Informational Note: The general term grounding conductor as previously used in this article is replaced by either the term bonding conductor or the term grounding electrode conductor (GEC), where applicable, to more accurately reflect the application and function of the conductor. See Informational Note Figure 800(a) and Informational Note Figure 800(b).
Informational Note Figure 800(a) Example of the Use of the Term Bonding Conductor Used in a Communications Installation.
Informational Note Figure 800(b) Example of the Use of the Term Grounding Electrode Conductor Used in a Communications Installation.
This article covers communications circuits and equipment.
Informational Note No. 1: See 90.2(B)(4) for installations of communications circuits and equipment that are not covered.
Informational Note No. 2: For further information for remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits, see Article 725.
Informational Note No. 3: For further information for fire alarm systems, see Article 760.
See Part I of Article 100. For the purposes of this article, the following additional definitions apply.
Abandoned Communications Cable. Installed communications cable that is not terminated at both ends at a connector or other equipment and not identified for future use with a tag.
Informational Note: See Part I of Article 100 for a definition of Equipment.
Block. A square or portion of a city, town, or village enclosed by streets and including the alleys so enclosed, but not any street.
Cable. A factory assembly of two or more conductors having an overall covering.
Cable Sheath. A covering over the conductor assembly that may include one or more metallic members, strength members, or jackets.
Communications Circuit. 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 communications equipment up to and including terminal equipment such as a telephone, fax machine, or answering machine.
Communications Circuit Integrity (CI) Cable. Cable used in communications systems to ensure continued operation of critical circuits during a specified time under fire conditions.
Electrical Circuit Protective System A system consisting of components and materials intended for installation as protection for specific electrical wiring systems with respect to the disruption of electrical circuit integrity upon exterior fire exposure.
Exposed (to Accidental Contact). A circuit that is in such a position that, in case of failure of supports or insulation, contact with another circuit may result.
Informational Note: See Part I of Article 100 for two other definitions of Exposed.
Point of Entrance. The point within a building at which the communications wire or cable emerges from an external wall, from a concrete floor slab, from rigid metal conduit (RMC), or from intermediate metal conduit (IMC).
Premises. The land and buildings of a user located on the user side of the utility-user network point of demarcation.
Wire. A factory assembly of one or more insulated conductors without an overall covering.
The requirements of 300.22(A) shall apply.
The requirements of 300.22(C)(3) shall apply.
The requirements of 110.3(B) shall apply.
Article 830 shall apply to network-powered broadband communications systems.
Article 840 shall apply to premises-powered broadband communications systems.
Where optical fiber cable is used, either in whole or in part, to provide a communications circuit within a building, Article 770 shall apply to the installation of the optical fiber portion of the communications circuit.
Listed plenum communications raceway, listed riser communications raceway, and listed general-purpose communications raceway selected in accordance with the provisions of Table 800.154(b) shall be permitted to be installed as innerduct in any type of listed raceway permitted in Chapter 3.
Equipment electrically connected to a communications network shall be listed in accordance with 800.170.
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 the building structure in such a manner that the cable will not 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 to 300.4(D) and 300.11. Nonmetallic cable ties and other nonmetallic cable accessories used to secure and support cables in other spaces 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 568-2006, Standard for Installing Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling, ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B. 1-2004 — Part 1, General Requirements Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard; ANSI/TIA-569-B-2004, Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces', ANSI/TIA-570-B. Residential Telecommunications Infrastructure, and other ANSI-approved installation standards.
Informational Note No. 2: See 4.3.11.2.6.5 and 4.3.11.5.5.6 of NFPA 90A-2012, Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, for discrete combustible components installed in accordance with 300.22(C).
The accessible portion of abandoned communications cables shall be removed. Where cables are identified for future use with a tag, the tag shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.
Installations of communications cables, communications raceways, cable routing assemblies in hollow spaces, vertical shafts, and ventilation or air-handling ducts shall be made so that the possible spread of fire or products of combustion will not be substantially increased. Openings around penetrations of communications cables, communications raceways, and cable routing assemblies through fire-resistant-rated walls, partitions, floors, or ceilings shall be firestopped using approved methods to maintain the fire resistance rating.
Informational Note: Directories of electrical construction materials published by qualified testing laboratories contain many listing installation restrictions necessary to maintain the fire-resistive rating of assemblies where penetrations or openings are made. Building codes also contain restrictions on membrane penetrations on opposite sides of a fire resistance-rated wall assembly. An example is the 600 mm (24 in.) minimum horizontal separation that usually applies between boxes installed on opposite sides of the wall. Assistance in complying with 800.26 can be found in building codes, fire resistance directories, and product listings.
Where communications wires and cables and electric light or power conductors are supported by the same pole or are run parallel to each other in-span, the conditions described in 800.44(A)(1) through(A)(4) shall be met.
Supply service drops and sets of overhead service conductors of 0 to 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 that the ungrounded conductors are insulated and that a clearance of not less than 1.0 m (40 in.) is maintained between the two services at the pole.
Communications wires and cables shall have a vertical clearance of not less than 2.5 m (8 ft) from all points of roofs above which they pass.
Exception No. 1: Auxiliary buildings, such as garages and the like.
Exception No. 2: A reduction in clearance above only the overhanging portion of the roof to not less than 450 mm (18 in.) shall be permitted if (a) not more than 1.2 m (4 ft) of communications service-drop conductors pass above the roof overhang and (b) they are terminated at a through- or above-the-roof raceway or approved support.
Exception No. 3: Where the roof has a slope of not less than 100 mm in 300 mm (4 in. in 12 in.), a reduction in clearance to not less than 900 mm (3 ft) shall be permitted.
Underground communications wires and cables in a raceway, handhole enclosure, or manhole containing electric light, power, Class 1, or non-power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors shall be in a section separated from such conductors by means of brick, concrete, or tile partitions or by means of a suitable barrier.
Where the entire street circuit is run underground and the circuit within the block is placed so as to be free from the likelihood of accidental contact with electric light or power circuits of over 300 volts to ground, the insulation requirements of 800.50(A) and (C) shall not apply, insulating supports shall not be required for the conductors, and bushings shall not be required where the conductors enter the building.
Unlisted outside plant communications cables shall be permitted to be installed in building spaces other than risers, ducts used for environmental air, plenums used for environmental air, and other spaces used for environmental air, where the length of the cable within the building, measured from its point of entrance, does not exceed 15 m (50 ft) and the cable enters the building from the outside and is terminated in an enclosure or on a listed primary protector.
Informational Note No. 1: Splice cases or terminal boxes, both metallic and plastic types, are typically used as enclosures for splicing or terminating telephone cables.
Informational Note No. 2: This section limits the length of unlisted outside plant cable to 15 m (50 ft), while 800.90(B) requires that the primary protector be located as close as practicable to the point at which the cable enters the building. Therefore, in installations requiring a primary protector, the outside plant cable may not be permitted to extend 15 m (50 ft) into the building if it is practicable to place the primary protector closer than 15 m (50 ft) to the point of entrance.
Informational Note No. 3: See 800.2 for the definition of point of entrance.
Rigid metal conduit (RMC) or intermediate metal conduit (IMC) containing communications entrance wire or cable shall be connected by a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor to a grounding electrode in accordance with 800.100(B).
Communications wires and cables in accordance with 800.50(A) shall be separated at least 100 mm (4 in.) from electric light or power conductors not in a raceway or cable or be permanently separated from conductors of the other systems by a continuous and firmly fixed nonconductor in addition to the insulation on the wires, such as porcelain tubes or flexible tubing. Communications wires and cables in accordance with 800.50(A) exposed to accidental contact with electric light and power conductors operating at over 300 volts to ground and attached to buildings shall be separated from woodwork by being supported on glass, porcelain, or other insulating material.
Exception: Separation from woodwork shall not be required where fuses are omitted as provided for in 800.90(A)(1), or where conductors are used to extend circuits to a building from a cable having a grounded metal sheath.
Where a primary protector is installed inside the building, the communications wires and cables shall enter the building either through a noncombustible, nonabsorbent insulating bushing or through a metal raceway. The insulating bushing shall not be required where the entering communications wires and cables (1) are in metal-sheathed cable, (2) pass through masonry, (3) meet the requirements of 800.50(A) and fuses are omitted as provided in 800.90(A)(1), or (4) meet the requirements of 800.50(A) and are used to extend circuits to a building from a cable having a grounded metallic sheath. Raceways or bushings shall slope upward from the outside or, where this cannot be done, drip loops shall be formed in the communications wires and cables immediately before they enter the building.
A listed primary protector shall be provided on each circuit run partly or entirely in aerial wire or aerial cable not confined within a block. Also, a listed primary protector shall be provided on each circuit, aerial or underground, located within the block containing the building served so as to be exposed to accidental contact with electric light or power conductors operating at over 300 volts to ground. In addition, where there exists a lightning exposure, each interbuilding circuit on a premises shall be protected by a listed primary protector at each end of the interbuilding circuit. Installation of primary protectors shall also comply with 110.3(B).
Informational Note No. 1: On a circuit not exposed to accidental contact with power conductors, providing a listed primary protector in accordance with this article helps protect against other hazards, such as lightning and above-normal voltages induced by fault currents on power circuits in proximity to the communications circuit.
Informational Note No. 2: Interbuilding circuits are considered to have a lightning exposure unless one or more of the following conditions exist:
- Circuits in large metropolitan areas where buildings are close together and sufficiently high to intercept lightning.
- 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 containing the cable is connected to each building grounding electrode system.
- Areas having an average of five or fewer thunderstorm days per year and earth resistivity of less than 100 ohmmeters. Such areas are found along the Pacific coast.
Fuseless-type primary protectors shall be permitted under any of the conditions given in (A)(1)(a) through (A)(1)(e).
(a) Where conductors enter a building through a cable with grounded metallic sheath member(s) and where the conductors in the cable safely fuse on all currents greater than the current-carrying capacity of the primary protector and of the primary protector bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor
(b) Where insulated conductors in accordance with 800.50(A) are used to extend circuits to a building from a cable with an effectively grounded metallic sheath member(s) and where the conductors in the cable or cable stub, or the connections between the insulated conductors and the plant exposed to accidental contact with electric light or power conductors operating at greater than 300 volts to ground, safely fuse on all currents greater than the current-carrying capacity of the primary protector, or the associated insulated conductors and of the primary protector bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor
(c) Where insulated conductors in accordance with 800.50(A) or (B) are used to extend circuits to a building from other than a cable with metallic sheath member(s), where (1) the primary protector is listed as being suitable for this purpose for application with circuits extending from other than a cable with metallic sheath members, and (2) the connections of the insulated conductors to the plant exposed to accidental contact with electric light or power conductors operating at greater than 300 volts to ground or the conductors of the plant exposed to accidental contact with electric light or power conductors operating at greater than 300 volts to ground safely fuse on all currents greater than the current-carrying capacity of the primary protector, or associated insulated conductors and of the primary protector bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor
(d) Where insulated conductors in accordance with 800.50(A) are used to extend circuits aerially to a building from a buried or underground circuit that is unexposed to accidental contact with electric light or power conductors operating at greater than 300 volts to ground
(e) Where insulated conductors in accordance with 800.50(A) are used to extend circuits to a building from cable with an effectively grounded metallic sheath member(s), and where (1) the combination of the primary protector and insulated conductors is listed as being suitable for this purpose for application with circuits extending from a cable with an effectively grounded metallic sheath member(s), and (2) the insulated conductors safely fuse on all currents greater than the current-carrying capacity of the primary protector and of the primary protector bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor
Informational Note: Section 9 of ANSI C2-2007, National Electrical Safety Code, provides an example of methods of protective grounding that can achieve effective grounding of communications cable sheaths for cables from which communications circuits are extended.
Where the requirements listed under 800.90(A)(1)(a) through (A)(1)(e) are not met, fused-type primary protectors shall be used. Fused-type primary protectors shall consist of an arrester connected between each line conductor and ground, a fuse in series with each line conductor, and an appropriate mounting arrangement. Primary protector terminals shall be marked to indicate line, instrument, and ground, as applicable.
The primary protector shall be located in, on, or immediately adjacent to the structure or building served and as close as practicable to the point of entrance.
Informational Note: See 800.2 for the definition of Point of Entrance.
For purposes of this section, primary protectors located at mobile home service equipment within 9.0 m (30 ft) of the exterior wall of the mobile home it serves, or at a mobile home disconnecting means connected to an electrode by a grounding electrode conductor in accordance with 250.32 and located within 9.0 m (30 ft) of the exterior wall of the mobile home it serves, shall be considered to meet the requirements of this section.
Informational Note: Selecting a primary protector location to achieve the shortest practicable primary protector bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor helps limit potential differences between communications circuits and other metallic systems.
Where a secondary protector is installed in series with the indoor communications wire and cable between the primary protector and the equipment, it shall be listed for the purpose in accordance with 800.170(B).
Informational Note: Secondary protectors on circuits exposed to accidental contact with electric light or power conductors operating at greater than 300 volts to ground are not intended for use without primary protectors.
In installations where the communications cable enters a building, the metallic sheath members of the cable shall be either grounded as specified in 800.100 or interrupted by an insulating joint or equivalent device. The grounding or interruption shall be as close as practicable to the point of entrance.
In installations where the communications cable is terminated on the outside of the building, the metallic sheath members of the cable shall be either grounded as specified in 800.100 or interrupted by an insulating joint or equivalent device. The grounding or interruption shall be as close as practicable to the point of termination of the cable.
Informational Note: See 800.2 for a definition of Point of Entrance.
The primary protector and the metallic members) of the cable sheath shall be bonded or grounded as specified in 800.100(A) through (D).
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be listed and shall be permitted to be insulated, covered, or bare.
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be copper or other corrosion-resistant conductive material, stranded or solid.
