179 (A) through (E) and used for survivability of critical circuits shallhave the additional classification using the suffix “-CI”. These cables shall not be installed in a raceway unless part of anElectrical Circuit Protective System.

(2) Electrical Circuit Protective System meeting the requirements for survivability of critical circuits. Cables that are partof an Electrical Circuit Protective System shall be identified with the system number printed on the outer surface.

Informational Note No. 2: UL guide information for electrical circuit protective systems (FHIT) contains information onproper installation requirements to maintain the fire rating.

Substantiation: This proposal adds Electrical Circuit Protective Systems and separates them into twomethods of establishing cable survivability. Cable are either tested as a CI cable or tested as part of an electrical circuitprotective system. The UL Guide Information “FHIT- Electrical Circuit Protective Systems” (see attachment) states “CIcable is tested on steel rings to simulate installation in free air. If CI cable is intended to be installed in a raceway it is sotested. CI cable that has been tested in a raceway will be specified in the system.” The new text clarifies the two cableoptions and marking requirements This is also the same language used in Articles 725 and 760. Either method is usedfor survivability.


_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-138 Log #445 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:Listed hybrid power and communications cables shall be permitted

where the power cable is a listed Type NM or NM-B conforming to the provisions of Part III of Article 334, and thecommunications cable is a listed Type CM, the jackets on the listed NM or NM-B and listed CM cables are rated for 600volts minimum, and the hybrid cable is listed as being resistant to the spread of fire.







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Add new text to read as follows:800.180 Grounding Devices. Where bonding or grounding is required, devices used to connect a shield, sheath or




87Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:Communications raceways, and cable routing

assemblies shall be listed in accordance with 800.182(A) through (C).Informational Note: For information on listing requirements for both communications raceways and cable routing

assemblies, see ANSI/UL 2024-4-2011,

Plenum communications racewaysand plenum cable routing assemblies listed as plenum optical fiber raceways shall be permitted for use in ducts,plenums, and other spaces used for environmental air and shall also be listed as having adequate fire-resistant and lowsmoke-producing characteristics.

Informational Note: One method of defining that an optical fiber raceway is a low smoke producing raceway and afire-resistant raceway is that the raceway exhibits a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average opticaldensity of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.52 m (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance withthe plenum test in UL 2024-2004, .

Riser communications raceways andriser cable routing assemblies shall be listed as having adequate fire-resistant characteristics capable of preventing thecarrying of fire from floor to floor.

Informational Note: One method of defining fire-resistant characteristics capable of preventing the carrying of fire fromfloor to floor is that the raceways pass the requirements of the test for Flame Propagation (riser) in UL 2024-2004,

, or UL 2024a-2008,, as applicable.

General-purpose communications raceways and general-purpose cable routing assemblies shall be listed as beingresistant to the spread of fire.

Informational Note: One method of defining resistance to the spread of fire is that the raceways pass the requirementsof the Vertical-Tray Flame Test (General Use) in UL 2024-2004, , or UL2024a-2008, , as applicable.

Underwriters Laboratories has merged the requirements for listing cable routing assemblies, formerly inUL 2024a-2008, Outline of Investigation for Optical Fiber Cable Routing Assemblies, and the requirements for listingcommunications and optical fiber raceways, formerly in ANSI/UL 2024-2004, Standard for Optical Fiber Cable Raceway,into one standard. The new standard ANSI/UL 2024-4-2011, Signaling, Optical Fiber and Communications Racewaysand Cable Routing Assemblies, has listing requirements for plenum, riser and general-purpose grades of signaling,optical fiber and communications raceways as well as plenum, riser and general-purpose grades of cable routingassemblies.

The proposed text simplifies the references (informational notes) to listing requirements by utilizing one informationalnote referring to the new UL 2024 and deleting the existing three informational notes.

Parts of the proposal are editorial; cable routing assemblies have been added to the title of section 800.182. The text of800.182(A) has been simplified.

Cable routing assemblies are, wherever feasible, referred to as plenum cable routing assemblies, riser cable routingassemblies and general-purpose cable routing assemblies in order to avoid the possible interpretation that“communications raceways and cable routing assemblies” refers to “communications raceways” and “communicationscable routing assemblies”. There are no “communications cable routing assemblies”, only “cable routing assemblies”

This proposal includes plenum grade cable routing assemblies, in order to provide for applications in plenums (otherspace used for environmental air), particularly under raised floors in raised floor plenums. Companion proposals havebeen submitted to provide applications and installation rules for plenum cable routing assemblies.

88Printed on 11/23/2011


_______________________________________________________________________________________________David M. Lettkeman, Dish Network Service, LLC / Rep. Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Assn.

Revise text to read as follows:This article covers antenna systems for radio and television receiving equipment, amateur and citizen band radio

transmitting and receiving equipment, and certain features of transmitter safety. This article covers antennas such aswire-strung type, multi-element, vertical rod, flat, and or dish parabolic exceeding I m (39.37 in) in diameter or acrossand also covers the wiring and cabling that connects them to equipment. This article does not cover equipment andantennas used for coupling carrier current to power line conductors.

With the implementation of Article 840. premise-powered devices for receiving television or receivingand transmitting data signals such as flat or parabolic antennas 1 m (39.37 in) or less in diameter or across and theirassociated coaxial cabling are better suited in this article.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-142 Log #206 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:For definitions applicable to this article, see Part I of Article 100.











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Revise text to read as follows:810.3 Other Articles. Wiring from the source of power to and between devices connected to the interior wiring system

shall comply with Chapters I through 4 other than as modified by Parts I and II of Article 640. Wiring for audio signalprocessing, amplification, and reproduction equipment shall comply with Article 640. For antennas exceeding 1m 139.37in) in diameter or across cCoaxial cables that connect antennas to equipment shall comply with Article 820. Forantennas 1m (39.37 in) or less in diameter or across, coaxial cables that connect antennas to equipment shall comply with Article 840.

With the implementation of Article 840, premise powered devices for receiving television or receivingand transmitting data signals such as flat or parabolic antennas 1 m (39.37 in) or less in diameter or across and theirassociated coaxial cabling are better suited in this article.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-144 Log #1884 NEC-P16


Add new text to read as follows:810.6 Antenna Lead-In Protectors. Where an antenna lead-in surge protector is installed it shall be listed as being

suitable for limiting surges on the cable that connects the antenna to the receiver/transmitter electronics and beconnected between the conductors and the grounded shield or other ground connection. The antenna lead-in protectorshall be grounded in accordance with 810.21.

Informational Note: For requirements covering protectors for antenna lead-in conductors, refer to UL Subject 497E,Outline of Investigation for Protectors for Antenna Lead-In Conductors.

Antenna lead-in protectors may be subject to high energy lightning surges in the range of 5-50 kA orhigher. Listing and compliance with appropriate requirements ensure that the protector can withstand these surgeswithout introducing a risk of fire or personal injury (from explosions) and also that the protector will continue to providesurge protection after being subjected to various environmental and surge conditions that may be expected in an typicalinstallation.

Article 810 already requires various devices that may connected to antenna systems to be listed. For example, refer toparagraph 810.5 for listing requirements for radio noise suppressors and paragraph 810.20(A) for listing requirementsfor antenna discharge units. In general Chapter 8 requires listing for surge protectors used in other applications. Forexample, refer to paragraph 800.170(A) for listing requirements for primary protectors for communications circuits,paragraph 800.170(B) for listing requirements for secondary protectors for communications circuits and paragraphs830.90(B)1 and 830.90(B)3 for listing requirements for protectors for network-powered broadband communicationssystems.

90Printed on 11/23/2011




non–current-carrying metallic members of a cable, or metal parts of equipment or antennas to a bonding conductor orgrounding electrode conductor shall be listed or be part of listed equipment.


The paragraph number was selected to be in sequence following the proposed new paragraph 810.6 covering antennalead-in protectors.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-146 Log #2952 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:810.11 Material. Wire-strung type aAntennas and lead-in conductors shall be of hard-drawn copper, bronze, aluminum

alloy, copper-clad steel, or other high-strength, corrosion-resistant material.As written the section is not clear as which type of antenna is being referenced here. This change will

add clarity.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-147 Log #2953 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:(B) Self-Supporting Antennas. Outdoor antennas, such as vertical rods, flat,dish parabolic, or dipole structures, shall be

of corrosion-resistant materials and of strength suitable to withstand ice and wind loading conditions and shall belocated well away from overhead conductors of electric light and power circuits of over 150 volts to ground, so as toavoid the possibility of the antenna or structure falling into or making accidental contact with such circuits.

Article is not inclusive of newer technologies and descriptions. Changes to include flat antennas andthe term dish to parabolic which more accurately describes antennas which should be in this article.

91Printed on 11/23/2011



(ATIS)Revise the text as follows:

Bonding conductors or and grounding electrode conductors shall comply with 810.21(A) through (K).The text and the title now correlate. In this case, we are talking both bonding and grounding electrode

conductors.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-149 Log #635 NEC-P16



The bonding conductors and or grounding electrode conductors shall be securely fastened in place…There will likely be one or the other conductor, but not both.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-150 Log #636 NEC-P16



Exception. Where proper support cannot be provided, the size of the bonding conductors and or grounding electrodeconductors shall be…

There will likely be one or the other conductor, but not both.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-151 Log #637 NEC-P16



The bonding Bonding conductors and grounding electrode conductor conductorsshall be protected where exposed to physical damage. Where the bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductoris run installed in a metal raceway, both ends of the raceway shall be bonded to the contained conductor or to the sameterminal or electrode to which the bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor is connected.

The proposed revision provides correlation with similar requirements in 800.100(A)(6), 820.100(A)(6)and 830.100(A)(6). If both this proposal and the similar proposal for 770.100(A)(5) are accepted, the requirement will becorrelated across all articles.

92Printed on 11/23/2011



(ATIS)Revise text as follows:

“…as described in 810.21(F)(2), the grounding electrode conductor shall be connected to an a grounding electrode asdescribed in 250.52."

The proposed revision identifies that it is specifically a grounding electrode that is being connected toand provides correlation with the term ‘grounding electrode’ as it is used in 250.52 and throughout the NEC. The term‘electrode’ is undefined.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-153 Log #639 NEC-P16



“…all metallic parts of which are effectively connected to a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor."Consistency in use of terms as described in introductory IN preceding .

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-154 Log #640 NEC-P16


(ATIS)Add text as second sentence to introductory Informational Note as follows:


The introductory IN of Article 820 is incomplete as stated. It fails to inform the reader as to thedifference in application between a bonding conductor and a grounding electrode conductor. Without reference to thefigures, the application is unclear as the terms appear throughout the Article.

