ARTICLE 800

Communications Circuits

Informational Note: Informational Note Figure 800(a) and Informational Note Figure 800(b) illustrate the application of bonding and grounding electrode conductors in communica‐ tions installations.

Part I. General

Scope. This article covers communications circuits and equipment.
Service equipmentInformational Note No. 1: See 90.2(B)(4) for installations of communications circuits and equipment that are not covered.
Communications equipment, protectoror shieldBonding conductorInformational 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.
Definitions. 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.•Block. A square or portion of a city, town, or village enclosedby 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 crit‐ ical circuits during a specified time under fire conditions.Power servicegrounding electrode conductor Intersystem bonding termination or connection to building grounding means
Grounding electrode•Exposed (to Accidental Contact). A circuit that is in such aposition 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 defi‐ nitions of Exposed.
Service equipmentInformational Note Figure 800(a) Illustration of a Bonding Conductor in a Communications Installation.

Communications equipment, protectoror shieldGrounding electrode conductor•Point of Entrance. The point within a building at which thecommunications wire or cable emerges from an external wall or from a concrete floor slab.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.
Other Articles.

Hazardous (Classified) Locations. Communications circuits and equipment installed in a location that is classified in accordance with 500.5 and 505.5 shall comply with the appli‐ cable requirements of Chapter 5.Power servicegrounding electrode conductorBonding conductor
Grounding electrodes
Wiring in Ducts for Dust, Loose Stock, or Vapor Removal.The requirements of 300.22(A) shall apply.
Equipment in Other Space Used for Environmental Air.The requirements of 300.22(C)(3) shall apply.Informational Note Figure 800(b) Illustration of a Grounding Electrode Conductor in a Communications Installation.
Installation and Use. The requirements of 110.3(B) shall apply.
Network-Powered Broadband Communications Systems. Article 830 shall apply to network-powered broadband commu‐ nications systems.
Premises-Powered Broadband Communications Systems. Article 840 shall apply to premises-powered broadband communications systems.•
Optical Fiber Cable. 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.N
Temperature Limitation of Conductors.

Section 310.15(A)(3) shall apply.

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800.18 Installation of Equipment. Equipment electrically

connected to a communications network shall be listed in accordance with 800.170.

Exception: This listing requirement shall not apply to test equipment that is intended for temporary connection to a telecommunications network by qualified persons during the course of installation, mainte‐ nance, or repair of telecommunications equipment or systems.

800.21 Access to Electrical Equipment Behind Panels Designed to Allow Access. Access to electrical equipment shall not be denied by an accumulation of communications wires and cables that prevents removal of panels, including suspended ceiling panels.

Mechanical Execution of Work. Communications circuits and equipment shall be installed in a neat and work‐ manlike manner. Cables installed exposed on the surface of ceilings and sidewalls shall be supported by the building struc‐ ture 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. Nonme‐ tallic cable ties and other nonmetallic cable accessories used to secure and support cables in other spaces used for environ‐ mental air (plenums) shall be listed as having low smoke and heat release properties in accordance with 800.170(C).Infrastructure Standard for Industrial Premises; ANSI/ TIA-1179-2010, Healthcare Facility Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard; ANSI/TIA-4966-2014, Telecommunications InfrastructureInformational Note No. 1: Accepted industry practices are described in ANSI/NECA/BICSI 568-2006, Standard for Installing Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling; ANSI/TIA-568.1- D-2015, Commercial Building Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard; ANSI/TIA-569-D-2015, Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces; ANSI/TIA-570-C-2012, Residential Telecommunications Infra‐ structure Standard ; ANSI/TIA-1005-A-2012, Telecommunications
Standard for Educational Facilities; 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-2015, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, for discrete combustible components installed in accordance with 300.22(C).
Informational Note No. 3: Paint, plaster, cleaners, abrasives,corrosive residues, or other contaminants may result in an unde‐ termined alteration of communications wire and cable proper‐ ties.
Abandoned Cables. The accessible portion of aban‐ doned communications cables shall be removed. Where cables are identified for future use with a tag, the tag shall be of suffi‐ cient durability to withstand the environment involved.
Spread of Fire or Products of Combustion. Installa‐ tions 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 mate‐ rials 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 horizon‐ tal 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.

Part II. Wires and Cables Outside and Entering Buildings

800.44 Overhead (Aerial) Communications Wires and Cables. Overhead (aerial) communications wires and cables entering buildings shall comply with 800.44(A) and (B).