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall not be smaller than 14 AWG. It shall have a current-carrying capacity not less than the grounded metallic sheath member(s) and protected conductor(s) of the communications cable. The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall not be required to exceed 6 AWG.
The primary protector bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be as short as practicable. In one- and two-family dwellings, the primary protector bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be as short as practicable, not to exceed 6.0 m (20 ft) in length.
Informational Note: Similar bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor length limitations applied at apartment buildings and commercial buildings help to reduce voltages that may be developed between the building's power and communications systems during lightning events.
Exception: In one- and two-family dwellings where it is not practicable to achieve an overall maximum primary protector bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor length of 6.0 m (20 ft), a separate communications ground rod meeting the minimum dimensional criteria of 800.100(B)(3)(2) shall be driven, the primary protector shall be connected to the communications ground rod in accordance with 800.100(C), and the communications ground rod shall be connected to the power grounding electrode system in accordance with 800.100(D).
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be run in as straight a line as practicable.
Bonding conductors and grounding electrode conductors shall be protected where exposed to physical damage. Where the bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor is installed in a metal raceway, both ends of the raceway shall be bonded to the contained conductor or to the same terminal or electrode to which the bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor is connected.
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be connected in accordance with 800.100(B)(1), (B)(2), or (B)(3).
If the building or structure served has an intersystem bonding termination as required by 250.94, the bonding conductor shall be connected to the intersystem bonding termination.
Informational Note: See Part I of Article 100 for the definition of Intersystem Bonding Termination.
If the building or structure served has no intersystem bonding termination, the bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be connected to the nearest accessible location on one of the following:
- The building or structure grounding electrode system as covered in 250.50
- The grounded interior metal water piping system, within 1.5 m (5 ft) from its point of entrance to the building, as covered in 250.52
- The power service accessible means external to enclosures as covered in 250.94
- The nonflexible metallic power service raceway
- The service equipment enclosure
- The grounding electrode conductor or the grounding electrode conductor metal enclosure of the power service, or
- 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
A bonding device intended to provide a termination point for the bonding conductor (intersystem bonding) shall not interfere with the opening of an equipment enclosure. A bonding device shall be mounted on nonremovable parts. A bonding device shall not be mounted on a door or cover even if the door or cover is nonremovable.
For purposes of this section, the mobile home service equipment or the mobile home disconnecting means, as described in 800.90(B), shall be considered accessible.
If the building or structure served has no intersystem bonding termination or grounding means, as described in 800.100(B)(2), the grounding electrode conductor shall be connected to either of the following:
- To any one of the individual grounding electrodes described in 250.52(A)(1), (A)(2), (A)(3), or (A)(4).
- 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 to a ground rod or pipe not less than 1.5 m (5 ft) in length and 12.7 mm (1/2 in.) indiameter, driven, where practicable, into permanently damp earth and separated from lightning conductors as covered in 800.53 and at least 1.8 m (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.
Connections to grounding electrodes shall comply with 250.70.
A bonding jumper not smaller than 6 AWG copper or equivalent shall be connected between the communications grounding electrode and power grounding electrode system at the building or structure served where separate electrodes are used.
Exception: At mobile homes as covered in 800.106.
Informational Note No. 2: Bonding together of all separate electrodes limits potential differences between them and between their associated wiring systems.
Grounding shall comply with 800.106(A)(1) and (A)(2).
(1) Where there is no mobile home service equipment 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 a grounding electrode conductor or grounding electrode in accordance with 800.100(B)(3).
(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 primary protector grounding terminal shall be connected to a grounding electrode in accordance with 800.100(B)(3).
The primary protector grounding terminal or grounding electrode shall be connected to the metal frame or available grounding terminal of the mobile home with a copper conductor not smaller than 12 AWG under either of the following conditions:
- Where there is no mobile home service equipment or disconnecting means as in 800.106(A)
- Where the mobile home is supplied by cord and plug
Communications wires and 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 800.110(C).
Communications wires and cables shall be permitted to be installed in listed plenum communications raceways, listed riser communications raceways, and listed general-purpose communications raceways 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.
Communications wires and 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 provisions of 800.113 and installed in accordance with 800.110(C)(1) and (2).
Cable routing assemblies shall be supported where run horizontally 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 distance between supports exceed 3 m (10 ft).
Vertical runs of cable routing assemblies shall be supported at intervals not exceeding 1.2 m (4 ft), unless listed for other support intervals, and shall not have more than one joint between supports.
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, communications raceways, and cable routing assemblies installed in buildings shall be listed.
The following wires and cables shall be permitted in ducts used for environmental air as described in 300.22(B) if they are directly associated with the air distribution system:
- Up to 1.22 m (4 ft) of Type CMP cable
- 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 of NFPA 90A-2012, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.
The following wires, cables, and raceways shall be permitted in other spaces used for environmental air as described in 300.22(C):
- Type CMP cables
- Plenum communications raceways
- Type CMP cables installed in plenum communications raceways
- Type CMP cables and plenum communications raceways supported by open metallic cable trays or cable tray systems
- Types CMP. CMR. CMG, CM, and CMX cables and communications wires installed in raceways that are installed in compliance with 300.22(C)
- Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables, plenum communications raceways, riser communications raceways, and general-purpose communications raceways 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)
- Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables installed in plenum communications raceways, riser communications raceways, and general-purpose communications raceways 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)
Informational Note: For information on fire protection of wiring installed in other spaces used for environmental air, see 4.3.11.2, 4.3.11.4, and 4.3.11.5 of NFPA 90A-2012, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.
The following cables, raceways, and cable routing assemblies shall be permitted in vertical runs penetrating one or more floors and in vertical runs in a shaft:
- Types CMP and CMR cables
- Plenum and riser communications raceways
- Plenum and riser cable routing assemblies
- Types CMP and CMR cables installed in:
Informational Note: See 800.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.
The following cables and raceways shall be permitted in metal raceways in a riser having firestops at each floor:
- Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables
- Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways
- Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Riser communications raceways
- General-purpose communications raceways
Informational Note: See 800.26 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 at each floor:
- Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables
- Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways
- Plenum, riser, and general-purpose cable routing assemblies
- Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Riser communications raceways
- General-purpose communications raceways
- Plenum cable routing assemblies
- Riser cable routing assemblies
- General-purpose cable routing assemblies
Informational Note: See 800.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.
The following cables, raceways, and cable routing assemblies shall be permitted in one- and two-family dwellings:
- Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables
- Type CMX cables less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter
- Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways
- Plenum, riser, and general-purpose cable routing assemblies
- Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Riser communications raceways
- General-purpose communications raceways
- Plenum cable routing assemblies
- Riser cable routing assemblies
- General-purpose cable routing assemblies
The following wires, cables, and raceways shall be permitted to be supported by cable trays:
- Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables
- Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways
- Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Riser communications raceways
- General-purpose communications raceways
The following wires, cables, raceways, and cable routing assemblies shall be permitted to be installed in distributing frames and cross-connect arrays:
- Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables and communications wires
- Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways
- Plenum, riser, and general-purpose cable routing assemblies
- Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Riser communications raceways
- General-purpose communications raceways
- Plenum cable routing assemblies
- Riser cable routing assemblies
- General-purpose cable routing assemblies
The following wires, cables, raceways, and cable routing assemblies shall be permitted to be installed in building locations other than the locations covered in 800.113(B) through (I):
- Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables
- A maximum of 3 m (10 ft) of exposed Type CMX in nonconcealed spaces
- Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways
- Plenum, riser, and general-purpose cable routing assemblies
- Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Riser communications raceways
- General-purpose communications raceways
- Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
- Plenum cable routing assemblies
- Riser cable routing assemblies
- General-purpose cable routing assemblies
- Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables installed in raceways recognized in Chapter 3
- Type CMUC under-carpet communications wires and cables installed under carpet
The following cables, raceways, and cable routing assemblies shall be permitted to be installed in multifamily dwellings in locations other than the locations covered in 800.113(B) through (G):
- Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables
- Type CMX cables less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter in nonconcealed spaces
- Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways
- Plenum, riser, and general-purpose cable routing assemblies
- Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Riser communications raceways
- General-purpose communications raceways
- Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
- Plenum cable routing assemblies
- Riser cable routing assemblies
- General-purpose cable routing assemblies
- Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables installed in raceways recognized in Chapter 3
- Type CMUC under-carpet communications wires and cables installed under carpet
The following cables, raceways, and cable routing assemblies shall be permitted to be installed in one- and two-family dwellings in locations other than the locations covered in 800.113(B) through (F):
- Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables
- Type CMX cables less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter
- Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications raceways
- Plenum, riser, and general-purpose cable routing assemblies
- Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Riser communications raceways
- General-purpose communications raceways
- Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
- Plenum cable routing assemblies
- Riser cable routing assemblies
- General-purpose cable routing assemblies
- Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables installed in raceways recognized in Chapter 3
- Type CMUC under-carpet communications wires and cables installed under carpet
- Hybrid power and communications cable listed in accordance with 800.179(I)
(a) Optical Fiber and Communications Cables. Communications cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, box, enclosure, or cable routing assembly with cables of any of the following:
- Nonconductive and conductive optical fiber cables in compliance with Parts I and V of Article 770
- Community antenna television and radio distribution systems in compliance with Parts I and V of Article 820
- Low-power network-powered broadband communications circuits in compliance with Parts I and V of Article 830
(b) Other Circuits. Communications cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, box, enclosure, or cable routing assembly with cables of any of the following:
- Class 2 and Class 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits in compliance with Article 645 or Parts I and III of Article 725
- Power-limited fire alarm systems in compliance with Parts I and III of Article 760
(c) Class 2 and Class 3 Circuits. Class 1 circuits shall not be run in the same cable with communications circuits. Class 2 and Class 3 circuit conductors shall be permitted in the same cable with communications circuits, in which case the Class 2 and Class 3 circuits shall be classified as communications circuits and shall meet the requirements of this article. The cables shall be listed as communications cables.
Exception: Cables constructed of individually listed Class 2, Class 3, and communications cables under a common jacket shall not be required to be classified as communications cable. The fire-resistance rating of the composite cable shall be determined by the performance of the composite cable.
(d) Electric Light, Power, Class 1, Non-Power-Limited Fire Alarm, and Medium-Power Network-Powered Broadband Communications Circuits in Raceways, Compartments, and Boxes. Communications conductors shall not be placed in any raceway, compartment, outlet box, junction box, or similar fitting with conductors of electric light, power, Class 1, non-power-limited fire alarm, or medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits.
Exception No. 1: Where all of the conductors of electric light, power, Class 1, non-power-limited fire alarm, and medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits are separated from all of the conductors of communications circuits by a permanent barrier or listed divider.
Exception No. 2: Power conductors in outlet boxes, junction boxes, or similar fittings or compartments where such conductors are introduced solely for power supply to communications equipment. The power circuit conductors shall be routed within the enclosure to maintain a minimum of 6 mm (0.25 in.) separation from the communications circuit conductors.
Exception No. 3: As permitted by 620.36.
Communications wires and cables shall be separated at least 50 mm (2 in.) from conductors of any electric light, power, Class 1, non-power-limited fire alarm, or medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits.
Exception No. 1: Where either (1) all of the conductors of the electric light, power, Class 1, non-power-limited fire alarm, and medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits are in a raceway or in metal-sheathed, metal-clad, nonmetallic-sheathed, Type AC, or Type UF cables, or (2) all of the conductors of communications circuits are encased in raceway.
Exception No. 2: Where the communications wires and cables are permanently separated from the conductors of electric light, power, Class 1, non-power-limited fire alarm, and medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits by a continuous and firmly fixed nonconductor, such as porcelain tubes or flexible tubing, in addition to the insulation on the wire.
Permitted and nonpermitted applications of listed communications wires, cables, and raceways, and listed cable routing assemblies, shall be in accordance with one of the following:
- Listed communications wires and cables as indicated in Table 800.154(a)
- Listed communications raceways as indicated in Table 800.154(b)
- Listed cable routing assemblies as indicated in Table 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(d) and illustrated in Figure 800.154 shall be permitted.
| Applications | Wire and Cable Type | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMP | CMR | CMG CM | CMX | CMUC | Hybrid power and Communications cables |
Communications wires | ||
| In specifically 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 as described in 300.22(C) | 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 | NOT PERMITTED | |||||||
| 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 | Y* | |
| 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* | 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* | |
| In plenum communications raceways | Y* | Y* | Y* | N | N | N | Y* | |
| In plenum cable routing assemblies | Y* | Y* | Y* | N | N | N | Y* | |
| In riser communications raceways | Y* | Y* | Y* | N | N | N | Y* | |
| In riser cable routing assemblies | 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 is not permitted to be installed in the application. A "Y*" indicates that the cable is permitted to be installed in the application subject to the limitations described in 800.113.
Informational Note No. 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 (RMC) or intermediate metal conduit (IMC) 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).
Informational Note No. 3: Cable routing assemblies are not addressed in NFPA 90A-2012, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.
Table 800.154(b) Applications of Listed Communications Raceways in Buildings
| Applications | Raceway Type | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plenum Communications Raceways | Riser Communications Raceways | General-Purpose Communications Raceways | ||
| In specifically 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* | |
| 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 cable routing assemblies | NOT PERMITTED | |||
| 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 cable routing assemblies | N | N | N | |
| In riser cable routing assemblies | N | N | N | |
| In one- and two-family dwellings | 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* | |
| In any raceway recognized in Chapter 3 | Y* | Y* | Y* | |
| In plenum cable routing assemblies | N | N | N | |
| In riser cable routing assemblies | 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.
Informational Note: Cable routing assemblies are not addressed in NFPA 90A-2012, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.