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95Printed on 11/23/2011



Move the definition of coaxial cable from 820.2 to Article 100, Part I.The term coaxial cable is used in Articles 400, 620, 680, 725, 760, 800, 810, 820, 830 and 840. It

needs to be moved to comply with the 2.2.2.1 of the NEC Style Manual.In general, Article 100 shall contain definitions of terms that appear in two or more other articles

of the .”This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Definitions Task Group. The task group reviewed all









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97Printed on 11/23/2011



Delete text to read as follows:The point within a building at which the coaxial cable emerges from an external wall, from a

concrete floor slab, or from a rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal conduit (Type IMC) connected bya bonding conductor or grounding electrode in accordance with 820.100(B).










_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-160 Log #641 NEC-P16


(ATIS)Revise as follows:The point within a building at which the coaxial cable emerges from an external wall, from a

concrete floor slab, or from a rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal conduit (Type IMC) connected byvia a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor to a grounding electrode in accordance with 820.100(B).

This definition was revised during the 2011 revision cycle. The proposed text “to an electrode” waspresent in the 2008 Edition, but omitted from the 2011 Edition, and serves to clarify the connection of the bonding orgrounding electrode conductor. However, the term ‘electrode’ is undefined; ‘grounding electrode’ is defined in Article100. Replacing ‘by’ with ‘via’ indicates a path to the grounding electrode, not necessarily a direct connection to theelectrode.

98Printed on 11/23/2011



Add text to read as follows:The requirements of 300.22(A) shall apply.

The requirements of 300.22(C)(3) shall apply.Re-letter existing (B) to (C) and the subsequent sections (C) to (E), etc.

Section 820.3 is missing parallel requirements to 800.3(B) and 800.3(C).This is one of a group a proposals to correct the reference to 300.22(C) to 300.22(C)(3) and prohibit wiring in ducts

used for dust and vapor removal. Acceptance of this proposal and the companion proposals will establish parallelism.This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Special Editorial Task Group. The goals of the task group




_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-162 Log #448 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:The requirements of 110.3(B) shall apply.

Re-letter existing (C) to (E) and the subsequent sections (E) to (F), etc.The correct reference for listing of equipment is 110.3(B).

Acceptance of this proposal and the companion proposals will establish parallelism.This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Special Editorial Task Group. The goals of the task group




99Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:The definition in 800.2 770.2, the applications in 800.154 770.154, and installation

rules in 800.110 and 800.113 770.113 shall apply to Article 820.This proposal is one of a series of proposals to simplify the types of raceways specified in Articles 770,

800 and 820. Optical fiber, communications and CATV raceways are identical raceways with different markings. CMP16 eliminated CATV raceways from the 2011 NEC. Acceptance of this and its companion proposals will delete opticalfiber raceways and leave one type of raceway, communications raceways , to be used for optical fiber, communicationsand CATV cable use.

Since the listing requirements for cable routing assemblies are in 800.182 and are recommended to be deleted from770.182 by a companion proposal, the applications of cable routing assemblies recommended to be moved from770.154 to 800.154 and the definition moved from 770.2 to 800.2.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-164 Log #2779 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:The definition in 770.2, the applications in 770.154, and installation rules in

770.113 shall apply to Article 820.Edit to reflect proposed move of definition to 100 I.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-165 Log #1574 NEC-P16



Community television and radio distribution systems shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner. Coaxialcables installed exposed on the surface of ceiling and sidewalls shall be supported by the building structure in such amanner that the cables will not be damaged by normal building use. Such cables shall be secured by hardware includingstraps, staples, cable ties, hangers, or similar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable. Theinstallation shall also conform to 300.4 (D) (A) through (G) and 300.11.

In addition to the physical protection required in 300.4(D) regarding distance from parallel framingmembers, community television and radio cable also needs to be protected when installed other-than-parallel to framingmembers such as perpendicular through bored holes and notches in wood framing, holes in metallic framing, in shallowgrooves, under roof decking, etc. Cables also require support behind accessible panels.The reference needs to be to 300.4(A) through (G) not just to (D).

100Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:Community television and radio distribution systems shall be installed in a

neat and workmanlike manner. Coaxial cables installed exposed on the surface of ceiling and sidewalls shall besupported by the building structure in such a manner that the cables will not be damaged by normal building use. Suchcables shall be secured by hardware including straps, staples, cable ties, hangers, or similar fittings designed andinstalled so as not to damage the cable. The installation shall also conform to 300.4(D) and 300.11. Cable ties used tosecure coaxial plenum cables in other space used for environmental air (plenums) shall be listed as having low smokeand heat release properties.Informational Note No. 1: Accepted industry practices are described in ANSI/NECA/BICSI 568–2006,

; ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.1 2004 —; ANSI/TIA-569-B 2004,

; ANSI/TIA-570-B,, and other ANSI-approved installation standards.








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Community television and radio distribution systems shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner. Coaxialcables installed exposed on the surface of ceiling and sidewalls shall be supported by the building structure in such amanner that the cables will not be damaged by normal building use. Such cables shall be secured by hardware includingstraps, staples, cable ties, hangers, or similar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable. Theinstallation shall also conform to 300.4 (D) (A) through (G) and 300.11.

In addition to the physical protection required in 300.4(D) regarding distance from parallel framingmembers, community television and radio cable also needs to be protected when installed other-than-parallel, to framingmembers such as perpendicular through bored holes and notches in wood framing, holes in metallic framing, in shallowgrooves, under roof decking, etc. Cables also require support behind accessible panels.The reference needs to be to 300.4(A) through (G) not just to (D).

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-168 Log #449 NEC-P16









_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-169 Log #450 NEC-P16



Installations of coaxial cables and CATV raceways in hollow spaces, vertical shafts, and ventilation or air-handlingducts shall be made so that the possible spread of fire or products of combustion will not be substantially increased.Openings around penetrations of coaxial cables and CATV raceways through fire-resistant-rated walls, partitions, floors,or ceilings shall be firestopped using approved methods to maintain the fire resistance rating.

CATV raceways were deleted from the 2011 NEC.

102Printed on 11/23/2011


_______________________________________________________________________________________________Stanley J. Folz, Morse Electric, Inc.

Revise text to read as follows:Coaxial cables extending between buildings or structures, and also the supports or attachment

fixtures shall be identified for the purpose and shall have sufficient strength to withstand the loads to which they mightbe subjected.

The TCC Usability Task Group is comprised of Stanley Folz, James Dollard, Bill Fiske and DavidHittinger. This task group was assigned by the TCC Chair to review the use of the phrase “identified for the purpose”throughout the NEC.

The word “Identified” is defined in Art. 100 as “Recognizable as suitable for the specific purpose . . .”. The addition of“for the purpose” after the word identified is unnecessary and does not add clarity to the rule.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-171 Log #451 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:Underground coaxial cables in a duct,

pedestal, handhole enclosure, or manhole that contains electric light, or power conductors or Class 1 ornon–power-limited fire alarm circuits conductors shall be in a section permanently separated from such conductors bymeans of a suitable barrier.

Non-power-limited fire alarm circuits were omitted from this section. This proposal fixes the oversight.This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Special Editorial Task Group. The goals of the task group




_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-172 Log #1751 NEC-P16





MC_551, MC_552, MC_725, MC_800, MC_820, MC_830, MC_840]

103Printed on 11/23/2011




“Mineral-Insulated Metal-Sheathed Cable” is also referred to as “MI” and “Article 332”Suggest that "MI" be added to all references. This will make finding all references to " Mineral-Insulated

Metal-Sheathed Cable" easier and more reliable.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-174 Log #2880 NEC-P16



“Power-Limited Tray Cable” is also referred to as “PLTC” and perhaps as “Metal-Sheathed”Suggest that "PLTC" be added to all references. This will make finding all references to “Power-Limited Tray Cable”


_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-175 Log #1369 NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Charles M. Trout, Maron Electric Company

Add a new 820.47(C) to read: Direct-buried coaxial cable shall follow the requirements shown inColumn 1 of Table 300.5.

There are no minimum depth requirements shown for direct-buried coaxial cables. This can result inpotential damage to equipment.

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Add text to read as follows:. Rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal conduit

(Type IMC) containing entrance coaxial cable shall be connected by a bonding conductor or grounding electrodeconductor to a grounding electrode in accordance with 820.100(B).










_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-177 Log #642 NEC-P16



Informational Note: Selecting a grounding block location to achieve the shortest practicable bonding conductor or…The intent is to locate the grounding block (point of entrance) near the grounding location, not to select

the point of entrance for convenience and then look for the closest bonding/grounding location.

105Printed on 11/23/2011



Add the following text:Informational Note: See 820.2 for a definition of .


Parallel construction means stating similar requirements in similar ways for greaterconsistency. This helps makes the clear for users. Lack of consistency often creates confusion, causing users toask:

There are several kinds of parallel construction:”Acceptance of this proposal will make the text of this informational note parallel to the text of 800.93(B) and 830.93(B)

Informational Notes.This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Definitions Task Group. The task group reviewed all









_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-179 Log #643 NEC-P16


(ATIS)Revise second sentence of the as follows:

Connecting to an equipment grounding conductor through a grounded receptacle using a dedicated groundingconductor and permanently connected listed device shall be permitted.

The term ‘grounding conductor’ is no longer used and is undefined.

106Printed on 11/23/2011


_______________________________________________________________________________________________George Bish, Secure Watch Security

Revise text to read as follows:820.100

14a

Throughout the NEC cord and plug equipment is permitted to ground equipment such as Article 250,422, 430, 440 and etc. This would include examples water coolers, coffee machines, insta-hot for equipment that couldbecome energized through other paths.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-181 Log #2161 NEC-P16


Revise text to read:

The term “grounding conductor” was changed to either “bonding conductor” or “grounding electrodeconductor” in several sections during the processing of the 2011 NEC. The term “grounding conductor” in this sectionshould be changed to correlate with the other changes that were made.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-182 Log #14 NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Technical Correlating Committee on National Electrical Code®,The Technical Correlating Committee directs that Comment 16-223 be reported as "Hold" as it

introduces new material that has not received public review.This is a direction from the Technical Correlating Committee on National Electrical Code Correlating

Committee in accordance with 3.4.2 and 3.4.3 of the Regulations Governing Committee Projects.

107Printed on 11/23/2011




The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be as short as practicable.Both bonding and grounding electrode conductors need to be mentioned here for consistency with the

application and other text within this section.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-184 Log #214 NEC-P16













108Printed on 11/23/2011









_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-186 Log #645 NEC-P16





_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-187 Log #646 NEC-P16



(1) To any one of the individual grounding electrodes described in…The term ‘electrode’ is undefined. The proposed revision identifies that it is specifically a grounding


109Printed on 11/23/2011



(ATIS)Add text as follows:

…electrodes described in 250.52(A)(5), (A)(7) and (A)(8). Steam or hot water pipes or air terminal conductors(lightning-rod conductors) shall not be employed as grounding electrodes for bonding conductors or grounding electrodeconductors.