On Poles and In-Span. 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 800.44(A)(4) shall be met.
1. Relative Location. Where practicable, the communica‐ tions wires and cables shall be located below the electric light or power conductors.
2. Attachment to Cross-Arms. Communications wires and cables shall not be attached to a cross-arm that carries electric light or power conductors.
3. Climbing Space. The climbing space through communica‐ tions wires and cables shall comply with the requirements of 225.14(D).
4. Clearance. Supply service drops and sets of overhead serv‐ ice conductors of 0 to 750 volts running above and parallel to communications service drops shall have a minimum separa‐ tion 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.
Above Roofs. 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: Communications wires and cables shall not be required to have a vertical clearance of not less than 2.5 m (8 ft) above 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 conduc‐ tors 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.

Informational Note: For additional information regarding over‐ head (aerial) wires and cables, see ANSI/IEEE C2-2012, National Electrical Safety Code, Part 2, Safety Rules for Overhead Lines.

Underground Communications Wires and Cables Entering Buildings. Underground communications wires and cables entering buildings shall comply with 800.47(A) and (B). The requirements of 310.10(C) shall not apply to communica‐ tions wires and cables.
1. Underground Systems with Electric Light, Power, Class 1, or Non–Power-Limited Fire Alarm Circuit Conductors. 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 conduc‐ tors shall be in a section separated from such conductors by means of brick, concrete, or tile partitions or by means of a suitable barrier.
2. Underground Block Distribution. 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 800.50(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 Cables Entering Buildings. Unlisted outside plant communications cables shall be permitted to be installed in building spaces other than risers, ducts used for environ‐ mental 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. The point of entrance shall be permit‐ ted to be extended from the penetration of the external wall or floor slab by continuously enclosing the entrance cables in rigid metal conduit (RMC) or intermediate metal conduit (IMC) to the point of emergence.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 unlis‐ ted 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.•
Metallic Entrance Conduit Grounding. Metallicconduit containing communications entrance wire or cable shall be connected by a bonding conductor or grounding elec‐ trode conductor to a grounding electrode in accordance with 800.100(B).
Circuits Requiring Primary Protectors. Circuits that require primary protectors as provided in 800.90 shall comply with 800.50(A),800.50(B), and 800.50(C).

Insulation, Wires, and Cables. Communications wires and cables without a metallic shield, running from the last outdoor support to the primary protector, shall be listed in accordance with 800.173.
On Buildings. 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.
Entering Buildings. Where a primary protector is installed inside the building, the communications wires and cables shall enter the building either through a noncombustible, nonab‐ sorbent 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.

Raceways shall be equipped with an approved service head. More than one communications wire and cable shall be permit‐ ted to enter through a single raceway or bushing. Conduits or other metal raceways located ahead of the primary protector shall be grounded.

800.53 Lightning Conductors. Where practicable, a separa‐ tion of at least 1.8 m (6 ft) shall be maintained between communications wires and cables on buildings and lightning conductors.

Informational Note: Specific separation distances may be calcu‐

lated from the sideflash equation in NFPA 780-2014, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems, 4.16.2.

Part III. Protection

800.90 Protective Devices.

Application. 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 protec‐ tor 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 acciden‐tal 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 follow‐ ing conditions exist:
1. Circuits in large metropolitan areas where buildings are close together and sufficiently high to intercept lightning.
2. Interbuilding cable runs of 42 m (140 ft) or less, directly buried or in underground conduit, where a continuous metallic cable shield or a continuous metallic conduit containing the cable is connected to each building grounding electrode system.
3. Areas having an average of five or fewer thunderstorm days per year and earth resistivity of less than 100 ohm- meters. Such areas are found along the Pacific coast.Informational Note: For information on lightning protec‐ tion systems, see NFPA 780- 2014, Standard for the Installa‐ tion of Lightning Protection Systems.
  1. Fuseless Primary Protectors. Fuseless-type primary protec‐ tors shall be permitted under any of the conditions given in (A)(1)(a) through (A)(1)(e).
    1. Where conductors enter a building through a cable with grounded metallic sheath member(s) and where the conduc‐ tors 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
    2. 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 connec‐ tions 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
    3. 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 insula‐ ted conductors and of the primary protector bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor
    4. 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 oper‐ ating at greater than 300 volts to ground
    5. 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 insu‐ lated conductors is listed as being suitable for this purpose for application with circuits extending from a cable with an effec‐ tively grounded metallic sheath member(s), and (2) the insula‐ ted 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/IEEE C2-2012, National Electrical Safety Code, provides an example of methods of protec‐ tive grounding that can achieve effective grounding of commu‐ nications cable sheaths for cables from which communications circuits are extended.
  1. Fused Primary Protectors. 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.
Location. 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.•For purposes of this section, primary protectors located atmobile 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 ground‐ ing 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 poten‐ tial differences between communications circuits and other metallic systems.
Hazardous (Classified) Locations. The primary protector shall not be located in any hazardous (classified) locations, as defined in 500.5 and 505.5, or in the vicinity of easily ignitible material.Exception: As permitted in 501.150, 502.150, and 503.150.
Secondary Protectors. 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 oper‐ ating at greater than 300 volts to ground are not intended for use without primary protectors.