Table 800.154(c) 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 specifically 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 | |
| In other spaces used for environmental air as described in 300.22(C) | In other spaces used for environmental air | N | N | N |
| In metal raceway that complies with 300.22(C) | N | N | N | |
| In plenum communications raceways | N | N | N | |
| Supported by open metal cable trays | N | N | N | |
| Supported by solid bottom metal cable trays with solid metal covers | 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 | |
| In riser communications raceways | N | N | N | |
| In one- and two-family dwellings | 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* | |
| In any raceway recognized in Chapter 3 | N | N | N | |
| In plenum communications raceways | N | N | N | |
| In riser communications raceways | N | N | N | |
| In general-purpose communications raceways | 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 800.113.
Table 800.154(d) Cable Substitutions
| Cable Type | Permitted Substitutions |
|---|---|
| CMR | CMP |
| CMG, CM | CMP, CMR |
| CMX | CMP, CMR, CMG, CM |
Figure 800.154 Cable Substitution Hierarchy.
For new construction, a minimum of one communications outlet shall be installed within the dwelling in a readily accessible area and cabled to the service provider demarcation point.
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 60950-1-2007, Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment; UL 1459-1999. Standard for Safety Telephone Equipment; or UL 1863-2004, Standard for Safety Communications Circuit Accessories. For information on listing requirements for cable routing assemblies and communications raceways, see UL 2024-2011, Standard for Signaling, Optical Fiber and Communications Cable Raceways and Cable Routing Assemblies.
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 as applicable.
Informational Note: One way to determine applicable requirements for a listed primary protector is to refer to ANSI/UL 497-2009, Standard for Protectors for Paired Conductor Communications Circuits.
The secondary protector shall be listed as suitable to provide means to safely limit currents to less than the current-carrying capacity of listed indoor communications wire and cable, listed telephone set line cords, and listed communications terminal equipment having ports for external wire line communications circuits. Any overvoltage protection, arresters, or grounding connection 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 to ANSI/UL 497A-2008, Standard for Secondary Protectors for Communications Circuits.
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 NFPA 90A-2012, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, and ANSI/UL 2043. Standard for Safety Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling Spaces, for information on listing discrete products as having low smoke and heat release properties.
Communications wires and cables without a metallic shield, running from the last outdoor support to the primary protector, shall be listed as being suitable for the purpose and shall have current-carrying capacity as specified in 800.90(A)(1)(b) or (A)(1)(c).
Communications wires and cables shall be listed in accordance with 800.179(A) through (I) and marked in accordance with Table 800.179. Conductors in communications cables, other than in a coaxial cable, shall be copper.
Communications wires and cables shall have a voltage rating of not less than 300 volts. The insulation for the individual conductors, other than the outer conductor of a coaxial cable, shall be rated for 300 volts minimum. The cable voltage rating shall not be marked on the cable or on the undercarpet communications wire. Communications wires and cables shall have a temperature rating of not less than 60°C.
Exception: Voltage markings shall be permitted where the cable has multiple listings and voltage marking is required for one or more of the listings.
Informational Note No. 1: Voltage markings on cables may be misinterpreted to suggest that the cables may be suitable for Class 1, electric light, and power applications.
Table 800.179 Cable Markings
| Cable Marking | Type |
|---|---|
| CMP | Communications plenum cable |
| CMR | Communications riser cable |
| CMG | Communications general-purpose cable |
| CM | Communications general-purpose cable |
| CMX | Communications cable, limited use |
| CMUC | Undercarpet communications wire and cable |
Informational Note: Cable types are listed in descending order of fire resistance rating.
Type CMP communications plenum cables shall be listed as being suitable for use in ducts, plenums, and other spaces used for environmental air and shall also be listed as having adequate fire-resistant and low smoke-producing characteristics.
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 a maximum flame spread distance of 1.52 m (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262-2011, Standard Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces.
Type CMR communications riser cables shall be 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 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 from floor to floor is that the cables pass the requirements of ANSI/UL 1666-2011, Standard Test for Flame Propagation Height of Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cable Installed Vertically in Shafts.
Type CMG general-purpose communications cables shall be listed as being suitable for general purpose communications 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 for the damage (char length) not to exceed 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in.) when performing the CSA "Vertical Flame Test — Cables in Cable Trays," as described in CSA C22.2 No. 0.3-M-2001, Test Methods for Electrical Wires and Cables.
Type CM communications cables shall be listed as being suitable for general-purpose communications 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 Flame Tray Test" in ANSI/UL 1685-2011, Standard for Safety for Vertical-Tray Fire-Propagation and Smoke-Release Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables. The smoke measurements in the test method are not applicable.
Cables that are used for survivability of critical circuits under fire conditions shall be listed and meet either 800.179(G)(1) or (2) as follows:
Informational Note: The listing organization provides information for circuit integrity (Cl) cable and electrical circuit protective systems, including installation requirements required to maintain the fire rating.
Cables specified in 800.179(A) through (E) and 800.179(G)(l), that are part of an electrical circuit protective system, shall be fire-resistive cable identified with the protective system number on the product, or on the smallest unit container in which the product is packaged, and shall be installed in accordance with the listing of the protective system.
Informational Note No. 1: One method of defining an electrical circuit protective system is by establishing a minimum 2-hour fire resistance rating for the system when tested in accordance with UL Subject 1724, Outline of Investigation for Fire Tests for Electrical Circuit Protective Systems.
Informational Note No. 2: The listing organization provides information for electrical circuit protective systems (FHIT), including installation requirements for maintaining the fire rating.
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 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 Flame Tray Test" in ANSI/XUL 1685-2010, Standard for Safety for Vertical-Tray Fire-Propagation and Smoke-Release Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables. 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-B, conforming to the provisions of Part III of Article 334, and the communications cable is a listed Type CM, the jackets on the listed NM or NM-B, and listed CM cables are rated for 600 volts minimum, and the hybrid cable is 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 Flame Tray Test" in ANSI/UL 1685-2010, Standard for Safety for Vertical-Tray Fire-Propagation and Smoke-Release Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables. The smoke measurements in the test method are not applicable.
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, Signaling, Optical Fiber and Communications Raceways and Cable Routing Assemblies.
Plenum communications raceways and plenum cable routing assemblies shall be listed as having adequate fire-resistant and low-smoke producing characteristics.
Riser communications raceways and riser cable routing assemblies shall be listed as having adequate fire-resistant characteristics capable of preventing the carrying of fire from floor to floor.
General-purpose communications raceways and general-purpose cable routing assemblies shall be listed as being resistant to the spread of fire.
Informational Note: The general term grounding conductor as previously used in this article is replaced by either the term bonding conductor or the term grounding electrode conductor (GEC), where applicable, to more accurately reflect the application and function of the conductor.
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 as wire-strung type, multi-element, vertical rod, fiat, or parabolic and also covers the wiring and cabling that connect them to equipment. This article does not cover equipment and antennas used for coupling carrier current to power line conductors.
For definitions applicable to this article, see Part I of Article 100.
Wiring from the source of power to and between devices connected to the interior wiring system shall comply with Chapters 1 through 4 other than as modified by Parts I and II of Article 640. Wiring for audio signal processing, amplification, and reproduction equipment shall comply with Article 640. Coaxial cables that connect antennas to equipment shall comply with Article 820.
The antenna shall comply with this article. The distribution system shall comply with Article 820.
Radio interference eliminators, interference capacitors, or noise suppressors connected to power-supply leads shall be of a listed type. They shall not be exposed to physical damage.
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 shall be connected between the conductors and the grounded shield or other ground connection. The antenna lead-in protector shall be grounded using a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor installed in accordance with 810.21(F).
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.
Antennas and lead-in conductors shall be of hard-drawn copper, bronze, aluminum alloy, copper-clad steel, or other high-strength, corrosion-resistant material.
Exception: Soft-drawn or medium-drawn copper shall be permitted for lead-in conductors where the maximum span between points of support is less than 11 m (35 ft).
Outdoor antennas and lead-in conductors shall be securely supported. The antennas or lead-in conductors shall not be attached to the electric service mast. They shall not be attached to poles or similar structures carrying open electric light or power wires or trolley wires of over 250 volts between conductors. Insulators supporting the antenna conductors shall have sufficient mechanical strength to safely support the conductors. Lead-in conductors shall be securely attached to the antennas.
Outdoor antennas and lead-in conductors from an antenna to a building shall not cross over open conductors of electric light or power circuits and shall be kept well away from all such circuits so as to avoid the possibility of accidental contact. Where proximity to open electric light or power service conductors of less than 250 volts between conductors cannot be avoided, the installation shall be such as to provide a clearance of at least 600 mm (2 ft).
Where practicable, antenna conductors shall be installed so as not to cross under open electric light or power conductors.
Outdoor antenna conductors for receiving stations shall be of a size not less than given in Table 810.16(A).
Table 810.16(A) Size of Receiving Station Outdoor Antenna Conductors
| Material | Minimum Size of Conductors (AWG) Where Maximum Open Span Length Is | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Less Than 11 m (35 ft) | 11 m to 45 m (35 ft to 150 ft) | Over 45 m (150 ft) | |
| Aluminum alloy, hard-drawn copper | 19 | 14 | 12 |
| Copper-clad steel, bronze, or other high-strength material | 20 | 17 | 14 |
Outdoor antennas, such as vertical rods and flat, parabolic, or dipole structures, shall be of corrosion-resistant materials and of strength suitable to withstand ice and wind loading conditions and shall be located well away from overhead conductors of electric light and power circuits of over 150 volts to ground, so as to avoid the possibility of the antenna or structure falling into or making accidental contact with such circuits.
Lead-in conductors from outside antennas for receiving stations shall, for various maximum open span lengths, be of such size as to have a tensile strength at least as great as that of the conductors for antennas as specified in 810.16. Where the lead-in consists of two or more conductors that are twisted together, are enclosed in the same covering, or are concentric, the conductor size shall, for various maximum open span lengths, be such that the tensile strength of the combination is at least as great as that of the conductors for antennas as specified in 810.16.
Lead-in conductors attached to buildings shall be installed so that they cannot swing closer than 600 mm (2 ft) to the conductors of circuits of 250 volts or less between conductors, or 3.0 m (10 ft) to the conductors of circuits of over 250 volts between conductors, except that in the case of circuits not over 150 volts between conductors, where all conductors involved are supported so as to ensure permanent separation, the clearance shall be permitted to be reduced but shall not be less than 100 mm (4 in.). The clearance between lead-in conductors and any conductor forming a part of a lightning protection system shall not be less than 1.8 m (6 ft). Underground conductors shall be separated at least 300 mm (12 in.) from conductors of any light or power circuits or Class 1 circuits.
Exception: Where the electric light or power conductors, Class 1 conductors, or lead-in conductors are installed in raceways or metal cable armor.
Informational Note No. 1: See 250.60 for use of air terminals. For further information, see NFPA 780-2014, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems, which contains detailed information on grounding, bonding, and spacing from lightning protection systems.
Informational Note No. 2: Metal raceways, enclosures, frames, and other non-current-carrying metal parts of electrical equipment installed on a building equipped with a lightning protection system may require bonding or spacing from the lightning protection conductors in accordance with NFPA 780-2011, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems. Separation from lightning protection conductors is typically 1.8 m (6 ft) through air or 900 mm (3 ft) through dense materials such as concrete, brick, or wood.
Indoor antennas and indoor lead-ins shall be permitted to occupy the same box or enclosure with conductors of other wiring systems where separated from such other conductors by an effective permanently installed barrier.
Where an electrical supply circuit is used in lieu of an antenna, the device by which the radio receiving set is connected to the supply circuit shall be listed.
Each conductor of a lead-in from an outdoor antenna shall be provided with a listed antenna discharge unit.
Antenna discharge units shall be located outside the building or inside the building between the point of entrance of the lead-in and the radio set or transformers and as near as practicable to the entrance of the conductors to the building. The antenna discharge unit shall not be located near combustible material or in a hazardous (classified) location as defined in Article 500.
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be of copper, aluminum, copper-clad steel, bronze, or similar corrosion-resistant material. Aluminum or copper-clad aluminum bonding conductors or grounding electrode conductors shall not be used where in direct contact with masonry or the earth or where subject to corrosive conditions. Where used outside, aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductors shall not be installed within 450 mm (18 in.) of the earth.
Insulation on bonding conductors or grounding electrode conductors shall not be required.
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be securely fastened in place and shall be permitted to be directly attached to the surface wired over without the use of insulating supports.
Exception: Where proper support cannot be provided, the size of the bonding conductors or grounding electrode conductors shall be increased proportionately.
Bonding conductors and grounding electrode conductors shall be protected where exposed to physical damage. Where the bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor is installed in a metal raceway, both ends of the raceway shall be bonded to the contained conductor or to the same terminal or electrode to which the bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor is connected.
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor for an antenna mast or antenna discharge unit shall be run in as straight a line as practicable.
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be connected as required in (F)(1) through (F)(3).
If the building or structure served has an intersystem bonding termination as required by 250.94, the bonding conductor shall be connected to the intersystem bonding termination.
Informational Note: See Article 100 for the definition of Intersystem Bonding Termination.
If the building or structure served has no intersystem bonding termination, the bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be connected to the nearest accessible location on the following:
- The building or structure grounding electrode system as covered in 250.50
- The grounded interior metal water piping systems, within 1.52 m (5 ft) from its point of entrance to the building, as covered in 250.52
- The power service accessible means external to the building, as covered in 250.94
- The nonflexible metallic power service raceway
- The service equipment enclosure, or
- The grounding electrode conductor or the grounding electrode conductor metal enclosures of the power service
A bonding device intended to provide a termination point for the bonding conductor (intersystem bonding) shall not interfere with the opening of an equipment enclosure. A bonding device shall be mounted on non-removable parts. A bonding device shall not be mounted on a door or cover even if the door or cover is non-removable.