Correlates with similar requirements in Articles 770, 800 and 830.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-189 Log #648 NEC-P16



(1) Where there is no mobile home service equipment located within 9.0 m (30 ft) of the exterior wall of the mobilehome it serves, the coaxial cable shield ground, or surge arrester ground grounding terminal, shall be connected…

It is the grounding terminal of the surge arrester that is required to be connected to the groundingelectrode. This proposed change provides correlation with similar proposals for Articles 800 and 830.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-190 Log #649 NEC-P16



(2) Where there is no mobile home disconnecting means grounded in accordance with 250.32 and located within 9.0 m(30 ft) of the exterior wall of the mobile home it serves, the coaxial cable shield ground, or surge arrester groundgrounding terminal, shall be connected…

It is the grounding terminal of the surge arrester that is required to be connected to the groundingelectrode. This proposed change provides correlation with similar proposals for Articles 800 and 830.

110Printed on 11/23/2011




Coaxial cables shall be permitted to be installed in any raceway that complies with either(A)(1) or (A)(2), and in cable routing assemblies installed in compliance with (C).

Coaxial cables shall be permitted to be installed in any raceway included inChapter 3. The raceways shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.

Coaxial cables shall be permitted to be installed in listed plenumcommunications raceways, listed riser communications raceways, or and listed general-purpose communicationsraceways selected in accordance with the provisions of 820.113, 800.110 and 800.113 and installed in accordance with362.24 through 362.56, where the requirements applicable to electrical nonmetallic tubing apply.

The raceway fill requirements of Chapters 3 and 9 shall not apply to coaxialcables.

. Coaxial cables shall be permitted to be installed in plenum cable routing assemblies,riser cable routing assemblies and general-purpose cable routing assemblies selected in accordance with the provisionsof 800.113 and 820.113, and installed in accordance with 366.30(B) where the requirements applicable to nonmetallicauxiliary gutters apply.

Cable routing assemblies were introduced into the 2011 NEC without any installation rules beyondthose in 770.113, 800.113, 820.113 and 830.113. In order to provide those rules, the coverage of this section isproposed to be expanded to include cable routing assemblies. Sub-section (A2) applies some of the installation rules forelectrical nonmetallic tubing to communications raceways. Similarly, this proposal applies some of the installation rulesfor nonmetallic auxiliary gutters to cable routing assembliesThe text of 366.30(B) is:

(B) Nonmetallic Auxiliary Gutters. Nonmetallic auxiliary gutters shall be supported and secured at intervals not toexceed 900 mm (3 ft) and at each end or joint, unless listed for other support intervals. In no case shall the distancebetween supports exceed 3 m (10 ft).

The title of (A2) has been changed from “Other Permitted Raceways” to “Communications Raceways” to focus on thecontent of the sub-section.

Changing “or” to “and” corrects an error.Editorial changes are proposed to bring about compliance with section 3.3.3 of the NEC Style Manual which states:


_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-192 Log #1689 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:Coaxial cables shall be permitted to be installed in listed plenum

communications raceway, listed riser communications raceway, or listed general-purpose communications racewayselected in accordance with the provisions of 820.113, and installed in accordance with 362.24 through 362.56, wherethe requirements applicable to electrical nonmetallic tubing (ENT) apply.

"electrical nonmetallic tubing" is also referred to as “ENT”Suggest that "ENT" be added to all references. This will make finding all references to "electrical nonmetallic tubing"


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_______________________________________________________________________________________________

112Printed on 11/23/2011



820.113(B)(2) Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX installed in metal raceways that are installed in compliancewith 300.22(B).

820.113(C)(4) Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX installed in metal raceways that are installed in compliancewith 300.22(C).

820.113(E) Risers- Cables in Metal Raceways or Fireproof Fire-Resistance-Rated Shafts. The following cables shallbe permitted in metal raceway or in a fireproof fire-resistance-rated shaft with firestops at each floor.

Delete 820.113(E)(2).820.113(F)(2) Types CATVP, CATAVR, and CATV installed in plenum, riser or general-purpose communications

raceway or in a raceway permitted in Chapter 3.820.113(G) Cable Trays. The following cables and raceways shall be permitted to be installed supported in cable

trays : and shall comply with 300.22 when installed in ducts, plenums, and other environmental air spaces.(1) Types CATVP and CATVR, and CATV in accordance with 820.113(C) and 820.113(D).


In (C)(4) “metal” was added to clarify that the cables listed must be installed in metal raceways in accordance with therequirements in 300.22(C) and NFPA 90A.

In (E) “Fireproof” was changed to “fire-resistance-rated”, which is the appropriate terminology.Text in 800.113(E)(2) was deleted. This text incorrectly allows the use of CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables “installed

in plenum, riser, or general-purpose communications raceway” in a section that deals with cables in metal raceways orfireproof shafts. The current text in 2008 NEC only allows CATV and CATVX cables to be installed in metal raceway orfireproof shafts in riser applications.

In (F)(2) text was added to include Chapter 3 raceways which can also be used in one and two family risers.In (G) the word “installed” was changed to “supported” to properly reflect the use of cable tray as a support method.

Text was changed in (1) to clarify special requirements for plenum applications. Most of the other sections of 820.113are (spaces uses for environmental air, risers, other building locations, etc.) not . The use of cabletray and the type of cables allowed in cable trays are dependent upon where the tray is installed. This gets lost in thecurrent (G), since it appears as if you could use Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables in cable trays wherever thecable tray is installed. 300.22 requires solid bottom metal cable tray and solid metal covers.

113Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:Installation of coaxial cables shall comply with 820.113(A) through (K).

Installation of raceways shall comply with 820.110.Coaxial cables installed in buildings shall be listed.

The following cables shall be permitted in ducts as described in300.22(B) if they are directly associated with the air distribution system:

(1) Up to 1.22 m (4 ft) of Type CATVP cable(2) Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX cables installed in raceways that are installed in compliance with

300.22(B)Informational Note: For information on fire protection of wiring installed in fabricated ducts see 4.3.4.1 and 4.3.11.3.3 in

NFPA 90A-2009, .The following cables shall be permitted in other spaces

used for environmental air as described in 300.22(C):(1) Type CATVP cable(2) Type CATVP cable installed in plenum communications raceways(3) Type CATVP cable installed in plenum cable routing assemblies(34) Type CATVP cable supported by open metallic cable trays or cable tray systems(45) Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX cables installed in raceways that are installed in compliance with

300.22(C)(56) Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX cables supported by solid bottom metal cable trays with solid metal

covers in other spaces used for environmental air (plenums) as described in 300.22(C)(7) Types CATVP , CATVR, CATV, and CATVX cables installed in plenum communications raceways, riser

communications raceways or general-purpose communications raceways supported by solid bottom metal cable trayswith solid metal covers in other spaces used for environmental air (plenums) as described in 300.22(C)

Informational Note: For information on fire protection of wiring installed in other spaces used for environmental air see4.3.11.2, 4.3.11.4, and 4.3.11.5 of NFPA 90A-2009,

.The following cables shall be permitted in vertical runs penetrating one or

more floors and in vertical runs in a shaft:(1) Types CATVP and CATVR cables(2) Types CATVP and CATVR cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewaysb. Plenum cable routing assembliesbc. Riser communications racewayscd. Riser cable routing assembly assembliesInformational Note: See 820.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables shall be permitted in metal raceways in a riser havingfirestops at each floor:

(1) Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX cables(2) Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewaysb. Riser communications racewaysc. General-purpose communications racewaysInformational Note: See 820.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables shall be permitted to be installed in fireproof risershafts with firestops at each floor:

(1) Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX cables(2) Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewaysb. Plenum cable routing assemblies

114Printed on 11/23/2011

Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70bc. Riser communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assembliesce. General-purpose communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assemblyef. General-purpose cable routing assembly assembliesInformational Note: See 820.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables shall be permitted in one-and two-familydwellings:

(1) Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables(2) Type CATVX cables less than 10 mm (0.375 in.) in diameter(3) Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewayb. Plenum cable routing assembliesbc. Riser communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assembliesce. General-purpose communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assemblyef. General-purpose cable routing assembly assembliesInformational Note: See 820.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables shall be permitted to be supported by cable trays:(1) Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables(2) Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewaysb. Riser communications racewaysc. General-purpose communications raceways

The following cables shall be permitted to be installed indistributing frames and cross-connect arrays:

(1) Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables(2) Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewaysb. Plenum cable routing assembliesbc. Riser communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assembliesce. General-purpose communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assemblyef. General-purpose cable routing assembly assemblies

The following cables and cable routing assemblies shall be permitted to be installed inbuilding locations other than the locations covered in 820.113(B) through (I):

(1) Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables(2) A maximum of 3 m (10 ft) of exposed Type CATVX cables in nonconcealed spaces(3) Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewaysb. Plenum cable routing assembliesbc. Riser communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assembliesce. General-purpose communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assemblyef. General-purpose cable routing assembly assemblies(4) Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and Type CATVX cables installed in a raceway of a type recognized in Chapter 3

The following cables and cable routing assemblies shall bepermitted to be installed in one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings in locations other than those locations coveredin 820.113(B) through (I):

(1) Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables(2) Type CATVX cables less than 10 mm (0.375 in.) in diameter(3) Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewaysb. Plenum cable routing assemblies

115Printed on 11/23/2011

Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70bc. Riser communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assembliesce. General-purpose communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assemblyef. General-purpose cable routing assembly assemblies

(4) Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and Type CATVX cables installed in a raceway of a type recognized in Chapter 3This is a companion proposal to the proposals to establish applications and listing requirements for

plenum cable routing assemblies. This proposal integrates installation of plenum cable routing assemblies into theinstallation rules for coaxial cables and communications raceways, and other (riser and general-purpose) cable routingassemblies. In addition, several editorial changes included cable routing assemblies in places where they had beeninadvertently omitted.

Some editorial changes are proposed to increase clarity.Other editorial changes are proposed to bring about compliance with section 3.3.3 of the NEC Style Manual which

states:Unless referring to a single item of equipment, references to electrical components and parts shall be


116Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:Installation of coaxial cables shall comply with 820.113(A)

through (K). Installation of raceways shall also comply with 820.110.