800.93 Grounding or Interruption of Non–Current-Carrying Metallic Sheath Members of Communications Cables. Communications cables entering the building or terminating on the outside of the building shall comply with 800.93(A) or 800.93(B).

Entering Buildings. In installations where the communi‐ cations 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.
Terminating on the Outside of Buildings. 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 inter‐ ruption shall be as close as practicable to the point of termina‐ tion of the cable.

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Part IV. Grounding Methods

800.100 Cable and Primary Protector Bonding and Grounding. The primary protector and the metallic member(s) of the cable sheath shall be bonded or grounded as specified in 800.100(A) through 800.100(D).

Bonding Conductor or Grounding Electrode Conductor.
1. Insulation. The bonding conductor or grounding elec‐ trode conductor shall be listed and shall be permitted to be insulated, covered, or bare.
2. Material. The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be copper or other corrosion-resistant conduc‐ tive material, stranded or solid.
3. Size. 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 commu‐ nications cable. The bonding conductor or grounding elec‐ trode conductor shall not be required to exceed 6 AWG.
4. Length. The primary protector bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be as short as practicable. In one- and two-family dwellings, the primary protector bond‐ ing 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 communi‐ cations 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).
5. Run in Straight Line. The bonding conductor or ground‐ ing electrode conductor shall be run in as straight a line as practicable.
6. Physical Protection. Bonding conductors and grounding electrode conductors shall be protected where exposed to phys‐ ical damage. Where the bonding conductor or grounding elec‐ trode 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 conduc‐ tor or grounding electrode conductor is connected.
Electrode. The bonding conductor or grounding elec‐ trode conductor shall be connected in accordance with 800.100(B)(1), 800.100(B)(2), or 800.100(B)(3).
1. In Buildings or Structures with an Intersystem Bonding Termination. If the building or structure served has an inter‐ system bonding termination as required by 250.94, the bonding conductor shall be connected to the intersystem bonding termination.•
2. In Buildings or Structures with Grounding Means. If anintersystem bonding termination is established, 250.94(A) shall apply.If the building or structure served has no intersystem bond‐ ing termination, the bonding conductor or grounding elec‐ trode conductor shall be connected to the nearest accessible location on one of the following:
  1. The building or structure grounding electrode system as covered in 250.50
  2. The grounded interior metal water piping system, within1.5 m (5 ft) from its point of entrance to the building, as covered in 250.52
  3. The power service accessible means external to enclo‐ sures using the options identified in 250.94(A), Excep‐ tion
  4. The nonflexible metallic power service raceway
  5. The service equipment enclosure
  6. The grounding electrode conductor or the grounding electrode conductor metal enclosure of the power service
  7. The grounding electrode conductor or the grounding electrode of a building or structure disconnecting means that is grounded to an electrode as covered in 250.32
  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 bond‐ ing device shall be mounted on nonremovable parts. A bond‐ ing 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 equip‐ ment or the mobile home disconnecting means, as described in 800.90(B), shall be considered accessible.(3) In Buildings or Structures Without an Intersystem Bonding Termination or Grounding Means. 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:
  1. To any one of the individual grounding electrodes descri‐ bed in 250.52(A)(1), (A)(2), (A)(3), or (A)(4).
  2. If the building or structure served has no intersystem bonding termination or has no grounding means, as described in 800.100(B)(2) or (B)(3)(1), to any one of the individual grounding electrodes described in 250.52(A)(7) and (A)(8) or 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 protection system conductors as covered in 800.53 and at least 1.8 m (6 ft) from electrodes of other systems. Steam, hot water pipes, or lightning protection system conductors shall not be employed as electrodes for protectors and grounded metallic members.
Electrode Connection. Connections to grounding electro‐ des shall comply with 250.70.
Bonding of Electrodes. A bonding jumper not smaller than 6 AWG copper or equivalent shall be connected between the communications grounding electrode and power ground‐ ing 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. 1: See 250.60 for connection to a light‐ ning protection system.

Informational Note No. 2: Bonding together of all separate elec‐ trodes limits potential differences between them and between their associated wiring systems.