If the building or structure served has no intersystem bonding termination or grounding means as described in 810.21(F)(2), the grounding electrode conductor shall be connected to a grounding electrode as described in 250.52.
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be permitted to be run either inside or outside the building.
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall not be smaller than 10 AWG copper, 8 AWG aluminum, or 17 AWG copper-clad steel or bronze.
A single bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be permitted for both protective and operating purposes.
A bonding jumper not smaller than 6 AWG copper or equivalent shall be connected between the radio and television equipment grounding electrode and the power grounding electrode system at the building or structure served where separate electrodes are used.
Connections to grounding electrodes shall comply with 250.70.
Antenna conductors for transmitting and receiving stations shall be of a size not less than given in Table 810.52.
Table 810.52 Size of Outdoor Antenna Conductors
| Material | Minimum Size of Conductors (AWG) Where Maximum Open Span Length Is | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Less Than 45 m (150 ft) | Over 45 m (150 ft) | ||
| Hard-drawn copper | 14 | 10 | |
| Copper-clad steel, bronze, or other high-strength material | 14 | 12 | |
Lead-in conductors for transmitting stations shall, for various maximum span lengths, be of a size at least as great as that of conductors for antennas as specified in 810.52.
Antenna conductors for transmitting stations, attached to buildings, shall be firmly mounted at least 75 mm (3 in.) clear of the surface of the building on nonabsorbent insulating supports, such as treated pins or brackets equipped with insulators having not less than 75-mm (3-in.) creepage and airgap distances. Lead-in conductors attached to buildings shall also comply with these requirements.
Except where protected with a continuous metallic shield that is grounded with a conductor in accordance with 810.58, lead-in conductors for transmitting stations shall enter buildings by one of the following methods:
- Through a rigid, noncombustible, nonabsorbent insulating tube or bushing
- Through an opening provided for the purpose in which the entrance conductors are firmly secured so as to provide a clearance of at least 50 mm (2 in.)
- Through a drilled window pane
Lead-in conductors to radio transmitters shall be located or installed so as to make accidental contact with them difficult.
Each conductor of a lead-in for outdoor antennas shall be provided with an antenna discharge unit or other suitable means that drain static charges from the antenna system.
All bonding conductors and grounding electrode conductors for amateur and citizen band transmitting and receiving stations shall comply with 810.21(A) through (K).
The protective bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor for transmitting stations shall be as large as the lead-in but not smaller than 10 AWG copper, bronze, or copper-clad steel.
The operating bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor for transmitting stations shall not be less than 14 AWG copper or its equivalent.
All conductors inside the building shall be separated at least 100 mm (4 in.) from the conductors of any electric light, power, or signaling circuit.
Exception No. 1: As provided in Article 640.
Transmitters shall comply with 810.71(A) through (C).
The transmitter shall be enclosed in a metal frame or grille or separated from the operating space by a barrier or other equivalent means, all metallic parts of which are effectively connected to a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor.
All external metal handles and controls accessible to the operating personnel shall be effectively connected to an equipment grounding conductor if the transmitter is powered by the premises wiring system or grounded with a conductor in accordance with 810.21.
All access doors shall be provided with interlocks that disconnect all voltages of over 350 volts between conductors when any access door is opened.
Informational Note: The general term grounding conductor as previously used in this article is replaced by either the term bonding conductor or the term grounding electrode conductor (GEC), where applicable, to more accurately reflect the application and function of the conductor.
See Informational Note Figure 800(a) and Informational Note Figure 800(b) for an illustrative application of a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor.
This article covers coaxial cable distribution of radio frequency signals typically employed in community antenna television (CATV) systems.
Informational Note: See 90.2(B)(4) for installations of CATV and radio distribution systems that are not covered.
See Part I of Article 100. For the purposes of this article, the following additional definitions apply.
Abandoned Coaxial Cable. Installed coaxial cable that is not terminated at equipment other than a coaxial connector and not identified for future use with a tag.
Informational Note: See Part I of Article 100 for a definition of Equipment.
Coaxial Cable. 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.
Exposed (to Accidental Contact). A circuit in such a position that, in case of failure of supports and or insulation, contact with another circuit may result.
Informational Note: See Part I of Article 100 for two other definitions of Exposed.
Point of Entrance. The point within a building at which the coaxial cable emerges from an external wall, from a concrete floor slab, from rigid metal conduit (RMC), or from intermediate metal conduit (IMC).
Premises. The land and buildings of a user located on the user side of utility-user network point of demarcation.
The requirements of 300.22(A) shall apply.
The requirements of 300.22(C)(3) shall apply.
The requirements of 110.3(B) shall apply.
The requirements of Article 770 shall apply.
The requirements of Article 800 shall apply.
The requirements of Article 830 shall apply.
The requirements of Article 840 shall apply.
The wiring methods of Article 830 shall be permitted to substitute for the wiring methods of Article 820.
Informational Note: Use of Article 830 wiring methods will facilitate the upgrading of Article 820 installations to network-powered broadband applications.
The definition in Article 100, the applications in Table 800.154(c), and the installation requirements in 800.110 shall apply to Article 820 and 800.113.
Coaxial cable shall be permitted to deliver power to equipment that is directly associated with the radio frequency distribution system if the voltage is not over 60 volts and if the current is supplied by a transformer or other device that has power-limiting characteristics.
Power shall be blocked from premises devices on the network that are not intended to be powered via the coaxial cable.
Access to electrical equipment shall not be denied by an accumulation of coaxial cables that prevents removal of panels, including suspended ceiling panels.
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 be supported by the building structure in such a manner that the cables will not 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 to 300.4(D) and 300.11. Nonmetallic cable ties and other nonmetallic cable accessories used to secure and support cables in other spaces 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 568-2006, Standard for Installing Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling, ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B. 1 2004 — Part 1, General Requirements Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard', ANSI/TIA-569-B 2004, Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces', ANSI/TIA-570-B, Residential Telecommunications Infrastructure', and other ANSI-approved installation standards.
Informational Note No. 2: See 4.3.11.2.6.5 and 4.3.11.5.5.6 of NFPA 90A-2012, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, for discrete combustible components installed in accordance with 300.22(C).
The accessible portion of abandoned coaxial cables shall be removed. Where cables are identified for future use with a tag, the tag shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.
Installations of coaxial cables and communications raceways in hollow spaces, vertical shafts, and ventilation or airhandling ducts 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 communications raceways through fire-resistant-rated walls, partitions, floors, or ceilings shall be firestopped using approved methods to maintain the fire resistance rating.
Informational Note: Directories of electrical construction materials published by qualified testing laboratories contain many listing installation restrictions necessary to maintain the fire-resistive rating of assemblies where penetrations or openings are made. Building codes also contain restrictions on membrane penetrations on opposite sides of a fire resistance-rated wall assembly. An example is the 600-mm (24-in.) minimum horizontal separation that usually applies between boxes installed on opposite sides of the wall. Assistance in complying with 820.26 can be found in building codes, fire resistance directories, and product listings.
Overhead (aerial) coaxial cables, prior to the point of grounding, as specified in 820.93, shall comply with 820.44(A) through (E).
Where coaxial cables and electric light or power conductors are supported by the same pole or are run parallel to each other in-span, the conditions described in 820.44(A)(1) through (A)(4) shall be met.
Where practicable, the coaxial cables shall be located below the electric light or power conductors.
Coaxial cables shall not be attached to cross-arm that carries electric light or power conductors.
The climbing space through coaxial cables shall comply with the requirements of 225.14(D).
Lead-in or overhead (aerial) -drop coaxial cables from a pole or other support, including the point of initial attachment to a building or structure, shall be kept away from electric light, power, Class 1, or non-powerlimited fire alarm circuit conductors so as to avoid the possibility of accidental contact.
Exception: Where proximity to electric light, power, Class 1, or non-power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors cannot be avoided, the installation shall provide clearances of not less than 300 mm (12 in.) from electric light, power, Class 1, or non-power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors. The clearance requirement shall apply at all points along the drop, and it shall increase to 1.0 m (40 in.) at the pole.
Coaxial cables shall have a vertical clearance of not less than 2.5 m (8 ft) from all points of roofs above which they pass.
Exception No. 1: Auxiliary buildings such as garages and the like.
Exception No. 2: A reduction in clearance above only the overhanging portion of the roof to not less than 450 mm (18 in.) shall be permitted if (1) not more than 1.2 m (4 ft) of communications service drop conductors pass above the roof overhang, and (2) they are terminated at a raceway mast or other approved support.
Exception No. 3: Where the roof has a slope of not less than 100 mm in 300 mm (4 in. in 12 in.), a reduction in clearance to not less than 900 mm (3 ft) shall be permitted.
Overhead (aerial) coaxial cables shall be permitted to be attached to an above-the-roof raceway mast that does not enclose or support conductors of electric light or power circuits.
Coaxial cables extending between buildings or structures, and also the supports or attachment fixtures, shall be identified and shall have sufficient strength to withstand the loads to which they might be subjected.
Exception: Where a coaxial cable does not have sufficient strength to be self-supporting, it shall be attached to a supporting messenger cable that, together with the attachment fixtures or supports, shall be acceptable for the purpose and shall have sufficient strength to withstand the loads to which they may be subjected.
Where attached to buildings, coaxial cables shall be securely fastened in such a manner that they will be separated from other conductors in accordance with 820.44(E)(1), (E)(2), and (E)(3).
The coaxial cable shall have a separation of at least 100 mm (4 in.) from electric light, power, Class 1, or non-power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors not in raceway or cable, or shall be permanently separated from conductors of the other system by a continuous and firmly fixed nonconductor in addition to the insulation on the wires.
Coaxial cable shall be installed so that there will be no unnecessary interference in the maintenance of the separate systems. In no case shall the conductors, cables, messenger strand, or equipment of one system cause abrasion to the conductors, cable, messenger strand, or equipment of any other system.
Where practicable, a separation of at least 1.8 m (6 ft) shall be maintained between any coaxial cable and lightning conductors.
Underground coaxial cables entering buildings shall comply with 820.47(A) and (B).
Underground coaxial cables in a duct, pedestal, handhole enclosure, or manhole that contains electric light, power, or Class 1 or non-power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors shall be in a section permanently separated from such conductors by means of a suitable barrier.
Direct-buried coaxial cable shall be separated at least 300 mm (12 in.) from conductors of any light or power or Class 1 circuit.
Exception No. 1: Where electric service conductors or coaxial cables are installed in raceways or have metal cable armor.
Exception No. 2: Where electric light or power branch-circuit or feeder conductors or Class 1 circuit conductors are installed in a raceway or in metal-sheathed, metal-clad, or Type UF or Type USE cables; or the coaxial cables have metal cable armor or are installed in a raceway.
Unlisted outside plant coaxial cables shall be permitted to be installed in building spaces other than risers, ducts used for environmental air, plenums used for environmental air, and other spaces used for environmental air, where the length of the cable within the building, measured from its point of entrance, does not exceed 15 m (50 ft) and the cable enters the building from the outside and is terminated at a grounding block.
Rigid metal conduit (RMC) or intermediate metal conduit (IMC) containing entrance coaxial cable shall be connected by a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor to a grounding electrode in accordance with 820.100(B).
Coaxial cables entering buildings or attached to buildings shall comply with 820.93(A) or (B). Where the outer conductive shield of a coaxial cable is grounded, no other protective devices shall be required. For purposes of this section, grounding located at mobile home service equipment located within 9.0 m (30 ft) of the exterior wall of the mobile home it serves, or at a 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, shall be considered to meet the requirements of this section.
Informational Note: Selecting a grounding block location to achieve the shortest practicable bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor helps limit potential differences between CATV and other metallic systems.
In installations where the coaxial cable enters the building, the outer conductive shield shall be grounded in accordance with 820.100. The grounding shall be as close as practicable to the point of entrance.
Informational Note: See 820.2 for a definition of Point of Entrance.
In installations where the coaxial cable is terminated outside of the building, the outer conductive shield shall be grounded in accordance with 820.100. The grounding shall be as close as practicable to the point of attachment or termination.
Where installed, a listed primary protector shall be applied on each community antenna and radio distribution (CATV) cable external to the premises. The listed primary protector shall be located as close as practicable to the entrance point of the cable on either side or integral to the ground block.
The shield of the coaxial cable shall be bonded or grounded as specified in 820.100(A) through (D).
Exception: For communications systems using coaxial cable confined within the premises and isolated from outside cable plant, the shield shall be permitted to be grounded by a connection to an equipment grounding conductor as described in 250.118. Connecting to an equipment grounding conductor through a grounded receptacle using a dedicated bonding jumper and a permanently connected listed device shall be permitted. Use of a cord and plug for the connection to an equipment grounding conductor shall not be permitted.
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be listed and shall be permitted to be insulated, covered, or bare.
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be copper or other corrosion-resistant conductive material, stranded or solid.
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall not be smaller than 14 AWG. It shall have a current-carrying capacity not less than the outer sheath of the coaxial cable. The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall not be required to exceed 6 AWG.
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 to exceed 6.0 m (20 ft) in length.
Informational Note: Similar bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor length limitations applied at apartment buildings and commercial buildings help to reduce voltages that may be developed between the building's power and communications systems during lightning events.
Exception: In one- and two-family dwellings where it is not practicable to achieve an overall maximum bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor length of 6.0 m (20 ft), a separate grounding electrode as specified in 250.52(A)(5), (A)(6), or (A)(7) shall be used, the grounding electrode conductor shall be connected to the separate grounding electrode in accordance with 250.70, and the separate grounding electrode shall be connected to the power grounding electrode system in accordance with 820.100(D).
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be run in as straight a line as practicable.