The following cables and raceways shall be permitted in vertical runspenetrating one or more floors and in vertical runs in a shaft:

(1) Types CATVP and CATVR cables(2) Types CATVP and CATVR cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewayb. Riser communications raceway(c) Plenum cable routing assemblyd. Riser cable routing assemblyInformational Note: See 820.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables shall be permitted to be installed in fireproof risershafts having firestops at each floor:

(1) Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV and CATVX cables(2) Types CATVP, CATVR and CATV cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewayb. Riser communications racewayc. General-purpose communications racewayd. Plenum cable routing assemblye. d. Riser cable routing assemblyf. e. General-purpose cable routing assemblyInformational Note: See 820.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables shall be permitted in one- andtwo-family dwellings:

(1) Types CATVP, CATVR and CATV cables(2) Type CATVX cable less than 10 mm (0.375 in.) in diameter(3) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways(4) Types CATVP, CATVR and CATV cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewayb. Riser communications racewayc. General-purpose communications racewayd. Plenum cable routing assemblye. d. Riser cable routing assemblye. f. General-purpose cable routing assembly

The following cables and cable routing assemblies shall be permitted to be installed inbuilding locations other than the locations covered in 820.113(B) through (I):

(1) Types CATVP, CATVR and CATV cables(2) A maximum of 3 m (10 ft) of exposed Type CATVX cable in nonconcealed spaces(3) Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways(4) Types CATVP, CATVR and CATV cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewayb. Riser communications racewayc. General-purpose communications racewayd. Plenum cable routing assemblye. d. Riser cable routing assemblyf. e. General-purpose cable routing assembly(4) Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV and CATVX cables installed in a raceway of a type recognized in Chapter 3

117Printed on 11/23/2011

Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70The following cables and cable routing assemblies shall be

permitted to be installed in one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings in locations other than the locations covered in820.113(B) through (I):

(1) Types CATVP, CATVR and CATV cables(2) Type CATVX cable less than 10 mm (0.375 in.) in diameter(3) Types CATVP, CATVR and CATV cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewayb. Riser communications racewayc. General-purpose communications racewayd. Plenum cable routing assemblye.d.Riser cable routing assemblye. f. General-purpose cable routing assembly(4) Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV and CATVX cables installed in a raceway of a type recognized in Chapter 3

Applications: In risers – In plenum cable routing assembliesCable types: CATVP: Y* - CATVR: Y* - CATV: N - CATVX: NApplications: Within buildings in other than air-handling spaces and risers – In plenum cable routing assembliesCable types: CATVP: Y* - CATVR: Y* - CATV: Y* - CATVX: N



_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-196 Log #2329 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:(2) Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, AND CATVX cables installed in raceways that are installed in compliance with

300.22(B).This proposal will limit the cable to Type CATVP in dusts and plenums since they have low smoke

producing characteristics and therefore, will not present any danger to persons in case of fire. Also, a period is added atthe end.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-197 Log #2330 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:(2) Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, AND CATVX cables installed in raceways that are installed in compliance with

300.22(B).This proposal will limit the cable to Type CATVP in ducts and plenums since they have low smoke

producing characteristics and therefore will not present any danger to persons in case of fire. Also, a period is added atthe end.

118Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:Types CATVPCATVR, CATV, and CATVX cable installed in plenum communications raceway.

The rule pertaining to listed plenum communication raceways containing only Type CATVP cables hasbeen removed because they are presently permitted to be installed exposed in air handling spaces and they possesslow-smoke producing characteristics. This proposal requires that nonplenum rated cable be installed in plenumraceways. Non-plenum cable installed in listed plenum communications raceways would have the same low-smokeproducing characteristics as a plenum rated cable installed exposed in an air handling space.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-199 Log #522 NEC-P16



(a) Coaxial cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, orbox, enclosure, or cable routing assembly with jacketed cables of any of the following:

(1) Nonconductive and conductive optical fiber cables in compliance with Parts I and IV V of Article 770(2) Communications circuits in compliance with Parts I and IV V of Article 800(3) Low-power network-powered broadband communications circuits in compliance with Parts I and IV V of Article 830(b) Coaxial cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, box, or enclosure with jacketed

cables of any of the following:(1) Class 2 and Class 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits in compliance with Parts I and III of Article


Acceptance of this proposal will reference the appropriate part of each article, the part dealing withwiring within a building (Part V) and not the grounding part (Part IV). In addition, “box” was added to correlate with thetitle. Obviously, cables that are permitted to be run in the same raceway should also be permitted to be run in the boxesthat connect to raceways. “Routing Assemblies” was corrected in the title to “Cable Routing Assemblies” and moved tobe consistent with the titles of parallel sections in Articles 770, 800 and 830.





119Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:b) Coaxial cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, or enclosure or cable routing

assembly with jacketed cables of any of the following:(1) Class 2 and Class 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits in compliance with Parts I and III of Article



_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-201 Log #730 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:(b) Coaxial cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, or enclosure or cable routing

assembly with jacketed cables of any of the following:(1) Class 2 and Class 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits in compliance with Parts I and III of Article

725 or Article 645(2) Power-limited fire alarm systems in compliance with Parts I and III of Article 760

This proposal is a companion proposal to proposals to CMPs 3 and 12 to recognize cable routingassemblies. CMP 16 should accept this proposal contingent upon CMPs 3 & 12 accepting the companion proposals.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-202 Log #731 NEC-P16


Re-letter the existing 820.133(c) to 820.133(d).Coaxial cables shall be permitted in

the same raceway, cable tray, box, enclosure, or cable routing assembly with Class 2 and Class 3 remote-control,signaling, and power-limited circuits in compliance with Article 645.


120Printed on 11/23/2011







_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-204 Log #739 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:Permitted and nonpermitted applications of listed coaxial cables shall

be as indicated in Table 820.154(a). The permitted applications shall be subject to the installation requirements of820.110 and 820.113. The substitutions for coaxial cables in Table 820.154(b) and illustrated in Figure 820.154 shall bepermitted.

*****Insert NEC_L739_Tb 820.154(a)_Rec Here****

This proposal is one of a series of proposals to introduce plenum cable routing assemblies. Table820.154(a) has been modified to include plenum cable routing assemblies.

A companion proposal adds cable routing assemblies to 820.110.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-205 Log #2425 NEC-P16



Informational Note 1: Part V of Article 820 covers installation methods within buildings. This table covers theapplications of listed coaxial cables in buildings. The definition of point of entrance is in 820.2. Coaxial entrance cablesthat have not emerged from the rigid metal conduit or intermediate metal conduit (IMC) are not considered to be in thebuilding..

.



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NEC/L739/Tb 820.154(a)/Rec/A2013/ROP

Table 820.154(a) Applications of Listed Coaxial Cables in Buildings

Applications Cable Type CATVP CATVR CATV CATVX

In Fabricated Ducts as Described in 300.22(B) In fabricated ducts as described in 300.22(B) Y* N N N In metal raceway that complies with 300.22(B) Y* Y* Y* Y*


In other spaces used for environmental air (plenums) as described in 300.22(C)

Y* N N N

In metal raceway that complies with 300.22(C) Y* Y* Y* Y* In plenum communications raceways Y* N N N In plenum cable routing assemblies Y* N N N Supported by open metal cable trays Y* N N N Supported by solid bottom metal cable trays with solid metal covers

Y* Y* Y* Y*

In Risers

In vertical runs Y* Y* N N In metal raceways Y* Y* Y* Y* In fireproof shafts Y* Y* Y* Y* In plenum communications raceways Y* Y* N N In plenum cable routing assemblies Y* Y* N N In riser communications raceways Y* Y* N N In riser cable routing assemblies Y* Y* N N In one-and two- family dwellings Y* Y* Y* Y*


General Y* Y* Y* Y* In one- and two-family dwellings Y* Y* Y* Y* In multifamily dwellings Y* Y* Y* Y* In nonconcealed spaces Y* Y* Y* Y* Supported by cable trays Y* Y* Y* N In distributing frames and cross-connect arrays Y* Y* Y* N In any raceway recognized in Chapter 3 Y* Y* Y* Y* In plenum communications raceways Y* Y* Y* N In plenum cable routing assemblies Y* Y* Y* N In riser communications raceways Y* Y* Y* N In riser cable routing assemblies Y* Y* Y* N In general-purpose communications raceways Y* Y* Y* N In general-purpose cable routing assemblies Y* Y* Y* N

Note: An ‘N’ in the table indicates that the cable type shall not be permitted to be installed in the application. A ‘Y*’ indicates that the cable shall be permitted to be installed in the application, subject to the limitations described in 820.113. Informational Note 1: Part V of Article 820 covers installation methods within buildings. This table covers the applications of listed coaxial cables in buildings. The definition of point of entrance is in 820.2. Coaxial entrance cables that have not emerged from the rigid metal conduit or intermediate metal conduit are not considered to be in the building. Informational Note No. 2: For information on the restrictions to the installation of communications cables in fabricated ducts see 820.113(B).




Informational Note 1: Part V of Article 820 covers installation methods within buildings. This table covers theapplications of listed coaxial cables in buildings. The definition of point of entrance is in 820.2. Coaxial entrance cablesthat have not emerged from the rigid metal conduit (RMC) or intermediate metal conduit are not considered to be in thebuilding.


and more reliable.

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_______________________________________________________________________________________________


shown in the draft.Revise column headings as follows:1. Add “Specifically” before “Fabricated”; delete “and plenums”

123Printed on 11/23/2011

Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 704. Change “fireproof” to “fire-resistance- rated.”


related standards and other codes. It is a known fact that that “fireproof” is not a legally defensible term. A comment hasbeen submitted to change the term in 820.113(E).

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-208 Log #650 NEC-P16


(ATIS)Add the following new section under “IV. Listing Requirements”:

Coaxial cable distribution system grounding equipment (e.g., grounding block) intended forapplication at the customer premises shall be listed.

This new requirement provides correlation with similar requirements for communications equipment(800.170) and premises-powered broadband communications systems (840.170(D)) and helps to ensure electricallysafe customer/subscriber coaxial cable distribution system installations

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-209 Log #840 NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________James Ryan, Insulated Cable Engineers Assn. / Rep. 1st VP Communications, ICEA

Revise text to read as follows:Until January 1, 2016 coaxial cables Cables shall be permitted to be listed in accordance

with 820.179(A) through (0) and marked in accordance with Table 820.179. The cable voltage rating shall not be markedon the cable.

This proposal is one of a series of proposals to simplify the number of redundant cable types in CodeMaking Panel 16 articles.