800.106 Primary Protector Grounding and Bonding at Mobile Homes.

Grounding. Grounding shall comply with 800.106(A)(1) and 800.106(A)(2).
1. Where there is no mobile home service equipment loca‐ ted 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).
Bonding. 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

Part V. Installation Methods Within Buildings

800.110 Raceways and Cable Routing Assemblies for Commu‐ nications Wires and Cables.

Types of Raceways. 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).
1. Raceways Recognized in Chapter 3. Communications wires and cables shall be permitted to be installed in any race‐ way included in Chapter 3. The raceways shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.
2. Communications Raceways. Communications wires and cables shall be permitted to be installed in plenum communica‐ tions raceways, riser communications raceways, and general- purpose communications raceways selected in accordance with Table 800.154(b), listed in accordance with 800.182, and instal‐ led in accordance with 800.113 and 362.24 through 362.56, where the requirements applicable to electrical nonmetallic tubing (ENT) apply.
3. Innerduct for Communications Wires and Cables. Listed plenum communications raceway, listed riser communications raceway, and listed general-purpose communications raceway selected in accordance withTable 800.154(b) shall be permitted to be installed as innerduct in any type of listed raceway permit‐ ted in Chapter 3.
Raceway Fill for Communications Wires and Cables. The raceway fill requirements of Chapters 3 and 9 shall not apply to communications wires and cables.
Cable Routing Assemblies. Communications wires and cables shall be permitted to be installed in plenum cable rout‐ ing assemblies, riser cable routing assemblies, and general- purpose cable routing assemblies selected in accordance with Table 800.154(c), listed in accordance with 800.182, and installed in accordance with 800.110(C)(1) and (C)(2) and 800.113.
1. Horizontal Support. 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).
2. Vertical Support. 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.

800.113 Installation of Communications Wires, Cables and Raceways, and Cable Routing Assemblies. Installation of communications wires, cables and raceways, and cable routing assemblies shall comply with 800.113(A) through (L). Installa‐ tion of raceways and cable routing assemblies shall also comply with 800.110.

Listing. Communications wires, communications cables, communications raceways, and cable routing assemblies instal‐ led in buildings shall be listed.Exception: Communications cables that are installed in compliance with 800.48 shall not be required to be listed.
Ducts Specifically Fabricated for Environmental Air. 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:
1. Up to 1.22 m (4 ft) of Type CMP cable
2. Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables and communications wires installed in raceways that are instal‐ led 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 -2015, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.
Other Spaces Used for Environmental Air (Plenums).The following wires, cables, raceways, and cable routing assem‐
blies shall be permitted in other spaces used for environmental air as described in 300.22(C):
1. Type CMP cables
2. Plenum communications raceways
3. Plenum cable routing assemblies
4. Type CMP cables installed in plenum communications raceways(5) Type CMP cables installed in plenum cable routingassemblies
  1. Type CMP cables and plenum communications raceways supported by open metallic cable trays or cable tray systems
  2. Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables and communications wires installed in raceways that are instal‐ led in compliance with 300.22(C)
  3. Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables, plenum communications raceways, riser communications race‐ ways, 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)
  4. 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-2015, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.
Risers — Cables, Raceways, and Cable Routing Assemblies in Vertical Runs. The following cables, raceways, and cable routing assemblies shall be permitted in vertical runs penetrat‐ ing one or more floors and in vertical runs in a shaft:
1. Types CMP and CMR cables
2. Plenum and riser communications raceways
3. Plenum and riser cable routing assemblies
4. Types CMP and CMR cables installed in:
  1. Plenum communications raceways
  2. Riser communications raceways
  3. Plenum cable routing assemblies
  4. Riser cable routing assemblies
Informational Note: See 800.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.
Risers — Cables and Innerducts in Metal Raceways. The following cables and innerducts shall be permitted in metal raceways in a riser having firestops at each floor:
1. Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables
2. Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications race‐ ways
3. Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables installed in:
  1. Plenum communications raceways (innerduct)
  2. Riser communications raceways (innerduct)
  3. General-purpose communications raceways (inner‐ duct)
Informational Note: See 800.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.
Risers — Cables, Raceways, and Cable Routing Assemblies in Fireproof Shafts. The following cables, raceways, and cable routing assemblies shall be permitted to be installed in fire‐ proof riser shafts having firestops at each floor:
1. Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables
2. Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications race‐ ways
3. Plenum, riser, and general-purpose cable routing assem‐ blies
4. Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
  1. Plenum communications raceways
  2. Riser communications raceways
  3. General-purpose communications raceways
  4. Plenum cable routing assemblies
  5. Riser cable routing assemblies
  6. General-purpose cable routing assemblies
Informational Note: See 800.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.
Risers — One- and Two-Family Dwellings. The following cables, raceways, and cable routing assemblies shall be permit‐ ted in one- and two-family dwellings:
1. Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables
2. Type CMX cables less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter
3. Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications race‐ ways
4. Plenum, riser, and general-purpose cable routing assem‐ blies
5. Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
  1. Plenum communications raceways
  2. Riser communications raceways
  3. General-purpose communications raceways
  4. Plenum cable routing assemblies
  5. Riser cable routing assemblies
  6. General-purpose cable routing assemblies
Cable Trays. The following wires, cables, and raceways shall be permitted to be supported by cable trays:
1. Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables
2. Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications race‐ ways
3. Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
  1. Plenum communications raceways
  2. Riser communications raceways
  3. General-purpose communications raceways