Bonding conductors and grounding electrode conductors shall be protected where exposed to physical damage. Where the bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor is installed in a metal raceway, both ends of the raceway shall be bonded to the contained conductor or to the same terminal or electrode to which the bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor is connected.
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be connected in accordance with 820.100(B)(1), (B)(2), or (B)(3).
If the building or structure served has an intersystem bonding termination as required by 250.94, the bonding conductor shall be connected to the intersystem bonding termination.
Informational Note: See Part I of Article 100 for the definition of Intersystem Bonding Termination.
If the building or structure served has no intersystem bonding termination, the bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be connected to the nearest accessible location on one of the following:
- The building or structure grounding electrode system as covered in 250.50
- The grounded interior metal water piping system, within 1.5 m (5 ft) from its point of entrance to the building, as covered in 250.52
- The power service accessible means external to enclosures as covered in 250.94
- The nonflexible metallic power service raceway
- The service equipment enclosure
- The grounding electrode conductor or the grounding electrode conductor metal enclosure of the power service, or
- The grounding electrode conductor or the grounding electrode of a building or structure disconnecting means that is connected to an electrode as covered in 250.32
A bonding device intended to provide a termination point for the bonding conductor (intersystem bonding) shall not interfere with the opening of an equipment enclosure. A bonding device shall be mounted on non-removable parts. A bonding device shall not be mounted on a door or cover even if the door or cover is nonremovable.
For purposes of this section, the mobile home service equipment or the mobile home disconnecting means, as described in 820.93, shall be considered accessible.
If the building or structure served has no intersystem bonding termination or grounding means, as described in 820.100(B)(2), the grounding electrode conductor shall be connected to either of the following:
- To any one of the individual grounding electrodes described in 250.52(A)(1), (A)(2), (A)(3), or (A)(4).
- If the building or structure served has no intersystem bonding termination or grounding means, as described in 820.100(B)(2) or (B)(3)(l), to any one of the individual grounding 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 electrode conductors.
Connections to grounding electrodes shall comply with 250.70.
A bonding jumper not smaller than 6 AWG copper or equivalent shall be connected between the community antenna television system's grounding electrode and the power grounding electrode system at the building or structure served where separate electrodes are used.
Exception: At mobile homes as covered in 820.106.
Informational Note No. 2: Bonding together of all separate electrodes limits potential differences between them and between their associated wiring systems.
Unpowered equipment and enclosures or equipment powered by the coaxial cable shall be considered grounded where connected to the metallic cable shield.
Grounding shall comply with 820.106(A)(1) and (A)(2).
- Where there is no mobile home service equipment 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 grounding terminal, shall be connected to a grounding electrode conductor or grounding electrode in accordance with 820.100(B)(3).
- 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 grounding terminal, shall be connected to a grounding electrode in accordance with 820.100(B)(3).
The coaxial cable shield grounding terminal, surge arrester grounding terminal, or grounding electrode shall be connected to the metal frame or available grounding terminal of the mobile home with a copper conductor not smaller than 12 AWG under any of the following conditions:
- Where there is no mobile home service equipment or disconnecting means as in 820.106(A)
- Where the mobile home is supplied by cord and plug
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 820.110(C).
Coaxial cables shall be permitted to be installed in any raceway included in Chapter 3. The raceways shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.
Coaxial cables shall be permitted to be installed in listed plenum communications raceways, listed riser communications raceways, and listed general-purpose communications raceways, selected in accordance with the provisions of 800.110, 800.113, and 820.113 and installed in accordance with 362.24 through 362.56, where the requirements applicable to electrical nonmetallic tubing (ENT) apply.
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 provisions of 800.113 and installed in accordance with 820.110(C)(1) and (2).
Cable routing assemblies shall be supported where run horizontally 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 distance between supports exceed 3 m (10 ft).
Vertical runs of cable routing assemblies shall be supported at intervals not exceeding 1.2 m (4 ft), unless listed for other support intervals, and shall not have more than one joint between supports.
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. Exception: Coaxial cables that comply with 820.48 shall not be required to be listed.
The following cables shall be permitted in ducts as described in 300.22(B) if they are directly associated with the air distribution system:
- Up to 1.22 m (4 ft) of Type CATVP cable
- 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 of NFPA 90A-2012, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.
The following cables shall be permitted in other spaces used for environmental air as described in 300.22(C):
- Type CATVP cable
- Type CATVP cable installed in plenum communications raceways
- Type CATVP cable supported by open metallic cable trays or cable tray systems
- Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX cables installed in raceways that are installed in compliance with 300.22(C)
- 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)
- 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 trays with 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, see 4.3.11.2, 4.3.11.4, and 4.3.11.5 of NFPA 90A-2012, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.
The following cables shall be permitted in vertical runs penetrating one or more floors and in vertical runs in a shaft:
- Types CATVP and CATVR cables
- Types CATVP and CATVR cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Plenum cable routing assemblies
- Riser communications raceways
- Riser cable routing assemblies
Informational Note: See 820.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.
The following cables shall be permitted in metal raceways in a riser having firestops at each floor:
- Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX cables
- Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Riser communications raceways
- General-purpose communications raceways
Informational Note: See 820.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.
The following cables shall be permitted to be installed in fireproof riser shafts with firestops at each floor:
- Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX cables
- Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Plenum cable routing assemblies
- Riser communications raceways
- Riser cable routing assemblies
- General-purpose communications raceways
- General-purpose cable routing assemblies
Informational Note: See 820.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.
The following cables shall be permitted in one- and two-family dwellings:
- Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables
- Type CATVX cable less than 10 mm (0.375 in.) in diameter
- Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Plenum cable routing assemblies
- Riser communications raceways
- Riser cable routing assemblies
- General-purpose communications raceways
- General-purpose cable routing assemblies
Informational Note: See 820.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.
The following cables shall be permitted to be supported by cable trays:
- Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables
- Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Riser communications raceways
- General-purpose communications raceways
The following cables shall be permitted to be installed in distributing frames and cross-connect arrays:
- Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables
- Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Plenum cable routing assemblies
- Riser communications raceways
- Riser cable routing assemblies
- General-purpose communications raceways
- General-purpose cable routing assemblies
The following cables shall be permitted to be installed in building locations other than the locations covered in 820.113(B) through (I):
- Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables
- A maximum of 3 m (10 ft) of exposed Type CATVX cables in nonconcealed spaces
- Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Plenum cable routing assemblies
- Riser communications raceways
- Riser cable routing assemblies
- General-purpose communications raceways
- General-purpose cable routing assemblies
- 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 be permitted to be installed in one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings in locations other than those locations covered in 820.113(B) through (I):
- Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables
- Type CATVX cable less than 10 mm (0.375 in.) in diameter
- Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Plenum cable routing assemblies
- Riser communications raceways
- Riser cable routing assemblies
- General-purpose communications raceways
- General-purpose cable routing assemblies
- Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and Type CATVX cables installed in a raceway of a type recognized in Chapter 3
Beyond the point of grounding, as defined in 820.93, the coaxial cable installation shall comply with 820.133(A) and (B).
(a) Optical Fiber and Communications Cables. Coaxial cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, box, enclosure, or cable routing assembly with jacketed cables of any of the following:
- Nonconductive and conductive optical fiber cables in compliance with Parts I and V of Article 770
- Communications circuits in compliance with Parts I and V of Article 800
- Low-power network-powered broadband communications circuits in compliance with Parts I and V of Article 830
(b) Other Circuits. Coaxial cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, box, enclosure, or cable routing assembly with jacketed cables of any of the following:
- Class 2 and Class 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits in compliance with Article 645 or Parts I and III of Article 725
- Power-limited fire alarm systems in compliance with Parts I and III of Article 760
(c) Electric Light, Power, Class 1, Non-Power-Limited Fire Alarm, and Medium-Power Network-Powered Broadband Communications Circuits. Coaxial cable shall not be placed in any raceway, compartment, outlet box, junction box, or other enclosures with conductors of electric light, power, Class 1, non-power-limited fire alarm, or medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits.
Exception No. 1: Where all of the conductors of electric light, power, Class I, non-power-limited fire alarm, and medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits are separated from all of the coaxial cables by a permanent barrier or listed divider.
Exception No. 2: Power circuit conductors in outlet boxes, junction boxes, or similar fittings or compartments where such conductors are introduced solely for power supply to the coaxial cable system distribution equipment. The power circuit conductors shall be routed within the enclosure to maintain a minimum 6-mm (0.25-in.) separation from coaxial cables.
Coaxial cable shall be separated at least 50 mm (2 in.) from conductors of any electric light, power, Class 1, non-power-limited fire alarm, or medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits.
Exception No. 1: Where either (1) all of the conductors of electric light, power, Class 1, non-power-limited fire alarm, and medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits are in a raceway, or in metal-sheathed, metalclad, nonmetallic-sheathed, Type AC or Type UF cables, or (2) all of the coaxial cables are encased in raceway.
Exception No. 2: Where the coaxial cables are permanently separated from the conductors of electric light, power, Class 1, non-power-limited fire alarm, and medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits by a continuous and firmly fixed nonconductor, such as porcelain tubes or flexible tubing, in addition to the insulation on the wire.
Raceways shall be used for their intended purpose. Coaxial cables shall not be strapped, taped, or attached by any means to the exterior of any conduit or raceway as a means of support.
Exception: Overhead (aerial) spans of coaxial cables shall be permitted to be attached to the exterior of a raceway-type mast intended for the attachment and support of such cables.
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 of 820.110 and 820.113. The substitutions for coaxial cables in Table 820.154(b) and illustrated in Figure 820.154 shall be permitted.
Informational Note: The substitute cables in Table 820.154(b) and Figure 820.154 are only coaxial-type cables.
Table 820.154(a) Applications of Listed Coaxial Cables in Buildings
| Applications | Cable Type | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CATVP | CATVR | CATV | CATVX | ||
| In Specifically 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 as Described in 300.22(C) |
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 | NOT PERMITTED | ||||
| 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* | |
| Within Buildings in Other Than Air-Handling Spaces and Risers |
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 (RMC) or intermediate metal conduit (IMC) 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 No. 3: Cable routing assemblies are not addressed in NFPA-90A 2012, Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilation Systems.
Table 820.154(b) Coaxial Cable Uses and Permitted Substitutions
| Cable Type | Permitted Substitutions | |
|---|---|---|
| CATVP | CMP, BLP | |
| CATVR | CATVP, CMP, CMR, BMR, BLP, BLR | |
| CATV | CATVP, CMP, CATVR, CMR, CMG, CM, BMR, BM, BLP, BLR, BL | |
| CATVX | CATVP, CMP, CATVR, CMR, CATV, CMG, CM, BMR, BM, BLP, BLR, BL, BLX | |
Figure 820.154 Cable Substitution Hierarchy.
Cables shall be listed in accordance with 820.179(A) through (D) and marked in accordance with Table 820.179. The cable voltage rating shall not be marked on the cable.
Type CATVP community antenna television plenum coaxial cables shall be listed as being suitable for use in ducts, plenums, and other spaces used for environmental air and shall also be listed as having adequate fire-resistant and low smoke-producing characteristics.
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 a maximum flame spread distance of 1.52 m (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262-2011, Standard Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces.
Type CATVR community antenna television riser coaxial cables shall be 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 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 from floor to floor is that the cables pass the requirements of ANSI/UL 1666-2011, Standard Test for Flame Propagation Height of Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cable Installed Vertically in Shafts.
Type CATV community antenna television coaxial cables shall be listed as being suitable for general-purpose CATV 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 Tray Flame Test" in ANSI/UL 1685-2010, Standard for Safety for Vertical-Tray Fire-Propagation and Smoke-Release Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables. The smoke measurements in the test method are not applicable.
Type CATVX limited-use community antenna television coaxial cables shall be listed as being suitable 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 the VW-1 (vertical-wire) flame test in ANSI/UL 1581-2011, Reference Standard for Electrical Wires, Cables and Flexible Cords.
Table 820.179 Coaxial Cable Markings
| Cable Marking | Type | |
|---|---|---|
| CATVP | CATV plenum cable | |
| CATVR | CATV riser cable | |
| CATV | CATV cable | |
| CATVX | CATV cable, limited use | |
Informational Note: Cable types are listed in descending order of fire resistance rating.
Informational Note: The general term grounding conductor as previously used in this article is replaced by either the term bonding conductor or the term grounding electrode conductor (GEC), where applicable, to more accurately reflect the application and function of the conductor.
See Informational Note Figure 800(a) and Informational Note Figure 800(b) for an illustrative application of a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor.
This article covers network-powered broadband communications systems that provide any combination of voice, audio, video, data, and interactive services through a network interface unit.
Informational Note No. 1: A typical basic system configuration includes a cable supplying power and broadband signal to a network interface unit that converts the broadband signal to the component signals. Typical cables are coaxial cable with both broadband signal and power on the center conductor, composite metallic cable with a coaxial member for the broadband signal and a twisted pair for power, and composite optical fiber cable with a pair of conductors for power. Larger systems may also include network components such as amplifiers that require network power.
Informational Note No. 2: See 90.2(B)(4) for installations of broadband communications systems that are not covered.
See Part I of Article 100. For purposes of this article, the following additional definitions apply.
Abandoned Network-Powered Broadband Communications Cable. Installed network-powered broadband communications cable that is not terminated at equipment other than a connector and not identified for future use with a tag.
Informational Note: See Part I of Article 100 for a definition of Equipment.
Block. A square or portion of a city, town, or village enclosed by streets, including the alleys so enclosed but not any street.
Exposed (to Accidental Contact). A circuit in such a position that, in case of failure of supports or insulation, contact with another circuit may result.
Informational Note: See Part I of Article 100 for two other definitions of Exposed.
Fault Protection Device. An electronic device that is intended for the protection of personnel and functions under fault conditions, such as network-powered broadband communications cable short or open circuit, to limit the current or voltage, or both, for a low-power network-powered broadband communications circuit and provide acceptable protection from electric shock.