Coaxial communications cables are permitted to substitute for CATV cables.(1) Coaxial Type CMP plenum cable is permitted to substitute for Type CATVP plenum cable.(2) Coaxial Type CMR riser cable is permitted to substitute for Type CA TVR riser cable.(3) Coaxial Types CM and CMG general-purpose cables are permitted to substitute for Type CATV

riser cable. -(4) Coaxial Type CMX limited-use cable is permitted to substitute for Type CATVX limited-use cable.CATV cables are not permitted to substitute for communications cables. Section 820.3(0) requires that Article 800

applies to communications circuits, which requires that communications cables be used. An installer that uses acommunications coaxial cable never has to consider whether the circuit is a communications circuit or a cable TV circuitbecause the communications cable is suitable for both.

Because 800.179 requires communications cables to have a voltage rating of at least 300V and 820.179 does specifya voltage rating for CATV type cables, the listing requirements for communications coaxial cables in UL 444 are slightlymore stringent than the listing requirements for CATV type cables in UL 1655.

In the 2011 NEC, CMP 16 eliminated CATV raceways and permitted communications raceways to replace them. Thesame logic applies to eliminating CATV type cables. This proposal recommends that the listing of CATV type cables bepermitted until January 1, 2016 to allow plenty of time for manufacturers to comply.

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_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-211 Log #1886 NEC-P16






_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-212 Log #651 NEC-P16


(ATIS)Add text as second sentence to introductory informational Note as follows:


The introductory IN of 830 is incomplete as stated. It fails to inform the reader as to the difference inapplication between a bonding conductor and a grounding electrode conductor. Without reference to the figures, theapplication is unclear as the terms appear throughout the Article.

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_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-216 Log #1179 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows: A device that converts a broadband signal into component voice, audio, video, data,

and interactive services signals. The NIU provides isolation between the network power and the premises signal circuits.The NIU may also contain primary and secondary protectors.

The NIU provides isolation between the network power and the premises signal circuits. The NIUmay also contain primary and secondary protectors.

The NFPA Manual of Style requires definitions to be in single sentences. The information provided inthe subsequent sentences is not really a part of the definition; it is further information that is best placed in aninformational note.

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Delete text to read as follows:The point within a building at which the cable emerges from an external wall, from a concrete floor

slab, or from a rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal conduit (Type IMC) connected by a bondingconductor or grounding electrode in accordance with 830.100(B).










_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-218 Log #652 NEC-P16


(ATIS)Revise as follows:The point within a building at which the cable emerges from an external wall, from a concrete floor

slab, or from a rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal conduit (Type IMC) connected by via a bondingconductor or grounding electrode conductor to a grounding electrode in accordance with 830.100(B).

This definition was revised during the 2011 revision cycle. The proposed text “to an electrode” waspresent in the 2008 Edition, but omitted from the 2011 Edition, and serves to clarify the connection of the bonding orgrounding electrode conductor. However, the term ‘electrode’ is undefined; ‘grounding electrode’ is defined in Art. 100.Replacing ‘by’ with ‘via’ indicates a path to the electrode, not necessarily a direct connection to the electrode.

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Add new text to read as follows:The requirements of 300.22(A) shall apply.

Re-letter the existing 830.3(B) to 830.3(C), existing 830.3(C) to 830.3(D).Section 830.3 is missing parallel requirements to 800.3(B). This is one of a group a proposals to

prohibit wiring in ducts used for dust and vapor removal. Acceptance of this proposal and the companion proposals willestablish parallelism.





_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-220 Log #455 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:The requirements of Section 300.22(C)(3) shall

apply.The correct reference for equipment in other spaces used for environmental air is 300.22(C)(3). The

rewording will make the text parallel with Articles 800 and 840. See companion proposals for 800.3 and 840.3.Re-lettering is necessary to accommodate a companion proposal.This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Special Editorial Task Group. The goals of the task group




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Revise text to read as follows:As appropriate for the services provided, the output circuits derived from the optical network

terminal shall comply with the requirements of the following:(1) Installations of communications circuits — Part V of Article 800(2) Installations of community antenna television and radio distribution circuits — Part V of Article 820

(3) Installations of optical fiber cables — Part V of Article 770(4) Installations of Class 2 and Class 3 circuits — Part III of Article 725(5) Installations of power-limited fire alarm circuits — Part III of Article 760

Re-lettering is necessary to accommodate companion proposals.This is an editorial proposal to bring about compliance with Section 4.1.1 of the 2003 National Electrical Code Style

Manual which states:References shall not be made to an entire article, such as “grounded in


Acceptance of this proposal will reference the appropriate part of each article, the part dealing with wiring within abuilding.





_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-222 Log #732 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:The definition in 800.2 770.2, the applications in 800.154 770.154, and the installation

rules in 800.110 and 800.113 770.113 shall apply to Article 830.This proposal is one of a series of proposals to simplify the types of raceways specified in Articles 770,

800 and 820. Optical fiber, communications and CATV raceways are identical raceways with different markings. CMP16 eliminated CATV raceways from the 2011 NEC. Acceptance of this and its companion proposals will delete opticalfiber raceways and leave one type of raceway, communications raceways , to be used for optical fiber, communicationsand CATV cable use.

Since the listing requirements for cable routing assemblies are in 800.182 and are recommended to be deleted from770.182 by a companion proposal, the applications of cable routing assemblies recommended to be moved from770.154 to 800.154 and the definition moved from 770.2 to 800.2.

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The definition in 770.2, the applications in 770.154, and installation rules in 770.113shall apply to Article 830.

Edit to reflect proposed move of definition to 100 I.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-224 Log #1575 NEC-P16



Network-powered broadband communications circuits and equipment shall be installed in a neat and workmanlikemanner. Cables installed exposed on the surface of ceilings and sidewalls shall be supported by the building structure insuch a manner that the cable will not be damaged by normal building use. Such cables shall be secured by hardwareincluding straps, staples, cable ties, hangers, or similar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable.The installation shall also conform to 300.4 (D) (A) through (G) and 300.11.

In addition to the physical protection required in 300.4(D) regarding distance from parallel framingmembers, network-powered broadband communications cable also needs to be protected when installedother-than-parallel to framing members such as perpendicular through bored holes and notches in wood framing, holesin metallic framing, in shallow grooves, under roof decking, etc. Cables also require support when installed behindaccessible panels.


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Revise text to read as follows:Network-powered broadband communications circuits and equipment shall be

installed in a neat and workmanlike manner. Cables installed exposed on the surface of ceilings and sidewalls shall besupported by the building structure in such a manner that the cable will not be damaged by normal building use. Suchcables shall be secured by hardware including straps, staples, cable ties, hangers, or similar fittings designed andinstalled so as not to damage the cable. The installation shall also conform to 300.4(D) and 300.11. Cable ties used tosecure network-powered broadband plenum cables in other space used for environmental air (plenums) shall be listedas having low smoke and heat release properties.Informational Note No. 1: Accepted industry practices are described in ANSI/NECA/BICSI 568-2006,

; ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.1-2004 — Part 1 GeneralRequirements Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard; ANSI/TIA-569-B-2004,

; ANSI/TIA-570-B-2009,; and other ANSI-approved installation standards.








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Network-powered broadband communications circuits and equipment shall be installed in a neat and workmanlikemanner. Cables installed exposed on the surface of ceilings and sidewalls shall be supported by the building structure insuch a manner that the cable will not be damaged by normal building use. Such cables shall be secured by hardwareincluding straps, staples, cable ties, hangers, or similar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable.The installation shall also conform to 300.4 (D) (A) through (G) and 300.11.

In addition to the physical protection required in 300.4(D) regarding distance from parallel framingmembers, network-powered broadband communications cable also needs to be protected when installedother-than-parallel, to framing members such as perpendicular through bored holes and notches in wood framing, holesin metallic framing, in shallow grooves, under roof decking, etc. Cables also require support when installed behindaccessible panels.The reference needs to be to 300.4(A) through (G) not just to (D).

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-227 Log #457 NEC-P16




NFPA 90A has no provisions for discrete components in air ducts (300.22(B) space), only in ceilingcavity plenums and raised floor plenums, Sections 4.3.11.2.6.5 and 4.3.11.5.5.





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Revise text to read as follows:Underground optical fiber cables entering

buildings shall comply with 830.47 840.47(A) through (C).There is a typographical error. The section should be numbered 840.47 and is incorrectly shown as

830.47.This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Special Editorial Task Group. The goals of the task group




_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-229 Log #1752 NEC-P16





MC_551, MC_552, MC_725, MC_800, MC_820, MC_830, MC_840]

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_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-231 Log #2881 NEC-P16



(1) Either (a) all of the electric light, power, Class 1, non–power-limited fire alarm, and medium-power network-poweredbroadband communications circuit conductors or (b) all of the power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors are in araceway or in metal-sheathed Type PLTC, metal-clad, nonmetallic-sheathed, or Type UF cables.



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Direct-buried cable, conduit, or other raceways shall be installed to meet the minimumcover requirements of Table 830.47. In addition, direct-buried cables emerging from the ground shall be protected byenclosures, raceways, or other approved means extending from the minimum cover distance required by Table 830.47below grade to a point at least 2.5 m (8 ft) above finished grade. In no case shall the protection be required to exceed450 mm (18 in.) below finished grade. Type BMU and BLU direct-buried cables emerging from the ground shall beinstalled in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit (PVC), or other approved meansextending from the minimum cover distance required by Table 830.47 below grade to the point of entrance.

"Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Conduit" is also referred to as “PVC” and sometimes as “rigid nonmetallicconduit”

Suggest that "PVC" be added to all references. This will make finding all references to easier and more reliable.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-233 Log #2452 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:Direct-buried cable, conduit, or other raceways shall be installed to meet the

minimum cover requirements of Table 830.47. In addition, direct-buried cables emerging from the ground shall beprotected by enclosures, raceways, or other approved means extending from the minimum cover distance required byTable 830.47 below grade to a point at least 2.5 m (8 ft) above finished grade. In no case shall the protection berequired to exceed 450 mm (18 in.) below finished grade. Type BMU and BLU direct-buried cables emerging from theground shall be installed in rigid metal conduit (RMC), intermediate metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, or otherapproved means extending from the minimum cover distance required by Table 830.47 below grade to the point ofentrance.

(5) Types BMU and BLU cables entering the building from outside and run in rigid metal conduit (RMC) orintermediate metal conduit where the conduit is connected by a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor inaccordance with 830.100(B)

In rigid metal conduit (RMC) and intermediate metal conduit

Informational Note 1: Part V of Article 830 covers installation methods within buildings. This table covers theapplications of listed network-powered broadband communications cables in buildings. The definition of point ofentrance is in 830.2. Network-powered broadband communications cables entrance cables that have not emerged fromthe rigid metal conduit (RMC) or intermediate metal conduit are not considered to be in the building.


and more reliable.