(I) Distributing Frames and Cross-Connect Arrays. 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 communica‐ tions wires
Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications race‐ ways
Plenum, riser, and general-purpose cable routing assem‐ blies
Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
1. Plenum communications raceways
2. Riser communications raceways
3. General-purpose communications raceways
4. Plenum cable routing assemblies
5. Riser cable routing assemblies
6. General-purpose cable routing assemblies

Other Building Locations. 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):
1. Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables
2. A maximum of 3 m (10 ft) of exposed Type CMX in nonconcealed spaces
3. Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications race‐ ways
4. Plenum, riser, and general-purpose cable routing assem‐ blies
5. Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
  1. Plenum communications raceways
  2. Riser communications raceways
  3. General-purpose communications raceways
6. Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
  1. Plenum cable routing assemblies
  2. Riser cable routing assemblies
  3. General-purpose cable routing assemblies
7. Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables installed in raceways recognized in Chapter 3
8. Type CMUC under-carpet communications wires and cables installed under carpet, modular tiles, and planks
Multifamily Dwellings. 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):
1. Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables
2. Type CMX cables less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in diameter in nonconcealed spaces
3. Plenum, riser, and general-purpose communications race‐ ways
4. Plenum, riser, and general-purpose cable routing assem‐ blies
5. Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
  1. Plenum communications raceways
  2. Riser communications raceways
  3. General-purpose communications raceways
6. Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
  1. Plenum cable routing assemblies
  2. Riser cable routing assemblies
  3. General-purpose cable routing assemblies
7. Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, and CMX cables installed in raceways recognized in Chapter 3
8. Type CMUC under-carpet communications wires and cables installed under carpet, modular tiles, and planks
One- and Two-Family Dwellings. 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 800.113(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 race‐ ways
Plenum, riser, and general-purpose cable routing assem‐ blies
Communications wires and Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
1. Plenum communications raceways
2. Riser communications raceways
3. General-purpose communications raceways
Types CMP, CMR, CMG, and CM cables installed in:
1. Plenum cable routing assemblies
2. Riser cable routing assemblies
3. 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, modular tiles, and planks
Hybrid power and communications cable listed in accord‐ ance with 800.179(I)

800.133 Installation of Communications Wires, Cables, and Equipment. Communications wires and cables from the protector to the equipment or, where no protector is required, communications wires and cables attached to the outside or inside of the building shall comply with 800.133(A) and 800.133(B)

Separation from Other Conductors.
1. In Raceways, Cable Trays, Boxes, Cables, Enclosures, and Cable Routing Assemblies.
  1. 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:
    1. 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
    2. Power-limited fire alarm systems in compliance with Parts I and III of Article 760
    1. Nonconductive and conductive optical fiber cables incompliance with Parts I and V of Article 770
    2. Community antenna television and radio distribution systems in compliance with Parts I and V of Article 820
    3. Low-power network-powered broadband communications circuits in compliance with Parts I and V of Article 830
  2. 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.
  3. 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 Table 800.154(d) Cable Substitutionselectric light, power, Class 1, non–power-limited fire alarm, or medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits.Exception No. 1: Section 800.133(A)(1)(c) shall not apply if all of the conductors of electric light, power, Class 1, non–power-limited fire alarm, and medium-power network-powered broadband communica‐ tions circuits are separated from all of the conductors of communica‐ tions 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 ( 1∕4 in.) separation from the communications circuit conduc‐ tors.Exception No. 3: As permitted by 620.36.(2) Other Applications. 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 communica‐ tions circuits.Exception No. 1: Section 800.133(A)(2) shall not apply 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: Section 800.133(A)(2) shall not apply 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 communica‐ tions circuits by a continuous and firmly fixed nonconductor, such as porcelain tubes or flexible tubing, in addition to the insulation on the wire.
Support of Communications Wires and Cables. Raceways shall be used for their intended purpose. Communications wires and cables shall not be strapped, taped, or attached by any means to the exterior of any raceway as a means of support.

Exception: Overhead (aerial) spans of communications wires and cables shall be permitted to be attached to the exterior of a raceway-type mast intended for the attachment and support of such wires and cables.

800.154 Applications of Listed Communications Wires, Cables, and Raceways, and Listed Cable Routing Assemblies. Permit‐ ted 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 installa‐ tion requirements of 800.110 and 800.113. The substitutions for communications cables listed in Table 800.154(d) and illus‐ trated in Figure 800.154 shall be permitted.

Cable Type Permitted Substitutions

CMR CMP

CMG, CM CMP, CMR

CMX CMP, CMR, CMG, CM

CMP

Plenum

CMR

Riser

CMG CM

CMX

General purpose

Dwellings

Type CM— Communications cables

Cable A shall be permitted to be used in place of cable B.