Network Interface Unit (NIU). A device that converts a broadband signal into component voice, audio, video, data, and interactive services signals and provides isolation between the network power and the premises signal circuits. These devices often contain primary and secondary protectors.
Network-Powered Broadband Communications Circuit. The circuit extending from the communications utility's serving terminal or tap up to and including the NIU.
Informational Note: A typical single-family network-powered communications circuit consists of a communications drop or communications service cable and an NIU and includes the communications utility's serving terminal or tap where it is not under the exclusive control of the communications utility.
Point of Entrance. The point within a building at which the network-powered broadband communications cable emerges from an external wall, from a concrete floor slab, from rigid metal conduit (RMC), or from intermediate metal conduit (IMC).
The requirements of 300.22(A) shall apply.
The requirements of 300.22(C)(3) shall apply.
The requirements of 110.3(B) shall apply.
As appropriate for the services provided, the output circuits derived from the optical network terminal shall comply with the requirements of the following:
- Installations of communications circuits — Part V of Article 800
- Installations of community antenna television and radio distribution circuits — Part V of Article 820 Exception: 830.90(B)(3) shall apply where protection is provided in the output of the N1U.
- Installations of optical fiber cables — Part V of Article 770
- Installations of Class 2 and Class 3 circuits — Part III of Article 725
- Installations of power-limited fire alarm circuits — Part III of Article 760
The requirements of 300.4 shall apply.
The definition in Article 100, the applications in Table 800.154(c) , and the installation requirements in 800.110 and 800.113 shall apply to Article 830.
Network-powered broadband communications systems shall be classified as having low- or medium-power sources as specified in 830.15(1) or (2).
- Sources shall be classified as defined in Table 830.15.
- 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 830.15 shall be classified as medium-power sources.
Informational Note: One way to determine compliance with 830.15(2) is listed information technology equipment intended to supply power via a communications network that complies with the requirements for RFT-V circuits as defined in UL 60950-21-2007, Standard for Safety for Information Technology Equipment — Safety — Part 21: Remote Power Feeding.
Table 830.15 Limitations for Network-Powered Broadband Communications Systems
| Network Power Source | Low | Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit voltage, Vmax (volts)1 | 0-100 | 0-150 |
| Power limitation, VAmax(volt-amperes)1 | 250 | 250 |
| Current limitation, I max (amperes)1 | 1000/Vmax | 1000/Vmax |
| Maximum power rating (volt-amperes) | 100 | 100 |
| Maximum voltage rating (volts) | 100 | 150 |
| Maximum overcurrent protection (amperes)2 | 100/Vmax | NA |
1Vmax, Imax, and VAmax are determined with the current-limiting impedance in the circuit (not bypassed) as follows:
Vmax—Maximum system voltage regardless of load with rated input applied.
Imax—Maximum system current under any noncapacitive load, including short circuit, and with overcurrent protection bypassed if used. Imax limits apply after 1 minute of operation.
VAmax—Maximum volt-ampere output after 1 minute of operation regardless of load and overcurrent protection bypassed if used.
2Overcurrent protection is not required where the current-limiting device provides equivalent current limitation and the current-limiting device does not reset until power or the load is removed.
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 be supported by the building structure in such a manner that the cable will not 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 to 300.11. Nonmetallic cable ties and other nonmetallic cable accessories used to secure and support cables in other spaces 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 568-2006, Standard for Installing Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling', ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B. 1-2004 — Part 1 General Requirements Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard; ANSI/TIA-569-B-2004, Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces', ANSI/TIA-570-B-2009, Residential Telecommunications Infrastructure; and other ANSI-approved installation standards.
Informational Note No. 2: See 4.3.11.2.6.5 and 4.3.11.5.5.6 of NFPA 90A-2012, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, for discrete combustible components installed in accordance with 300.22(C).
The accessible portion of abandoned network-powered broadband cables shall be removed. Where cables are identified for future use with a tag, the tag shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.
Installations of network-powered broadband cables in hollow spaces, vertical shafts, and ventilation or air-handling ducts shall be made so that the possible spread of fire or products of combustion will not be substantially increased. Openings around penetrations of network-powered broadband cables through fire-resistant-rated walls, partitions, floors, or ceilings shall be firestopped using approved methods to maintain the fire resistance rating.
Informational Note: Directories of electrical construction materials published by qualified testing laboratories contain many listing installation restrictions necessary to maintain the fire-resistive rating of assemblies where penetrations or openings are made. Building codes also contain restrictions on membrane penetrations on opposite sides of a fire resistance-rated wall assembly. An example is the 600-mm (24-in.) minimum horizontal separation that usually applies between boxes installed on opposite sides of the wall. Assistance in complying with 830.26 can be found in building codes, fire resistance directories, and product listings.
Medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits located outside and entering buildings shall be installed using Type BMU, Type BM, or Type BMR network-powered broadband communications medium-power cables.
Low-power network-powered broadband communications circuits located outside and entering buildings shall be installed using Type BLU or Type BLX low-power network-powered broadband communications cables. Cables shown in Table 830.154(b) shall be permitted to substitute.
Exception: Outdoor community antenna television and radio distribution system coaxial cables installed prior to January 1, 2000, and installed in accordance with Article 820, shall be permitted for low-power-type, network-powered broadband communications circuits.
Where network-powered broadband communications cables and electric light or power conductors are supported by the same pole or are run parallel to each other in-span, the conditions described in 830.44(A)(1) through (A)(4) shall be met.
Where practicable, the network-powered broadband communications cables shall be located below the electric light or power conductors.
Network-powered broadband communications cables shall not be attached to a cross-arm that carries electric light or power conductors.
Lead-in or overhead (aerial)-drop network-powered broadband communications cables from a pole or other support, including the point of initial attachment to a building or structure, shall be kept away from electric light, power, Class 1, or non-power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors so as to avoid the possibility of accidental contact.
Exception: Where proximity to electric light, power, Class 1, or non-power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors cannot be avoided, the installation shall provide clearances of not less than 300 mm (12 in.) from electric light, power, Class 1, or non-power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors. The clearance requirement shall apply to all points along the drop, and it shall increase to 1.02 m (40 in.) at the pole.
Network-powered broadband communications cables shall have a vertical clearance of not less than 2.5 m (8 ft) from all points of roofs above which they pass.
Exception No. 1: Auxiliary buildings such as garages and the like.
Exception No. 2: A reduction in clearance above only the overhanging portion of the roof to not less than 450 mm (18 in.) shall be permitted if (1) not more than 1.2 m (4 ft) of the broadband communications drop cables pass above the roof overhang, and (2) they are terminated at a through-the-roof raceway or support.
Exception No. 3: Where the roof has a slope of not less than 100 mm in 300 mm (4 in. in 12 in.), a reduction in clearance to not less than 900 mm (3 ft) shall be permitted.
Overhead (aerial) spans of network-powered broadband communications cables shall conform to not less than the following:
- 2.9 m (9.5 ft) — above finished grade, sidewalks, or from any platform or projection from which they might be reached and accessible to pedestrians only
- 3.5 m (11.5 ft) — over residential property and driveways, and those commercial areas not subject to truck traffic
- 4.7 m (15.5 ft) — over public streets, alleys, roads, parking areas subject to truck traffic, driveways on other than residential property, and other land traversed by vehicles such as cultivated, grazing, forest, and orchard
Informational Note: These clearances have been specifically chosen to correlate with ANSI C2-2007, National Electrical Safety Code, Table 232-1, which provides for clearances of wires, conductors, and cables above ground and roadways, rather than using the clearances referenced in 225.18. Because Article 800 and Article 820 have had no required clearances, the communications industry has used the clearances from the NESC for their installed cable plant.
Final spans of network-powered broadband communications cables without an outer jacket shall be permitted to be attached to the building, but they shall be kept not less than 900 mm (3 ft) from windows that are designed to be opened, doors, porches, balconies, ladders, stairs, fire escapes, or similar locations.
Exception: Conductors run above the top level of a window shall be permitted to be less than the 900-mm (3-ft) requirement above.
Overhead (aerial) network-powered broadband communications cables shall not be installed beneath openings through which materials might be moved, such as openings in farm and commercial buildings, and shall not be installed where they obstruct entrance to these building openings.
Network-powered broadband communications cables extending between buildings or structures, and also the supports or attachment fixtures, shall be identified as suitable for outdoor aerial applications and shall have sufficient strength to withstand the loads to which they may be subjected.
Exception: Where a network-powered broadband communications cable does not have sufficient strength to be self-supporting, it shall be attached to a supporting messenger cable that, together with the attachment fixtures or supports, shall be acceptable for the purpose and shall have sufficient strength to withstand the loads to which they may be subjected.
Where attached to buildings, network-powered broadband communications cables shall be securely fastened in such a manner that they are separated from other conductors in accordance with 830.44(I)(1) through (I)(4).
The network-powered broadband communications cable shall have a separation of at least 100 mm (4 in.) from electric light, power, Class 1, or non-power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors not in raceway or cable, or be permanently separated from conductors of the other system by a continuous and firmly fixed nonconductor in addition to the insulation on the wires.
Network-powered broadband communications cables shall be installed so that there will be no unnecessary interference in the maintenance of the separate systems. In no case shall the conductors, cables, messenger strand, or equipment of one system cause abrasion to the conductors, cables, messenger strand, or equipment of any other system.
Where practicable, a separation of at least 1.8 m (6 ft) shall be maintained between any network-powered broadband communications cable and lightning conductors.
Network-powered broadband communications cables attached to buildings or structures and located within 2.5 m (8 ft) of finished grade shall be protected by enclosures, raceways, or other approved means.
Exception: A low-power network-powered broadband communications circuit that is equipped with a listed fault protection device, appropriate to the network-powered broadband communications cable used, and located on the network side of the network-powered broadband communications cable being protected.
Underground network-powered broadband communications cables in a duct, pedestal, handhole enclosure, or manhole that contains electric light, power conductors, non-power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors, or Class 1 circuits shall be in a section permanently separated from such conductors by means of a suitable barrier.
Direct-buried network-powered broadband communications cables shall be separated by at least 300 mm (12 in.) from conductors of any light, power, non-power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors or Class 1 circuit.
Exception No. 1: Where electric service conductors or network-powered broadband communications cables are installed in raceways or have metal cable armor.
Exception No. 2: Where electric light or power branch-circuit or feeder conductors, non-power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors, or Class 1 circuit conductors are installed in a raceway or in metal-sheathed, metal-clad, or Type UF or Type USE cables; or the network-powered broadband communications cables have metal cable armor or are installed in a raceway.
Direct-buried cable, conduit, or other raceways shall be installed to meet the minimum cover requirements of Table 830.47(C). In addition, direct-buried cables emerging from the ground shall be protected by enclosures, raceways, or other approved means extending from the minimum cover distance required by Table 830.47(C) below grade to a point at least 2.5 m (8 ft) above finished grade. In no case shall the protection be required to exceed 450 mm (18 in.) below finished grade. Types BMU and BLU direct-buried cables emerging from the ground shall be installed in rigid metal conduit (RMC), intermediate metal conduit (IMC), rigid nonmetallic conduit, or other approved means extending from the minimum cover distance required by Table 830.47(C) below grade to the point of entrance.
Exception: A low-power network-powered broadband communications circuit that is equipped with a listed fault protection device, appropriate to the network-powered broadband communications cable used, and located on the network side of the network-powered broadband communications cable being protected.
Table 830.47(C) Network-Powered Broadband Communications Systems Minimum Cover Requirements (Cover is the shortest distance measured between a point on the top surface of any direct-buried cable, conduit, or other raceway and the top surface of finished grade, concrete, or similar cover.)
| Location of Wiring Method or Circuit | Direct Burial Cables | Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) or Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) | Nonmetallic Raceways Listed for Direct Burial; Without Concrete Encasement or Other Approved Raceways | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mm | in. | mm | in. | mm | in. | |
| All locations not specified below | 450 | 18 | 150 | 6 | 300 | 12 |
| In trench below 50-mm (2-in.) thick concrete or equivalent | 300 | 12 | 150 | 6 | 150 | 6 |
| Under a building (in raceway only) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Under minimum of 100-mm (4-in.) thick concrete exterior slab with no vehicular traffic and the slab extending not less than 150 mm (6 in.) beyond the underground installation | 300 | 12 | 100 | 4 | 100 | 4 |
| One- and two-family dwelling driveways and outdoor parking areas and used only for dwelling-related purposes | 300 | 12 | 300 | 12 | 300 | 12 |
Notes:
- Raceways approved for burial only where concrete encased shall require a concrete envelope not less than 50 mm (2 in.) thick.
- Lesser depths shall be permitted where cables rise for terminations or splices or where access is otherwise required.
- Where solid rock is encountered, all wiring shall be installed in metal or nonmetallic raceway permitted for direct burial. The raceways shall be covered by a minimum of 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete extending down to rock.
- Low-power network-powered broadband communications circuits using directly buried community antenna television and radio distribution system coaxial cables that were installed outside and entering buildings prior to January 1, 2000, in accordance with Article 820 shall be permitted where buried to a minimum depth of 300 mm (12 in.).
Rigid metal conduit (RMC) or intermediate metal conduit (IMC) containing network-powered broadband communications entrance cable shall be connected by a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor to agrounding electrode in accordance with 830.100(B).
Primary electrical protection shall be provided on all network-powered broadband communications conductors that are neither grounded nor interrupted and are run partly or entirely in aerial cable not confined within a block. Also, primary electrical protection shall be provided on all aerial or underground network-powered broadband communications conductors that are neither grounded nor interrupted and are located within the block containing the building served so as to be exposed to lightning or accidental contact with electric light or power conductors operating at over 300 volts to ground.