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Add text to read as follows:.. Rigid metal conduit (Type RMC) or an intermediate metal

conduit (Type IMC) containing entrance cable shall be connected by a bonding conductor or grounding electrodeconductor to a grounding electrode in accordance with 830.100(B).










_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-235 Log #2162 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:Fuseless-type primary protectors shall be permitted where power fault currents on

all protected conductors in the cable are safely limited to a value no greater than the current-carrying capacity of theprimary protector and of the primary protector bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor.

The term “grounding conductor” was changed to either “bonding conductor” or “grounding electrodeconductor” in several sections during the processing of the 2011 NEC. The term “grounding conductor” in this sectionshould be changed to correlate with the other changes that were made.

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The bonding conductor and or grounding electrode conductor shall be as short as practicable. In one-and two-family dwellings, the bonding conductor and or grounding electrode conductor shall be as short as practicable,not to exceed 6.0 m (20 ft) in length.

There will likely be one or the other conductor, but not both. The revised text now correlates withsimilar text in this section and similar requirements in 800 and 820.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-237 Log #220 NEC-P16













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_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-239 Log #654 NEC-P16





_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-240 Log #655 NEC-P16


(ATIS)Revise the text as follows:

If the building or structure served has no intersystem bonding termination or grounding electrode(s) means, asdescribed in 830.100(B)(2), the…

The addition of the word ‘electrode(s)’ is incorrect and is inconsistent with similar text in 770.100(B)(3),800.100(B)(3) and 820.100(B)(3).

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(1) To any one of the individual grounding electrodes described in…The term ‘electrode’ is undefined. The proposed revision identifies that it is specifically a grounding


_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-242 Log #657 NEC-P16


(ATIS)Revise first sentence as follows:

…or (B)(3)(1), to any one of the individual grounding electrodes described in…Provides correlation with similar text in 800.100(B)(3)(2) and 820.100(B)(3)(2).

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-243 Log #658 NEC-P16



(1) Where there is no mobile home service equipment located within 9.0 m (30 ft) of the exterior wall of the mobilehome it serves, the network-powered broadband communications cable shield, network-powered broadbandcommunications cable metallic members, network interface unit, and primary protector ground grounding terminal shallbe installed connected to a grounding electrode conductor or grounding electrode in accordance with 830.100(B)(3).

Including cable shield and metallic members identifies exactly what is to be grounded. It is thegrounding terminal of the protector that is required to be connected to the grounding electrode. The word “installed” issuperfluous.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-244 Log #659 NEC-P16



(2) Where there is no mobile home disconnecting means grounded in accordance with 250.32 and located within sightfrom, and not more than 9.0 m (30 ft) of, the exterior wall of the mobile home it serves, the network-powered broadbandcommunications cable shield, network-powered broadband communications cable metallic members, network interfaceunit, and primary protector ground grounding terminal shall be installed connected to a grounding electrode inaccordance with 830.100(B)(3).

The requirement that the disconnecting means be “in sight of” was removed during the 2011 NECrevision cycle. Including cable shield and metallic members identifies exactly what is to be grounded. It is thegrounding terminal of the protector that is required to be connected to the grounding electrode. The word “installed” issuperfluous.

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Low-power etwork-powered broadband communications cables shall be permitted to beinstalled in any raceway that complies with either (A)(1) or (A)(2), and in cable routing assemblies installed incompliance with (C). Medium-power network-powered broadband communications cables shall be permitted to beinstalled in any raceway that complies with (A)(1).

. Low-and medium-power network-powered broadband communicationscables shall be permitted to be installed in any raceway included in Chapter 3. The raceways shall be installed inaccordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.

Low-power network-powered broadband communications cables shall be permittedto be installed in listed plenum communications raceways, listed riser communications raceways, and listedgeneral-purpose communications raceways selected in accordance with the provisions of 800.113 and 830.113, andinstalled in accordance with 362.24 through 362.56, where the requirements applicable to electrical nonmetallic tubingapply.

Raceway fill for network-poweredbroadband communications cables shall comply with either (B)(1) or (B)(2).

The raceway fill requirements of Chapters 3and 9 shall not apply to low-power network-powered broadband communications cables.

Where medium-power network-powered broadband communications cables are installed in a raceway, the raceway fill requirements of Chapters and

shall apply.. Low-power network-powered broadband communications cables shall be permitted to

be installed in plenum cable routing assemblies, riser cable routing assemblies and general-purpose cable routingassemblies selected in accordance with the provisions of 800.113 and 830.113, and installed in accordance with366.30(B) where the requirements applicable to nonmetallic auxiliary gutters apply.

The proposed text corrects an oversight in the 2011 NEC. Table 830.154(a) and 830.113 permitlow-power network-powered communications cables to be installed in communications raceways, but communicationsraceways were omitted from this section. This proposal reorganizes 830.110 to be editorially similar (parallel) aspossible to 770,113, 800.113 and 820.113.

Cable routing assemblies were introduced into the 2011 NEC without any installation rules beyond those in 770.113,800.113, 820.113 and 830.113. In order to provide those rules, the coverage of this section is proposed to be expandedto include cable routing assemblies. Sub-section (A2) applies some of the installation rules for electrical nonmetallictubing to communications raceways. Similarly, this proposal applies some of the installation rules for nonmetallicauxiliary gutters to cable routing assemblies.

The text of 366.30(B) is:Nonmetallic auxiliary gutters shall be supported and secured at intervals not to

exceed 900 mm (3 ft) and at each end or joint, unless listed for other support intervals. In no case shall the distancebetween supports exceed 3 m (10 ft).

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_______________________________________________________________________________________________


830.113(B)(2) Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM, BL and BLX installed in metal raceways that are installed in compliancewith 300.22(B).

830.113(C)(3) Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM, BL, and BLX installed in metal raceways that are installed in compliancewith 300.22(C).

830.113(E) Risers- Cables in Metal Raceways or Fireproof Fire-Resistance-Rated Shafts. Types BLP, BMR, BLR,BM, BL, and BLX cables shall be permitted in metal raceway or in a fireproof fire-resistance-rated shaft with firestops ateach floor.

In (B)(2), the word “metal” should be added to make this requirement very simple and very clearwithout having to refer to the entire text of 300.22, just as the Panel clarified in (C)(2) that only cable trays are

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Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70allowed. The informational note in this section refers to NFPA 90A which requires the use of metal raceways in thesespaces.

In (C)(3) “metal” was added to clarify that the cables listed must be installed in metal raceways in accordance with therequirements in 300.22(C) and NFPA 90A.

In (E) “Fireproof” was changed to “fire-resistance-rated”, which is the appropriate terminology.

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Revise text to read as follows:Installation of network-powered

broadband communications cables shall comply with 830.113(A) through (H).Network-powered broadband communications cables installed in buildings shall be listed. ducts as

described in 300.22(B) if they are directly associated with the air distribution system:(1) Up to 1.22 m (4 ft) of Type BLP cable(2) Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM, BL, and BLX cables installed in raceways that are installed in compliance with

300.22(B)Informational Note: For information on fire protection of wiring installed in fabricated ducts see 4.3.4.1 and 4.3.11.3.3 in

NFPA 90A-2009, S .The following cables shall be permitted in other spaces

used for environmental air as described in 300.22(C):(1) Type BLP cable(2) Type BLP cable installed in plenum communications raceways(3) Type BLP cable installed in plenum cable routing assemblies(34) Type BLP cable supported by open metallic cable trays or cable tray systems(45) Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM, BL, and BLX cables installed in raceways that are installed in compliance with

300.22(C)(56) Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM, BL, and BLX cables supported by solid bottom metal cable trays with solid metal

covers in other spaces used for environmental air (plenums) as described in 300.22(C)(7) Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM, BL, and BLX cables installed in plenum communications raceways, riser

communications raceways or general-purpose communications raceways supported by solid bottom metal cable trayswith solid metal covers in other spaces used for environmental air (plenums) as described in 300.22(C)

Informational Note: For information on fire protection of wiring installed in other spaces used for environmental air see4.3.11.2, 4.3.11.4 and 4.3.11.5 of NFPA 90A-2009,

.The following cables shall be permitted in vertical runs penetrating one or

more floors and in vertical runs in a shaft:(1) Types BLP, BMR, and BLR cables

(2) Types BLP and BLR cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewaysb. Plenum cable routing assembliesbc. Riser communications racewayscd. Riser cable routing assembly assembliesInformational Note: See for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables shall be permitted in a metal raceway in a riser withfirestops at each floor:

(1) Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM, BL, and BLX cables(2) Types BLP, BLR, and BL cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewaysb. Riser communications racewaysc. General-purpose communications racewaysInformational Note: See for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables shall be permitted to be installed in fireproof risershafts with firestops at each floor:

(1) Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM, BL, and BLX cables(2) Types BLP, BLR, and BL cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewaysb. Plenum cable routing assembliesbc. Riser communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assemblies

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Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70ce. General-purpose communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assemblyef. General-purpose cable routing assembly assembliesInformational Note: See for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables shall be permitted in one-and two-familydwellings:

(1) Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM, and BL cables and Types BL and BLX cables less than 10 mm (0.375 in.) in diameter(2) Types BLP, BLR, and BL cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewaysb. Plenum cable routing assembliesbc. Riser communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assembliesce. General-purpose communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assemblyef. General-purpose cable routing assembly assembliesInformational Note: See 830.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables and raceways shall be permitted to be installed in buildinglocations other than those covered in 830.113(B) through (G):

(1) Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM, and BL cables(2) Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM, BL, and BLX cables installed in a raceway(3) Types BLP, BLR, and BL cablesa. Plenum communications racewaysb. Plenum cable routing assembliesbc. Riser communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assembliesce. General-purpose communications racewaysd. Riser cable routing assemblyef. General-purpose cable routing assembly assemblies(4) Types BLX and BL cables less than 10 mm (0.375 in.) in diameter in one- and two-family dwellings(5) Types BMU and BLU cables entering the building from outside and run in rigid metal conduit or intermediate metal

conduit where the conduit is connected by a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor in accordance with830.100(B)Informational Note: This provision limits the length of Type BLX cable to 15 m (50 ft), while 830.90(B) requires that theprimary protector, or NIU with integral protection, be located as close as practicable to the point at which the cableenters the building. Therefore, in installations requiring a primary protector, or NIU with integral protection, Type BLXcable may not be permitted to extend 15 m (50 ft) into the building if it is practicable to place the primary protector closerthan 15 m (50 ft) to the entrance point.

(6) A maximum length of 15 m (50 ft), within the building, of Type BLX cable entering the building from outside andterminating at an NIU or a primary protection location

This is a companion proposal to the proposals to establish applications and listing requirements forplenum cable routing assemblies. This proposal integrates installation of plenum cable routing assemblies into theinstallation rules for network-powered broadband communications cables and communications raceways, and other(riser and general-purpose) cable routing assemblies. Some editorial changes are proposed to increase clarity.