FIGURE 800.154 Cable Substitution Hierarchy.

800.156 Dwelling Unit Communications Outlet. 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.

Part VI. Listing Requirements

800.170 Equipment. Communications equipment shall be listed as being suitable for electrical connection to a communi‐ cations network.

Informational Note: One way to determine applicable require‐ ments is to refer to ANSI/UL 60950-1-2014, Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment; UL 1459-1998, Standard for Safety Telephone Equipment; ANSI/UL 1863-2012, Standard for Safety Communications Circuit Accessories; or ANSI/ UL 62368-1-2014, Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment – Part 1: Safety Requirements.

Primary Protectors. The primary protector shall consist of an arrester connected between each line conductor and ground in an appropriate mounting. Primary protector termi‐ nals shall be marked to indicate line and ground as applicable.Informational Note: One way to determine applicable require‐ ments for a listed primary protector is to refer to ANSI/ UL 497-2013, Standard for Protectors for Paired Conductor Communi‐ cations Circuits.
Table 800.154(a) Applications of Listed Communications Wires and Cables in Buildings

ApplicationsWire and Cable Type
CMP
CMR
CMG CM
CMX
CMUCHybrid power and Communications cables
Communications wiresIn ducts specifically fabricated for environmental air as described in 300.22(B)In fabricated ductsY*NNNNNNIn metal raceway that complies with 300.22(B)Y*Y*Y*Y*NNY*In other spaces used for environmental air as (plenums) described in 300.22(C)In other spaces used for environmental airY*NNNNNNIn metal raceway that complies with 300.22(C)Y*Y*Y*Y*NNY*In plenum communications racewaysY*NNNNNNIn plenum cable routing assembliesY*NNNNNNSupported by open metal cable traysY*NNNNNNSupported by solid bottom metal cable trays with solid metal coversY*Y*Y*Y*NNNIn risersIn vertical runsY*Y*NNNNNIn metal racewaysY*Y*Y*Y*NNNIn fireproof shaftsY*Y*Y*Y*NNNIn plenum communications racewaysY*Y*NNNNNIn plenum cable routing assembliesY*Y*NNNNNIn riser communications racewaysY*Y*NNNNNIn riser cable routing assembliesY*Y*NNNNNIn one- and two-family dwellingsY*Y*Y*Y*NY*NWithin buildings in other than air-handling spaces and risersGeneralY*Y*Y*Y*NNNIn one- and two-family dwellingsY*Y*Y*Y*Y*Y*NIn multifamily dwellingsY*Y*Y*Y*Y*NNIn nonconcealed spacesY*Y*Y*Y*Y*NNSupported by cable traysY*Y*Y*NNNNUnder carpet or under floor covering, modular tiles, and planksNNNNY*NNIn distributing frames and cross-connect arraysY*Y*Y*NNNY*In any raceway recognized in Chapter 3Y*Y*Y*Y*NNY*(continues)
Table 800.154(a) Continued

ApplicationsWire and Cable Type
CMP
CMR
CMG CM
CMX
CMUCHybrid power and Communications cables
Communications wires
In plenum communications racewaysY*Y*Y*NNNY*In plenum cable routing assembliesY*Y*Y*NNNY*In riser communications racewaysY*Y*Y*NNNY*In riser cable routing assembliesY*Y*Y*NNNY*In general-purpose communications racewaysY*Y*Y*NNNY*In general-purpose cable routing assembliesY*Y*Y*NNNY*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 type 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. See the definition of Point of Entrance in 800.2.Informational Note No. 2: For information on the restrictions to the installation of communications cables in fabricated ducts, see 800.113(B).•
Secondary Protectors. 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 communica‐ tions 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 require‐ ments for a listed secondary protector is to refer to ANSI/ UL 497A-2012, Standard for Secondary Protectors for Communications Circuits.
Plenum Grade Cable Ties. 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-2015, Standard for the Installa‐ tion of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, and ANSI/ UL 2043-2013, 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.