Exception: Where electrical protection is provided on the derived circuit(s) (output side of the NIU) in accordance with 830.90(B)(3).
Informational Note No. 1: On network-powered broadband communications conductors not exposed to lightning or accidental contact with power conductors, providing primary electrical protection in accordance with this article helps protect against other hazards, such as ground potential rise caused by power fault currents, and above-normal voltages induced by fault currents on power circuits in proximity to the network-powered broadband communications conductors.
Informational Note No. 2: Network-powered broadband communications circuits are considered to have a lightning exposure unless one or more of the following conditions exist:
- Circuits in large metropolitan areas where buildings are close together and sufficiently high to intercept lightning.
- Areas having an average of five or fewer thunderstorm days each year and earth resistivity of less than 100 ohmmeters. Such areas are found along the Pacific coast.
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 the primary protector and of the primary protector bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor.
Where the requirements listed in 830.90(A)(1) are not met, fused-type primary protectors shall be used. Fused-type primary protectors shall consist of an arrester connected between each conductor to be protected and ground, a fuse in series with each conductor to be protected, and an appropriate mounting arrangement. Fused primary protector terminals shall be marked to indicate line, instrument, and ground, as applicable.
The location of the primary protector, where required, shall comply with (B)(1), (B)(2), or (B)(3):
- A listed primary protector shall be applied on each network-powered broadband communications cable external to and on the network side of the network interface unit.
- The primary protector function shall be an integral part of and contained in the network interface unit. The network interface unit shall be listed as being suitable for application with network-powered broadband communications systems and shall have an external marking indicating that it contains primary electrical protection.
- The primary protector(s) shall be provided on the derived circuit(s) (output side of the NIU), and the combination of the NIU and the protector(s) shall be listed as being suitable for application with network-powered broadband communications systems.
A primary protector, whether provided integrally or external to the network interface unit, shall be located as close as practicable to the point of entrance.
For purposes of this section, a network interface unit and any externally provided primary protectors located at mobile home service equipment located in sight from and not more than 9.0 m (30 ft) from the exterior wall of the mobile home it serves, or at a mobile home disconnecting means grounded in accordance with 250.32 and located in sight from and not more than 9.0 m (30 ft) from the exterior wall of the mobile home it serves, shall be considered to meet the requirements of this section.
Informational Note: Selecting a network interface unit and primary protector location to achieve the shortest practicable primary protector bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor helps limit potential differences between communications circuits and other metallic systems.
Network-powered communications cables entering buildings or attaching to buildings shall comply with 830.93(A) or (B).
For purposes of this section, grounding located at mobile home service equipment located within 9.0 m (30 ft) of the exterior wall of the mobile home it serves, or at a 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, shall be considered to meet the requirements of this section.
Informational Note: Selecting a grounding location to achieve the shortest practicable bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor helps limit potential differences between the network-powered broadband communications circuits and other metallic systems.
In installations where the network- powered communications cable enters the building, the shield shall be grounded in accordance with 830.100 and metallic members of the cable not used for communications or powering shall be grounded in accordance with 830.100, or interrupted by an insulating joint or equivalent device. The grounding or interruption shall be as close as practicable to the point of entrance.
Informational Note: See 830.2 for the definition of Point of Entrance.
In installations where the network-powered communications cable is terminated outside of the building, the shield shall be grounded in accordance with 830.100, and metallic members of the cable not used for communications or powering shall be grounded in accordance with 830.100 or interrupted by an insulating joint or equivalent device. The grounding or interruption shall be as close as practicable to the point of attachment of the NIU.
Network interface units containing protectors, NIUs with metallic enclosures, primary protectors, and the metallic members of the network-powered broadband communications cable that are intended to be bonded or grounded shall be connected as specified in 830.100(A) through (D).
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be listed and shall be permitted to be insulated, covered, or bare.
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be copper or other corrosion-resistant conductive material, stranded or solid.
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall not be smaller than 14 AWG and shall have a current-carrying capacity not less than that of the grounded metallic member(s) and protected conductor(s) of the network-powered broadband communications cable. The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall not be required to exceed 6 AWG.
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 to exceed 6.0 m (20 ft) in length.
Informational Note: Similar bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor length limitations applied at apartment buildings and commercial buildings help to reduce voltages that may be developed between the building's power and communications systems during lightning events.
Exception: In one- and two-family dwellings where it is not practicable to achieve an overall maximum bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor length of 6.0 m (20 ft), a separate communications ground rod meeting the minimum dimensional criteria of 830.100(B)(3)(2) shall be driven, and the grounding electrode conductor shall be connected to the communications ground rod in accordance with 830.100(C). The communications ground rod shall be bonded to the power grounding electrode system in accordance with 830.100(D).
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be run in as straight a line as practicable.
Bonding conductors and grounding electrode conductors shall be protected where exposed to physical damage. Where the bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor is installed in a metal raceway, both ends of the raceway shall be bonded to the contained conductor or to the same terminal or electrode to which the bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor is connected.
The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be connected in accordance with 830.100(B)(1), (B)(2), or (B)(3).
If the building or structure served has an intersystem bonding termination as required by 250.94, the bonding conductor shall be connected to the intersystem bonding termination.
Informational Note: See Part I of Article 100 for the definition of Intersystem Bonding Termination.
If the building or structure served has no intersystem bonding termination, the bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be connected to the nearest accessible location on one of the following:
- The building or structure grounding electrode system as covered in 250.50
- The grounded interior metal water piping system, within 1.5 m (5 ft) from its point of entrance to the building, as covered in 250.52
- The power service accessible means external to enclosures as covered in 250.94
- The nonflexible metallic power service raceway
- The service equipment enclosure
- The grounding electrode conductor or the grounding electrode conductor metal enclosure of the power service, or
- The grounding electrode conductor or the grounding electrode of a building or structure disconnecting means that is connected to an electrode as covered in 250.32
A bonding device intended to provide a termination point for the bonding conductor (intersystem bonding) shall not interfere with the opening of an equipment enclosure. A bonding device shall be mounted on nonremovable parts. A bonding device shall not be mounted on a door or cover even if the door or cover is nonremovable.
For purposes of this section, the mobile home service equipment or the mobile home disconnecting means, as described in 830.93, shall be considered accessible.
If the building or structure served has no intersystem bonding termination or grounding means, as described in 830.100(B)(2), the grounding electrode conductor shall be connected to either of the following:
- To any one of the individual grounding electrodes described in 250.52(A)(1), (A)(2), (A)(3), or (A)(4).
- If the building or structure served has no intersystem bonding termination or has no grounding means, as described in 830.100(B)(2) or (B)(3)(1), to any one of the individual grounding electrodes described in 250.52(A)(7) and (A)(8), or to a ground rod or pipe not less than 1.5 m (5 ft) in length and 12.7 mm (1/2 in.) in diameter, driven, where practicable, into permanently damp earth and separated from lightning conductors as covered in 800.53 and at least 1.8 m (6 ft) from electrodes of other systems. Steam or hot water pipes or lightning-rod conductors shall not be employed as grounding electrodes for protectors, NIUs with integral protection, grounded metallic members, NIUs with metallic enclosures, and other equipment.
Connections to grounding electrodes shall comply with 250.70.
A bonding jumper not smaller than 6 AWG copper or equivalent shall be connected between the network-powered broadband communications system grounding electrode and the power grounding electrode system at the building or structure served where separate electrodes are used.
Exception: At mobile homes as covered in 830.106.
Informational Note No. 2: Bonding together of all separate electrodes limits potential differences between them and between their associated wiring systems.
Grounding shall comply with 830.106(A)(1) or (A)(2).
- Where there is no mobile home service equipment located within 9.0 m (30 ft) of the exterior wall of the mobile home it serves, the network-powered broadband communications cable shield, network-powered broadband communications cable metallic members not used for communications or powering, network interface unit, and primary protector grounding terminal shall be connected to a grounding electrode conductor or grounding electrode in accordance with 830.100(B)(3).
- 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 network-powered broadband communications cable shield, network-powered broadband communications cable metallic members not used for communications or powering, network interface unit, and primary protector grounding terminal shall be connected to a grounding electrode in accordance with 830.100(B)(3).
The network-powered broadband communications cable grounding terminal, network interface unit grounding terminal, if present, and primary protector grounding terminal shall be bonded together with a copper bonding conductor not smaller than 12 AWG. The network-powered broadband communications cable grounding terminal, network interface unit grounding terminal, primary protector grounding terminal, or the grounding electrode shall be bonded to the metal frame or available grounding terminal of the mobile home with a copper bonding conductor not smaller than 12 AWG under any of the following conditions:
- Where there is no mobile home service equipment or disconnecting means as in 830.106(A)
- Where the mobile home is supplied by cord and plug
Low-power network-powered broadband communications cables shall be permitted to be installed in any raceway that complies with either 830.110(A)(1) or (A)(2) and in cable routing assemblies installed in compliance with 830.110(C). Medium-power network-powered broadband communications cables shall be permitted to be installed in any raceway that complies with 830.110(A)(1).
Low-power network-powered broadband communications cables shall be permitted to be installed in listed plenum communications raceways, listed riser communications raceways, and listed general-purpose communications raceways, selected in accordance with the provisions of 800.113 and 830.113 and installed in accordance with 362.24 through 362.56, where the requirements applicable to electrical nonmetallic tubing apply.
Network-powered broadband communications 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 provisions of 800.113 and installed in accordance with 830.110(C)(1) and (2).
Cable routing assemblies shall be supported where run horizontally at intervals not to exceed 900 mm (3ft),and at each end or joint, unless listed for other support intervals. In no case shall the distance between supports exceed 3 m (10 ft).
Vertical runs of cable routing assemblies shall be supported at intervals not exceeding 1.2 m (4 ft), unless listed for other support intervals, and shall not have more than one joint between supports.
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.
The following cables shall be permitted in ducts as described in 300.22(B) if they are directly associated with the air distribution system:
- Up to 1.22 m (4 ft) of Type BLP cable
- 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-2012, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.
The following cables shall be permitted in other spaces used for environmental air as described in 300.22(C):
- Type BLP cable
- Type BLP cable installed in plenum communications raceways
- Type BLP cable supported by open metallic cable trays or cable tray systems
- Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM, BL, and BLX cables installed in raceways that are installed in compliance with 300.22(C)
- 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)
- 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 trays with 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, see 4.3.11.2, 4.3.11.4, and 4.3.11.5 of NFPA 90A-2012, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.
The following cables shall be permitted in vertical runs penetrating one or more floors and in vertical runs in a shaft:
- Types BLP, BMR, and BLR cables
- Types BLP and BLR cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Plenum cable routing assemblies
- Riser communications raceways
- Riser cable routing assemblies
Informational Note: See 830.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.
The following cables shall be permitted in a metal raceway in a riser with firestops at each floor:
- Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM, BL, and BLX cables
- Types BLP, BLR, and BL cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Riser communications raceways
- General-purpose communications raceways
Informational Note: See 830.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.
The following cables shall be permitted to be installed in fireproof riser shafts with firestops at each floor:
- Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM, BL, and BLX cables
- Types BLP, BLR, and BL cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Plenum cable routing assemblies
- Riser communications raceways
- Riser cable routing assemblies
- General-purpose communications raceways
- General-purpose cable routing assemblies
Informational Note: See 830.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.
The following cables shall be permitted in one- and two-family dwellings:
- Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM, BL, and BLX cables less than 10 mm (0.375 in.) in diameter
- Types BLP, BLR, and BL cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Plenum cable routing assemblies
- Riser communications raceways
- Riser cable routing assemblies
- General-purpose communications raceways
- General-purpose cable routing assemblies
Informational Note: See 830.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.
The following cables and raceways shall be permitted to be installed in building locations other than those covered in 830.113(B) through (G):
- Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM, and BL cables
- Types BLP, BMR, BLR, BM, BL, and BLX cables installed in a raceway
- Types BLP, BLR, and BL cables installed in:
- Plenum communications raceways
- Plenum cable routing assemblies
- Riser communications raceways
- Riser cable routing assemblies
- General-purpose communications raceways
- General-purpose cable routing assemblies
- Type BLX cables less than 10 mm (0.375 in.) in diameter in one- and two-family dwellings
- Types BMU and BLU cables entering the building from outside and run in rigid metal conduit (RMC) or intermediate metal conduit (IMC) where the conduit is connected by a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor in accordance with 830.100(B)
Informational Note: This provision limits the length of Type BLX cable to 15 m (50 ft), while 830.90(B) requires that the primary protector, or NIU with integral protection, be located as close as practicable to the point at which the cable enters the building. Therefore, in installations requiring a primary protector, or NIU with integral protection, Type BLX cable may not be permitted to extend 15 m (50 ft) into the building if it is practicable to place the primary protector closer than 15 m (50 ft) to the entrance point.
- A maximum length of 15 m (50 ft), within the building, of Type BLX cable entering the building from outside and terminating at an NIU or a primary protection location
Cable and equipment installations within buildings shall comply with 830.133(A) through (C), as applicable.
(a) Low- and Medium-Power Network-Powered Broadband Communications Circuit Cables. Low- and medium-power network-powered broadband communications cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, box, enclosure, or cable routing assembly.