A technical change was made to remove a conflict. In the 830.154(C)(1) in 2008 NEC which covers ”Other WiringWithin Buildings” “General”, Types BLP, BL and BM are permitted. In (4) “One- and Two-Family Dwellings” only 10 feetof Types BLX and BL cables are permitted. The 10 foot restriction on Type BL is an error and in conflict with830.154(C)(1). That error was carried over to the 2011 NEC when the applications and installations sections wereseparated and expanded. The error is corrected in the recommended text by deleting “and BL” in 830.113(H)(4).

Other editorial changes are proposed to bring about compliance with section 3.3.3 of the NEC Style Manual whichstates:


146Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:Installation of network-powered

communications cables shall comply with 830.113(A) through (H).

The following cables shall be permitted in vertical runs penetrating one or morefloors and in vertical runs in a shaft:

(1) Types BLP, BMR and BLR cables(2) Types BLP and BLR cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewayb. Riser communications raceway(c) Plenum cable routing assemblyd. Riser cable routing assemblyInformational Note: See 830.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables shall be permitted to be installed in fireproof risershafts having firestops at each floor:

(1) Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM, BL and BLX cables(2) Types BLP, BLR, BL cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewayb. Riser communications racewayc. General-purpose communications racewayd. Plenum cable routing assemblye. d. Riser cable routing assemblye. f. General-purpose cable routing assemblyInformational Note: See 830.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables and raceways shall be permitted in one- andtwo-family dwellings:

(1) Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM and BL cables and Types BL and BLX cables less than 10 mm (0.375 in.) in diameter(2) Types BL and BLX cables less than 10 mm (0.375 in.) in diameter(3) (2) Types BLP, BLR and BL cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewayb. Riser communications racewayc. General-purpose communications racewayd. Plenum cable routing assemblye. d. Riser cable routing assemblye. f. General-purpose cable routing assemblyInformational Note: See 830.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.

The following cables and raceways shall be permitted to be installed in buildinglocations other than the locations covered in 830.113(B) through (G):

(1) Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM and BL cables(2) Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM, BL and BLX cables installed in a raceway(3) Types BLP, BLR and BL cables installed in:a. Plenum communications racewayb. Riser communications racewayc. General-purpose communications racewayd. Plenum cable routing assemblye. d. Riser cable routing assemblye. f. General-purpose cable routing assembly(4) Types BLX and BL cables less than 10 mm (0.375 in.) in diameter in one- and two-family dwellings(5) Types BLU and BMU cables entering the building from outside and run in rigid metal conduit or intermediate metal

conduit where the conduit is connected by a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor in accordance with

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Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70830.100 (B).

Informational Note: This provision limits the length of Type BLX cable to 15 m (50 ft), while 830.90(B) requires that theprimary protector, or NIU with integral protection, be located as close as practicable to the point at which the cableenters the building. Therefore, in installations requiring a primary protector, or NIU with integral protection, Type BLXcable may not be permitted to extend 15 m (50 ft) into the building if it is practicable to place the primary protector closerthan 15 m (50 ft) to the entrance point.

(6) A maximum length of 15 m (50 ft), within the building, of Type BLX cable entering the building from outside andterminating at an NIU or a primary protection location

Applications: In risers – In plenum cable routing assembliesCable types: BLP: Y* - BLR: Y* - BL: N - BMR: N – BM: N – BLX: N – BMU, BLU: NApplications: Within buildings in other than air-handling spaces and risers – In plenum cable routing assembliesCable types: BLP: Y* - BLR: Y* - BL: Y* - BMR: N – BM: N – BLX: N – BMU, BLU: N



_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-249 Log #2333 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:Types BLP BMR, BL,BM AND BLX cables installed in plenum communications raceway.

The rule pertaining to listed plenum communication raceways containing only Type BLP cables hasbeen removed because they are presently permitted to be installed exposed in air handling spaces and they possesslow-smoke producing characteristics. This proposal requires that nonplenum rated cable be installed in plenumraceways. Non-plenum cable installed in listed plenum communications raceways would have the same low-smokeproducing characteristics as a plenum rated cable installed exposed in an air handling space.

148Printed on 11/23/2011




(a)Low- and medium-power network-powered broadband communications cables shall be permitted in the same raceway,cable tray, or box, enclosure or cable routing assembly.

(b)Low-power network-powered broadband communications cables shall be permitted in the

same raceway, cable tray, box, enclosure, or cable routing assembly with jacketed cables of any of the following circuits:(1) Communications circuits in compliance with Parts I and IV V of Article 800(2) Nonconductive and conductive optical fiber cables in compliance with Parts I and IV V of Article 770(3) Community antenna television and radio distribution systems in compliance with Parts I and IV V of Article 820(c) Low-power

network-powered broadband communications cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, box orenclosure with jacketed cables of any of the following circuits:

(1) Class 2 and Class 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits in compliance withParts I and III of Article 725

(2) Power-limited fire alarm systems in compliance with Parts I and III of Article 760(d)

. Medium-power network-powered broadband communications cables shall not be permitted inthe same raceway, cable tray, box, enclosure or cable routing assembly with conductors of any of the following circuits:

(1) Communications circuits in compliance with Parts I and IV V of Article 800(2) Conductive optical fiber cables in compliance with Parts I and IV V of Article 770(3) Community antenna television and radio distribution systems in compliance with Parts I and IV of Article 820(e) . Medium-power

network-powered broadband communications cables shall not be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, box orenclosure with conductors of any of the following circuits:


(2) Power-limited fire alarm systems in compliance with Parts I and III of Article 760Acceptance of this proposal will reference the appropriate part of each article, the part dealing with

wiring within a building (Part V) and not the grounding part (Part IV). In addition, “box” was added to correlate with thetitle. Obviously, cables that are permitted to be run in the same raceway should also be permitted to be run in the boxesthat connect to raceways. Cable routing assemblies were added to the title of (A)(1) to correlate with the text and to thetext of (A)(1)(a) for completeness.





149Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:(c)

Low-power network-powered broadband communications cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, orenclosure or cable routing assembly with jacketed cables of any of the following circuits:

(1) Class 2 and Class 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits in compliance withParts I and III of Article 725



_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-252 Log #736 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:(e) . Medium-power

network-powered broadband communications cables shall not be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, orenclosure or cable routing assembly with conductors of any of the following circuits:




_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-253 Log #2780 NEC-P16



(c) Low-powernetworkpowered broadband communications cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, or enclosurewith jacketed cables of any of the following circuits:

Formatting error subpart (c) should be indented.

150Printed on 11/23/2011







_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-255 Log #740 NEC-P16


Revise to read as follows:Permitted and

nonpermitted applications of listed network-powered broadband communications system cables shall be as indicated inTable 830.154(a). The permitted applications shall be subject to the installation requirements of 830.40, 830.110 and830.113. The substitutions for network-powered broadband system cables listed in Table 830.154(b) shall be permitted.

*****Insert NEC_L740_Tb 830.154(a)_Rec Here****

This proposal is one of a series of proposals to introduce plenum cable routing assemblies. Table830.154(a) has been modified to include plenum cable routing assemblies.

151Printed on 11/23/2011

NEC/L740/Tb 830.154(a)/Rec/A2013/ROP

Table 830.154(a) Applications of Network Powered Broadband Cables in Buildings


Informational Note 1: Part V of Article 830 covers installation methods within buildings. This table covers the applications of listed network-powered broadband communications cables in buildings. The definition of point of entrance is in 830.2. Network-powered broadband communications cables entrance cables that have not emerged from the rigid metal conduit or intermediate metal conduit are not considered to be in the building. Informational Note No. 2: For information on the restrictions to the installation of network-powered broadband communications cables in fabricated ducts see 830.113(B).

Applications Cable Types

BLP BLR BL BMR BM BLX BMU, BLU

In Fabricated Ducts as Described in 300.22(B) In fabricated ducts as described in 300.22(B) Y* N N N N N N In metal raceway that complies with 300.22(B) Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* N


In other spaces used for environmental air as described in 300.22(C)

Y* N N N N N N

In metal raceway that complies with 300.22(C) Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* N In plenum communications raceways Y* N N N N N N In plenum cable routing assemblies Y* N N N N N N Supported by open metal cable trays Y* N N N N N N Supported by solid bottom metal cable trays with solid metal covers

Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* N

In Risers

In vertical runs Y* Y* N Y* N N N In metal raceways Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* N In fireproof shafts Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* N In plenum communications raceways Y* Y* N N N N N In plenum cable routing assemblies Y* Y* N N N N N In riser communications raceways Y* Y* N N N N N In riser cable routing assemblies Y* Y* N N N N N In one-and two-family dwellings Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* N


General Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* N In one-and two-family dwellings Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* N Supported by cable trays Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* N N In rigid metal conduit and intermediate metal conduit

Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y*

In any raceway recognized in Chapter 3 Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* Y* N In plenum communications raceways Y* Y* Y* N N N N In plenum cable routing assemblies Y* Y* Y* N N N N In riser communications raceways Y* Y* Y* N N N N In riser cable routing assemblies Y* Y* Y* N N N N In general-purpose communications raceways Y* Y* Y* N N N N In general-purpose cable routing assemblies Y* Y* Y* N N N N


_______________________________________________________________________________________________


shown in the draft.Revise column headings as follows:1. Add “Specifically” before “Fabricated”; delete “and plenums”4. Change “fireproof” to “fire-resistance- rated.”


152Printed on 11/23/2011

Report on Proposals – June 2013 NFPA 70related standards and other codes. It is a known fact that that “fireproof” is not a legally defensible term. A commenthas been submitted to change the term in 830.113.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-257 Log #459 NEC-P16







_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-258 Log #1887 NEC-P16






_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-259 Log #1845 NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________George Bish, Secure Watch Security

Revise text to read as follows:840.1Scope. This article covers premises-powered optical fiber based broadband communications systems that provide any

one or combination of voice, video, data and interactive services through an optical network terminal (ONT).There are other Premises-Powered Broadband Communications Systems that are not delivered via an

optical network.

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Revise text to read as follows:840.1 Scope. This article covers premises-powered optical fiber based broadband communications systems that

provide any one or combination of voice, video, data, and interactive services through an optical network terminal(ONT) or parabolic antenna system.