800.173 Drop Wire and Cable. Communications wires and cables without a metallic shield, running from the last outdoor support to the primary protector, shall be listed as being suita‐ ble 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. 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 (140°F). The temperature rating shall be marked on the jacket of communi‐ cations cables that have a temperature rating exceeding 60°C (140°F).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: Voltage markings on cables may be misin‐ terpreted to suggest that the cables may be suitable for Class 1, electric light, and power applications.•
1. Type CMP. Type CMP communications plenum cablesshall 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 aver‐ age 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 262-2015, Standard Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces.
  Table 800.154(b) Applications of Listed Communications Raceways in Buildings
  
  ApplicationsListed Communications Raceway TypePlenumRiserGeneral-PurposeIn ducts specifically fabricated for environmental air as described in 300.22(B)In fabricated ductsNNNIn metal raceway that complies with 300.22(B)NNNIn other spaces used for environmental air (plenums) as described in 300.22(C)In other spaces used for environmental airY*NNIn metal raceway that complies with 300.22(C)Y*Y*Y*In plenum cable routing assembliesNNNSupported by open metal cable traysY*NNSupported by solid bottom metal cable trays with solid metal coversY*Y*Y*In risersIn vertical runsY*Y*NIn metal racewaysY*Y*Y*In fireproof shaftsY*Y*Y*In plenum cable routing assembliesNNNIn riser cable routing assembliesNNNIn one- and two-family dwellingsY*Y*Y*Within buildings in other than air-handling spaces and risersGeneralY*Y*Y*In one- and two-family dwellingsY*Y*Y*In multifamily dwellingsY*Y*Y*In nonconcealed spacesY*Y*Y*Supported by cable traysY*Y*Y*Under carpet or under floor covering, modular tiles, and planksNNNIn distributing frames and cross-connect arraysY*Y*Y*In any raceway recognized in Chapter 3Y*Y*Y*In plenum cable routing assembliesNNNIn riser cable routing assembliesNNNIn general-purpose cable routing assembliesNNNNote: An “N” in the table indicates that the communications raceway type shall not be permitted to be installed in the application. A “Y*” indicates that the communications raceway type shall be permitted to be installed in the application, subject to the limitations described in 800.110 and 800.113.
2. Type CMR. 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 char‐ acteristics 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 Electri‐ cal and Optical-Fiber Cable Installed Vertically in Shafts.
3. Type CMG. 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. 0.3-09, Test Methods for Electrical Wires and Cables.
  Table 800.154(c) Applications of Listed Cable Routing Assemblies in Buildings
  
  ApplicationsListed Cable Routing Assembly TypePlenumRiserGeneral-PurposeIn ducts specifically fabricated for environmental air as described in 300.22(B)In fabricated ductsNNNIn metal raceway that complies with 300.22(B)NNNIn other spaces used for environmental air (plenums) as described in 300.22(C)In other spaces used for environmental airY*NNIn metal raceway that complies with 300.22(C)NNNIn plenum communications racewaysNNNSupported by open metal cable traysNNNSupported by solid bottom metal cable trays with solid metal coversNNNIn risersIn vertical runsY*Y*NIn metal racewaysNNNIn fireproof shaftsY*Y*Y*In plenum communications racewaysNNNIn riser communications racewaysNNNIn one- and two-family dwellingsY*Y*Y*Within buildings in other than air-handling spaces and risersGeneralY*Y*Y*In one- and two-family dwellingsY*Y*Y*In multifamily dwellingsY*Y*Y*In nonconcealed spacesY*Y*Y*Supported by cable traysNNNUnder carpet or under floor covering, modular tiles, and planksNNNIn distributing frames and cross-connect arraysY*Y*Y*In any raceway recognized in Chapter 3NNNIn plenum communications racewaysNNNIn riser communications racewaysNNNIn general-purpose communications racewaysNNNNote: An “N” in the table indicates that the cable routing assembly type shall not be permitted to be installed in the application. A “Y*” indicates that the cable routing assembly type shall be permitted to be installed in the application subject to the limitations described in 800.113.
4. Type CM. Type CM communications cables shall be listed Table 800.179 Cable Markingsas 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 1685-2010, 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.Another 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. 0.3-09, Test Methods for Elec‐ trical Wires and Cables.Cable Marking TypeCMP Communications plenum cableCMR Communications riser cableCMG Communications general-purpose cableCM Communications general-purpose cableCMX Communications cable, limited useCMUC Under-carpet communications wire and cableInformational Note: Cable types are listed in descending order of fire resistance rating.
5. Type CMX. Type CMX limited-use communications cables shall be listed as being suitable for use in dwellings and for use in raceway and shall also be listed as 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 Stand‐ ard for Electrical Wires, Cables and Flexible Cords.
6. Type CMUC Undercarpet Wires and Cables. Type CMUC undercarpet communications wires and cables shall be listed as being suitable for undercarpet use and shall also be listed as being resistant to flame spread.Informational Note: One method of determining that cable is resistant to flame spread is by testing the cable to the VW-1 (vertical-wire) flame test in ANSI/UL 1581-2011, Reference Stand‐ ard for Electrical Wires, Cables and Flexible Cords.
7. Circuit Integrity (CI) Cable or Electrical Circuit Protective System. Cables that are used for survivability of critical circuits under fire conditions shall be listed and meet either 800.179(G)(1) or 800.179(G)(2) as follows:Informational Note: The listing organization provides informa‐ tion for circuit integrity (CI) cable and electrical circuit protec‐ tive systems, including installation requirements required to maintain the fire rating.
  1. Circuit Integrity (CI) Cables. Circuit integrity (CI) cables specified in 800.179(A) through (D), and used for survivability of critical circuits, shall have an additional classification using the suffix “CI.” In order to maintain its listed fire rating, circuit integrity (CI) cable shall only be installed in free air.Informational Note: One method of defining circuit integrity (CI) cable is by establishing a minimum 2-hour fire resistance rating for the cable when tested in accordance with ANSI/ UL 2196-2006, Standard for Tests of Fire-Resistive Cable.
  2. Fire-Resistive Cables. Cables specified in 800.179(A) through (D) and 800.179(G)(1), 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 protec‐ tive 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 Elec‐performing the CSA “Vertical Flame Test— Cables in Cable Trays,” as described in CSA C22.2 No. 0.3-09, Test Methods for Elec‐ trical Wires and Cables.(I) Hybrid Power and Communications Cables. Listed hybrid power and communications cables shall be permitted where the power cable is a listed Type NM or NM-B, conforming to 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.Another 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. 0.3-09, Test Methods for Elec‐ trical Wires and Cables.
Grounding Devices. Where bonding or grounding is required, devices used to connect a shield, a sheath, or non– current-carrying metallic members of a cable to a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be listed or be part of listed equipment.