(b) Low-Power Network-Powered Broadband Communications Circuit Cables with Optical Fiber Cables and Other Communications Cables. 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:
- Communications circuits in compliance with Parts I and V of Article 800
- Nonconductive and conductive optical fiber cables in compliance with Parts I and V of Article 770
- Community antenna television and radio distribution systems in compliance with Parts I and V of Article 820
(c) Low-Power Network-Powered Broadband Communications Circuit Cables with Other Circuits. 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:
- Class 2 and Class 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits in compliance with Parts I and III of Article 725
- Power-limited fire alarm systems in compliance with Parts I and III of Article 760
(d) Medium-Power Network-Powered Broadband Communications Circuit Cables with Optical Fiber Cables and Other Communications Cables. Medium-power network-powered broadband communications cables shall not be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, box, enclosure, or cable routing assembly with conductors of any of the following circuits:
- Communications circuits in compliance with Parts I and V of Article 800
- Conductive optical fiber cables in compliance with Parts I and V of Article 770
- Community antenna television and radio distribution systems in compliance with Parts I and V of Article 820
(e) Medium-Power Network-Powered Broadband Communications Circuit Cables with Other Circuits. Medium-power network-powered broadband communications cables shall not be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, box, enclosure, or cable routing assembly with conductors of any of the following circuits:
- Class 2 and Class 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits in compliance with Parts I and III of Article 725
- Power-limited fire alarm systems in compliance with Parts I and III of Article 760
(f) Electric Light, Power, Class 1, Non-Powered Broadband Communications Circuit Cables. Network-powered broadband communications cable shall not be placed in any raceway, cable tray, compartment, outlet box, junction box, or similar fittings with conductors of electric light, power, Class 1, or non-power-limited fire alarm circuit cables.
Exception No. 1: Where all of the conductors of electric light, power, Class 1, non-power-limited fire alarm circuits are separated from all of the network-powered broadband communications cables by a permanent barrier or listed divider.
Exception No. 2: Power circuit conductors in outlet boxes, junction boxes, or similar fittings or compartments where such conductors are introduced solely for power supply to the network-powered broadband communications system distribution equipment. The power circuit conductors shall be routed within the enclosure to maintain a minimum 6-mm (0.25-in.) separation from network-powered broadband communications cables.
Network-powered broadband communications cable shall be separated at least 50 mm (2 in.) from conductors of any electric light, power, Class 1, and non-power-limited fire alarm circuits.
Exception No. 1: Where either (1) all of the conductors of electric light, power, Class 1, and non-power-limited fire alarm circuits are in a raceway, or in metal-sheathed, metal-clad, nonmetallic-sheathed, Type AC, or Type UF cables, or (2) all of the network-powered broadband communications cables are encased in raceway.
Exception No. 2: Where the network-powered broadband communications cables are permanently separated from the conductors of electric light, power, Class 1, and nonpower-limited fire alarm circuits by a continuous and firmly fixed nonconductor, such as porcelain tubes or flexible tubing, in addition to the insulation on the wire.
Permitted and nonpermitted applications of listed network-powered broadband communications system cables shall be as indicated in Table 830.154(a). The permitted applications shall be subject to the installation requirements of 830.40, 830.110, and 830.113. The substitutions for network-powered broadband system cables listed in Table 830.154(b) shall be permitted.
Table 830.154(a) Applications of Network-Powered Broadband Cables in Buildings
| Application | Cable Types | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLP | BLR | BL | BMR | BM | BLX | BMU, BLU | ||
| In specifically 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) | 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 | NOT PERMITTED | |||||||
| 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 | |
| Within buildings in other than air-handling spaces and risers | 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 (RMC) and intermediate metal conduit (IMC) | 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 | |
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 830.113.
Informational Note No. 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 (RMC) or intermediate metal conduit (IMC) 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).
Informational Note No. 3: Cable routing assemblies are not addressed in NFPA 90A-2012, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.
Table 830.154(b) Cable Substitutions
| Cable Type | Permitted Cable Substitutions |
|---|---|
| BM | BMR |
| BLP | CMP, CL3P |
| BLR | CMP, CL3P, CMR, CL3R, BLP, BMR |
| BL | CMP, CMR, CM, CMG, CL3P, CL3R, CL3, BMR, BM, BLP, BLR |
| BLX | CMP, CMR, CM, CMG, CMX, CL3P, CL3R, CL3, CL3X, BMR, BM, BLP, BRP, BL |
Network-powered broadband communications equipment and cables shall be listed and marked in accordance with 830.179(A) or (B).
Exception No. 1: This listing requirement shall not apply to community antenna television and radio distribution system coaxial cables that were installed prior to January 1, 2000, in accordance with Article 820 and are used for low-power network-powered broadband communications circuits.
Network-powered broadband communications medium-power cables shall be factory-assembled cables consisting of a jacketed coaxial cable, a jacketed combination of coaxial cable and multiple individual conductors, or a jacketed combination of an optical fiber cable and multiple individual conductors. The insulation for the individual conductors shall be rated for 300 volts minimum. Cables intended for outdoor use shall be listed as suitable for the application. Cables shall be marked in accordance with 310.120.
Type BMR cables shall be 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 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 from floor to floor is that the cables pass the requirements of ANSI/UL 1666-2011, Standard Test for Flame Propagation Height of Electrical and Optical - Fiber Cable In stalled Vertically in Shafts.
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 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 Tray Flame Test in ANSI/UL 1685-2010, Standard for Safety for Vertical- Tray Fire - Propagation and Smoke - Release Test for Electrical and Optical - Fiber Cables. The smoke measurements in the test method are not applicable.
Type BMU cables shall be jacketed and listed as being suitable for outdoor underground use.
Network-powered broadband communications low-power cables shall be factory-assembled cables consisting of a jacketed coaxial cable, a jacketed combination of coaxial cable and multiple individual conductors, or a jacketed combination of an optical fiber cable and multiple individual conductors. The insulation for the individual conductors shall be rated for 300 volts minimum. Cables intended for outdoor use shall be listed as suitable for the application. Cables shall be marked in accordance with 310.120.
Type BLP cables shall be listed as being suitable for use in ducts, plenums, and other spaces used for environmental air and shall also be listed as having adequate fire-resistant and low-smoke producing characteristics
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 a maximum flame spread distance of 1.52 m (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262-2011, Standard Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air - Handling Spaces .
Type BLR cables shall be 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 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 from floor to floor is that the cables pass the requirements of ANSI/UL 1666-2011, Standard Test for Flame Propagation Height of Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cable Installed Vertically in Shafts.
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 Tray Flame Test" in ANSI/UL 1685-2010, Standard for Safety for Vertical-Tray Fire-Propagation and Smoke-Release Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables. The smoke measurements in the test method are not applicable.
Type BLU cables shall be jacketed and listed as being suitable for outdoor underground use.
This article covers premises-powered optical fiber-based broadband communications systems that provide any combination of voice, video, data, and interactive services through an optical network terminal (ONT).
Informational Note No. 1: A typical basic system configuration consists of an optical fiber cable to the premises (FTTP) supplying a broadband signal to an ONT that converts the broadband optical signal into component 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 may be nonconductive or conductive.
Informational Note No. 2: See 90.2(B)(4) for installations of premises-powered broadband communications systems that are not covered in this article.
The definitions in Part I of Article 100 and 770.2, 800.2, and 820.2 shall apply. For purposes of this article, the following additional definitions apply.
Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP). Conductive or nonconductive optical fiber cable that is brought to the premises is terminated at an optical network terminal (ONT) and establishes a connection to a communications network.
Optical Network Terminal (ONT). A device that converts an optical signal into component signals, including voice, audio, video, data, wireless, and interactive service electrical, and is considered to be network interface equipment.
Premises Communications Circuit. The circuit that extends voice, audio, video, data, interactive services, telegraph (except radio), and outside wiring for fire alarm and burglar alarm from the service provider's ONT to the customer's communications equipment up to and including terminal equipment, such as a telephone, a fax machine, or an answering machine.
Premises Community Antenna Television (CATV) Circuit. The circuit that extends community antenna television (CATV) systems for audio, video, data, and interactive services from the service provider's ONT to the appropriate customer equipment.
The requirements of 300.22(A) for wiring systems shall apply to conductive optical fiber cables.
The requirements of 300.22(C)(3) shall apply.
The requirements of 110.3(B) shall apply.
As appropriate for the services provided, the output circuits derived from the optical network terminal shall comply with the requirements of the following:
- Installations of communications circuits — Part V of Article 800
- Installations of community antenna television and radio distribution circuits — Part V of Article 820
- Installations of optical fiber cables — Part V of Article 770
- Installations of Class 2 and Class 3 circuits — Part III of Article 725
- Installations of power-limited fire alarm circuits — Part III of Article 760
Overhead optical fiber cables containing a non-current-carrying metallic member entering buildings shall comply with 840.44(A) and (B).
Where outside plant optical fiber cables and electric light or power conductors are supported by the same pole or are run parallel to each other in-span, the conditions described in 840.44(A)(1) through (A) (4) shall be met.
Where practicable, the outside plant optical fiber cables shall be located below the electric light or power conductors.
Attachment of outside plant optical fiber cables to a cross-arm that carries electric light or power conductors shall not be permitted.
The climbing space through outside plant optical fiber cables shall comply with the requirements of 225.14(D).
Supply service drops and sets of overhead service conductors of 0 to 750 volts running above and parallel to broadband 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. Clearance of not less than 1.0 m (40 in.) shall be maintained between the two services at the pole.
Outside plant optical fiber cables shall have a vertical clearance of not less than 2.5 m (8 ft) from all points of roofs above which they pass.
Exception No. 1: The requirement of 840.44(B) shall not apply to auxiliary buildings, such as garages and the like.
Exception No. 2: A reduction in clearance above only the overhanging portion of the roof, to not less than 450 mm (18 in.), shall be permitted if (a) not more than 1.2 m (4 ft) of premises-powered broadband communications service-drop cable passes above the roof overhang, and (b) the cable is terminated at a through- or above-the-roof raceway or approved support.
Exception No. 3: Where the roof has a slope of not less than 100 mm in 300 mm (4 in. in 12 in.), a reduction in clearance to not less than 900 mm (3 ft) shall be permitted.
Underground optical fiber cables entering buildings shall comply with 840.47(A) through (C).
Underground optical fiber cables with a non-current carrying metallic member 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 section separated from such conductors by means of brick, concrete, or tile partitions or by means of a suitable barrier.
Direct-buried optical fiber cables with a non-current-carrying metallic member shall be separated by at least 300 mm (12 in.) from conductors of any electric light, power, or non-powerlimited fire alarm circuit conductors or Class 1 circuit.
Exception No. 1: Where electric service conductors are installed in raceways or have metal cable armor.
Exception No. 2: Where electric light or power branch-circuit or feeder conductors, non-power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors, or Class 1 circuit conductors are installed in a raceway or in metal-sheathed, metal-clad, or Type UF or Type USE cables.
The requirements of 770.48 shall apply.
The requirements of 770.49 shall apply.
The requirements of 800.90 shall apply.
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.
Non-current-carrying metallic members of optical fiber cables entering a building or terminating on the outside of a building shall comply with 770.93(A) or (B).
Where the ONT is installed inside or outside of the building, with coaxial cables terminating at the ONT, and is either entering, exiting, or attached to the outside of the building, 820.93 shall apply.
Where the ONT is served by a nonconductive optical fiber cable, or where any non-current-carrying metallic member is interrupted by an insulating joint or equivalent device, and circuits that terminate at the ONT and are completely contained within the building (i.e., they do not exit the building), 840.101(A), (B), and (C) shall apply, as applicable.
The shield of coaxial cable shall be grounded by one of the following:
- Any of the methods described in 820.100 or 820.106
- A fixed connection to an equipment grounding conductor as described in 250.118
- Connection to the ONT grounding terminal provided that the terminal is connected to ground by one of the methods described in 820.100 or 820.106. or to an equipment grounding conductor through a listed grounding device that will retain the ground connection if the ONT is unplugged
Communications circuits shall not be required to be grounded.
The ONT shall not be required to be grounded unless required by its listing. If the coaxial cable shield is separately grounded as described in 840.101(A)(1) or 840.101(A)(2), the use of a cord and plug for the connection to the ONT grounding connection shall be permitted.
Informational Note: Where required to be grounded, a listed device that extends the equipment grounding conductor from the receptacle to the ONT equipment grounding terminal is permitted. Sizing of the extended equipment grounding conductor is covered in Table 250.122.
Grounding shall comply with (1) and (2).
Where there is no mobile home service equipment 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 cables shall be connected to a grounding electrode in accordance with 770.106(A)(1). The ONT, if required to be grounded, shall be connected to a grounding electrode in accordance with 800.106(A)(1). Premises CATV circuits shall be grounded in accordance with 820.106(A)(1), unless the ONT is listed to provide the grounding path for the shield of the coaxial cable. The grounding electrode shall be bonded in accordance with 770.106(B).
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 cables shall be connected to a grounding electrode in accordance with 770.106(A)(2). The ONT, if required to be grounded, shall be connected to a grounding electrode in accordance with 800.106(A)(2). Premises CATV circuits shall be grounded in accordance with 820.106(A)(2), unless the ONT is listed to provide the grounding path for the shield of the coaxial cable. The grounding electrode shall be bonded in accordance with 770.106(B).
The ONT grounding terminal or grounding electrode shall be connected to the metal frame or available grounding terminal of the mobile home with a copper conductor not smaller than 12 AWG under any of the following conditions:
- Where there is no mobile home service equipment or disconnecting means as specified in 840.106(A).
- Where the mobile home is supplied by cord and plug.
The requirements of 770.110 shall apply.
Installation of premises communications circuits and premises coaxial circuits shall comply with 840.113(A) and (B).
The requirements of 770.133 shall apply.
The requirements of 770.154 shall apply.
Premises-powered broadband communications systems equipment and cables shall comply with 840.170(A) through (D).
The ONT and applicable grounding means shall be listed for application with premises-powered broadband communications systems.
Informational Note No. 1: One way to determine applicable requirements is to refer to UL 60950-1-2007, Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment; UL 498A-2008, Current Taps and Adapters; or UL 467-2007, Grounding and Bonding Equipment.
Optical fiber cables shall be listed in accordance with 770.179(A) through (D) and shall be marked in accordance with Table 770.179.