Article is not inclusive of newer technologies and descriptions. Change to include parabolic antennasas a means of delivering premises-powered broadband which should be in this article.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-261 Log #2955 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:840.1 Scope. Infonnational Note No. [: A typical basic optical fiber system configuration consists of an optical fiber

cable to the premises (FITP) supplying a broadband signal to an ONT that converts the broadband optical signal intocomponent electrical signals, such as traditional telephone, video, high-speed internet, and interactive services.Powering of the ONT is typically accomplished through an ONT power supply unit (OPSU) and battery backup unit(BBU) that derive their power input from the available ac at the premises. The optical fiber cable is unpowered and maybe non conductive or conductive.

With the addition of parabolic antenna systems this informational note needed clarification . Addedoptical fiber to this informational note for clarity.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-262 Log #460 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:Informational Note No. 2: See 90.2(B)(4) for installations of premises-powered broadband communications systems

that are not covered in this article.This is an editorial proposal to bring about compliance with Section 3.3.5 of the 2003 National



There are several kinds of parallel construction: "This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Special Editorial Task Group. The goals of the task group




154Printed on 11/23/2011



Add text to read as follows:840.1 Scope. Informational Note No.2: A typical parabolic antenna signal receiving system consists of a parabolic

antenna supplying signal to and powered by an on premises receiving unit through coaxial cabling.With the addition of parabolic antenna systems this informational note needed to be added. Added

informational note to include parabolic antenna installations for clarity.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-264 Log #2957 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:840.1 Scope. Informational Note No. 23: See 90.2(8)(4) for installations of premises-powered broadband

communications systems that are not covered in this article.With the addition of parabolic antenna systems this informational note needed to be renumbered.

Renumbered informational note to include parabolic antenna systems as informational note No 2,

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-265 Log #222 NEC-P16



The definitions in Part I of Article 100 and 770.2, 800.2, and 820.2 shall apply. For purposes of this article, the followingadditional definitions apply.











155Printed on 11/23/2011



Revise text to read as follows:Conductive or non-conductive nonconductive optical cable that is either aerial, buried,

or through a raceway and is terminated at an optical network terminal (ONT) and establishing a communicationsnetwork.

This is an editorial proposal to use the term nonconductive consistently throughout the code (nohyphen).









_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-267 Log #660 NEC-P16



Conductive or non-conductive optical fiber cable that is either aerial, buried, orthrough a raceway and brought to the premises, is terminated at an optical network terminal (ONT), and establishingestablishes a connection to a communications network.

Optical cable is undefined; optical fiber cable is defined in 770.2. The definition is not served byindicating how the optical fiber cable is brought to the premises, i.e., aerial or buried. The FTTP does not establish acommunications network, but connects to the communications network.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-268 Log #2958 NEC-P16


Add text to read as follows:Parabolic Antenna, For the purposes of this article is defined as a parabolic antenna having a diameter less than 1 m

(39.37 in.)kArticle is not inclusive of newer technologies and descriptions. Change to include parabolic antennas

as a means of delivering premises-powered broadband which should be in this article.

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Add new text to read as follows:The requirements of 300.22(A) for wiring

systems shall apply to conductive optical fiber cables.Re-letter existing (B) as (C).

Adding this requirement for premises-powered broadband optical fiber cable correlates with a similarrequirement in 800.3, as well as companion proposals to include the requirement in 770.3, 820.3 and 830.3. Onlyconductive premises-powered broadband optical fiber cables are cited as nonconductive optical fiber cables do not posea hazard.



Article;3) make the Articles as self-sufficient as is reasonably possible; and,

improve the language in the difficult to understand Sections.The Task Group members are Jim Brunssen, Sandy Egesdal, Steve Johnson Stan Kahn, Stan Kaufman, David


_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-270 Log #461 NEC-P16


Revise text to read as follows:The requirements of 300.22(C)(3) shall apply.

The correct reference for equipment in other spaces used for environmental air is 300.22(C)(3).This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Special Editorial Task Group. The goals of the task group




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Revise text to read as follows:As appropriate for the services provided, the output circuits derived from the optical network

terminal shall comply with the requirements of the following:(1) Installations of communications circuits — Part V of Article 800(2) Installations of community antenna television and radio distribution circuits — Part V of Article 820(3) Installations of optical fiber cables — Part V of Article 770(4) Installations of Class 2 and Class 3 circuits — Part III of Article 725(5) Installations of power-limited fire alarm circuits — Part III of Article 760



Acceptance of this proposal will reference the appropriate part of each article, the part dealing with wiring within abuilding. Re-lettering is necessary because of a companion proposal to establish a new 840.3(B).





_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-272 Log #463 NEC-P16


Add new text to read as follows:The requirements of 110.3(B) shall apply.

Re-letter the existing 840.3(C) to 840.3(D), etc.Section 840.3 is missing parallel requirements to 820.3(B).

Acceptance of this proposal and the companion proposals will establish parallelism.This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Special Editorial Task Group. The goals of the task group




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_______________________________________________________________________________________________Frederic P. Hartwell, Hartwell Electrical Services, Inc.

Revise as follows:Supply service drops and sets of overhead service conductors of 0–750 volts running above and

parallel to broadband communications service drops shall have a minimum separation of 300 mm (12 in.) at any point inthe span, including the point of and at their attachment to the building. Clearance of not less than 1.0 m (40 in.) shall bemaintained between the two services at the pole.

This provision needs to be correlated with the revisions to service terminology made in the 2011 NEC.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-274 Log #2697 NEC-P16

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Jeremy Neagle, US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives

Revise text to read as follows:Underground optical fiber cables entering

buildings shall comply with 830.47840.47(A) through (C).When Article 840 was added in the 2011 edition of the code the Section 840.47 and the associated

reference was inadvertently numbered 830.47.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-275 Log #1753 NEC-P16





MC_551, MC_552, MC_725, MC_800, MC_820, MC_830, MC_840]

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-276 Log #1909 NEC-P16





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(1) Either (a) all of the electric light, power, Class 1, non–power-limited fire alarm, and medium-power network-poweredbroadband communications circuit conductors or (b) all of the power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors are in araceway or in metal-sheathed Type PLTC, metal-clad, nonmetallic-sheathed, or Type UF cables.



_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-278 Log #2426 NEC-P16



Direct-buried cable, conduit, or other raceways shall be installed to meet the minimumcover requirements of Table 830.47. In addition, direct-buried cables emerging from the ground shall be protected byenclosures, raceways, or other approved means extending from the minimum cover distance required by Table 830.47below grade to a point at least 2.5 m (8 ft) above finished grade. In no case shall the protection be required to exceed450 mm (18 in.) below finished grade. Type BMU and BLU direct-buried cables emerging from the ground shall beinstalled in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit (IMC), rigid nonmetallic conduit, or other approved meansextending from the minimum cover distance required by Table 830.47 below grade to the point of entrance.

(5) Types BMU and BLU cables entering the building from outside and run in rigid metal conduit or intermediate metalconduit (IMC) where the conduit is connected by a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor in accordancewith 830.100(B)

In rigid metal conduit and intermediate metal conduit (IMC)

Informational Note 1: Part V of Article 830 covers installation methods within buildings. This table covers theapplications of listed network-powered broadband communications cables in buildings. The definition of point ofentrance is in 830.2. Network-powered broadband communications cables entrance cables that have not emerged fromthe rigid metal conduit or intermediate metal conduit (IMC) are not considered to be in the building..



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(ATIS)Revise the last sentence as follows:

...if it is practicable to place the primary protector closer than 15 m (50 ft) to the point of entrance point.The term "entrance point" as presently used in the IN is not defined. The term "point of entrance" is

defined in 800.2.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-280 Log #223 NEC-P16


Add text to read as follows:. The requirements of 770.49 shall apply.

This is a companion proposal to revise the definition of point of entrance in 770.2 and create a new770.49.









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Add new text to read as follows:Non–current-carrying metallic members of optical fiber cables, communications cables or coaxial cables entering

buildings or attaching to buildings shall comply with 840.93(A), (B) or (C), respectively.This is an editorial proposal to bring about compliance with Section 3.3.5 of the 2003 National



There are several kinds of parallel construction”This proposed addition brings parallelism to 770.93, 800.93, 820.93, and 840.93.This is one of a group of Proposals prepared by the CMP-16 Special Editorial Task Group. The goals of the task group




_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-282 Log #662 NEC-P16


(ATIS)Delete Section 840.103:

The grounding of the ONT shall be as required by the equipment listing.Section 840.103 is redundant. The identical information is contained in .

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-283 Log #663 NEC-P16



Where there is no mobile home service equipment located within 9.0 m (30 ft) of the exterior wall of the mobile home itserves, the non-current-carrying metallic members of optical fiber cables shall be connected to a grounding electrode inaccordance with 770.106(A)(1), the The ONT, if required to be grounded, shall be connected to a grounding electrodein accordance with 840.100 800.106(A)(1). Premises communications circuits and premises CATV circuits shall begrounded in accordance with 840.93 820.106(A)(1) unless the ONT is listed to provide the grounding path for the shieldof the coaxial cable. The grounding electrode shall be bonded in accordance with 770.106(B).

The original reference to 840.100 is too broad as it brings the reader back to the general bonding andgrounding requirements of 770.100, 800.100 and 820.100. Grounding of optical fiber cable metallic members needs tobe addressed. Bonding and grounding requirements at mobile homes are unique and hence, the specific requirementsin 770, 800 and 820 should be referenced. Bonding to the mobile home metallic frame may be necessary, hence thereference to 770.106(B). Premises communications circuits do not need to be grounded (see 840.101(B)). Text isadded to accommodate those instances where the ONT provides grounding for the coaxial cable shield.

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Where there is no mobile home disconnecting means grounded in accordance with 250.32 and located within 9.0 m(30 ft) of the exterior wall of the mobile home it serves, the non-current-carrying metallic members of optical fiber cablesshall be connected to a grounding electrode in accordance with 770.106(A)(2), the The ONT, if required to begrounded, shall be connected to a grounding electrode in accordance with 800.100(B)(3) 800.106(A)(2). Premisescommunications circuits and premises CATV circuits shall be grounded in accordance with 840.93 820.106(A)(2) unlessthe ONT is listed to provide the grounding path for the shield of the coaxial cable. The grounding electrode shall bebonded in accordance with 770.106(B).

Bonding and grounding requirements at mobile homes are unique and hence, the specificrequirements in 770, 800 and 820 should be referenced. Bonding to the mobile home metallic frame may be necessary,hence the reference to 770.106(B). Grounding of optical fiber cable metallic members needs to be addressed.Premises communications circuits do not need to be grounded (see 840.101(B)). Text is added to accommodate thoseinstances where the ONT provides grounding for the coaxial cable shield.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________16-285 Log #1888 NEC-P16






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National Fire Protection Association - NFPA 770.216-22 707 770.2 and 800.216-23 2317 770.216-24 190...

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