800.182 Cable Routing Assemblies and Communications Race‐ ways. Cable routing assemblies and communications raceways shall be listed in accordance with 800.182(A) through (C). Cable routing assemblies shall be marked in accordance with Table 800.182(a). Communications raceways shall be marked in accordance with Table 800.182(b).

Informational Note: For information on listing requirements for both communications raceways and cable routing assemblies, see ANSI/UL 2024-5-2015, Cable Routing Assemblies and Communi‐ cations Raceways.

Plenum Cable Routing Assemblies and Plenum Communi‐ cations Raceways. Plenum cable routing assemblies and plenum communications raceways shall be listed as having adequate fire-resistant and low-smoke-producing characteris‐ tics.
Table 800.182(a) Cable Routing Assembly Markingstrical Circuit Protective Systems. Informational Note No. 2: The listing organization providesType Markinginformation for electrical circuit protective systems (FHIT), including installation requirements for maintaining the firePlenum Cable Routing AssemblyPlenum Cable Routing Assemblyrating.Riser Cable Routing Assembly Riser Cable Routing Assembly(H) Communications Wires. Communications wires, such as distributing frame wire and jumper wire, shall be listed as being resistant to the spread of fire.General-Purpose Cable Routing AssemblyGeneral-Purpose Cable Routing AssemblyInformational Note: One method of defining resistant to theTable 800.182(b) Communications Raceway Markingsspread 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-Type MarkingPropagation and Smoke-Release Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables. The smoke measurements in the test method are notPlenum CommunicationsRacewayPlenum CommunicationsRacewayapplicable. Riser Communications Raceway Riser Communications RacewayAnother 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.) whenGeneral-Purpose Communications RacewayGeneral-Purpose Communications Raceway

Informational Note No. 1: One method of defining cable rout‐ing assemblies and communications raceways that have adequate fire-resistant and low-smoke-producing characteristics is that they exhibit a maximum flame spread index of 25 and a maximum smoke developed index of 50 when tested in accord‐ ance with ASTM E84-15a, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or ANSI/UL 723-2013, Stand‐ ard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materi‐ als.
Informational Note No. 2: Another method of defining commu‐nications raceways that have adequate fire-resistant and low- smoke-producing characteristics is that they exhibit a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an average optical density of0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.52 m (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262-2015, Standard Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires andCables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces.Informational Note No. 3: See 4.3.11.2.6 or 4.3.11.5.5 ofNFPA 90A-2015, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, for information on materials exposed to the airflow in ceiling cavity and raised floor plenums.
and Riser Communica‐
Riser Cable Routing AssembliesInformational Note: One method of defining fire-resistant char‐acteristics capable of preventing the carrying of fire from floor to floor is that the cable routing assemblies and communica‐ tions raceways pass the requirements of ANSI/UL 1666-2011, Standard Test for Flame Propagation Height of Electrical and Optical- Fiber Cable Installed Vertically in Shafts.tions Raceways. Riser cable routing assemblies and riser communications raceways shall be listed as having adequate fire-resistant characteristics capable of preventing the carrying of fire from floor to floor.
Informational Note: One method of defining resistant to thespread of fire is that the cable routing assemblies and communica‐ tions raceways 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.
General-Purpose Cable Routing Assemblies and General- Purpose Communication Raceways. General-purpose cable routing assemblies and general-purpose communications race‐ ways shall be listed as being resistant to the spread of fire.

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