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ARTICLE 760

Fire Alarm Systems

  1. Part I. General760.1 Scope. This article covers the installation of wiring and equipment of fire alarm systems, including all circuits control‐ led and powered by the fire alarm system.Informational Note No. 1: Fire alarm systems include fire detec‐ tion and alarm notification, guard’s tour, sprinkler waterflow, and sprinkler supervisory systems. Circuits controlled and powered by the fire alarm system include circuits for the control of building systems safety functions, elevator capture, elevator shutdown, door release, smoke doors and damper control, fire doors and damper control and fan shutdown, but only where these circuits are powered by and controlled by the fire alarm system. For further information on the installation and monitor‐ ing for integrity requirements for fire alarm systems, refer to the NFPA 72 -2013, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.
  2. Hazardous (Classified) Locations. Articles 500 through 516 and Article 517, Part IV, where installed in hazardous (clas‐ sified) locations.
  3. Corrosive, Damp, or Wet Locations. Sections 110.11, 300.5(B), 300.6, 300.9, and 310.10(G), where installed in corro‐ sive, damp, or wet locations.
  4. Building Control Circuits. Article 725, where building control circuits (e.g., elevator capture, fan shutdown) are asso‐ ciated with the fire alarm system.
  5. Optical Fiber Cables. Where optical fiber cables are utilized for fire alarm circuits, the cables shall be installed in accordance with Article 770.
  6. Installation of Conductors with Other Systems. Installa‐ tions shall comply with 300.8.
  7. Raceways or Sleeves Exposed to Different Temperatures.Installations shall comply with 300.7(A).
  8. Vertical Support for Fire Rated Cables and Conductors. Vertical installations of circuit integrity (CI) cables and conduc‐ tors installed in a raceway or conductors and cables of electrical
    circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with 300.19.
  9. Number and Size of Cables and Conductors in Raceway.Installations shall comply with 300.17.
  10. Bushing. A bushing shall be installed where cables emerge from raceway used for mechanical support or protec‐ tion in accordance with 300.15(C).imageN
  11. Cable Routing Assemblies. Power-limited fire alarm 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 Table 800.154(c), listed in accordance with the provisions of 800.182, and installed in accordance with 800.110(C) and 800.113.imageN
  12. Communications Raceways. Power-limited fire alarm 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 the provisions of 800.182, and installed in accordance with 800.113 and 362.24 through 362.56, where the requirements applicable to electri‐ cal nonmetallic tubing apply.760.21 Access to Electrical Equipment Behind Panels Designed to Allow Access. Access to electrical equipment shall not be denied by an accumulation of conductors and cables that prevents removal of panels, including suspended ceiling panels.
    1. Mechanical Execution of Work.
      1. General. Fire alarm circuits shall be installed in a neat workmanlike manner. Cables and conductors 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 supported by straps, staples, cable ties, hangers, or similar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable. The installation shall also comply with 300.4(D).
      2. Circuit Integrity (CI) Cable. Circuit integrity (CI) cables shall be supported at a distance not exceeding 610 mm (24 in.). Where located within 2.1 m (7 ft) of the floor, as covered in 760.53(A)(1) and 760.130(1), as applicable, the cable shall be fastened in an approved manner at intervals of not more than 450 mm (18 in.). Cable supports and fasteners shall be steel.
    2. Abandoned Cables. The accessible portion of aban‐ doned fire alarm 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.760.30 Fire Alarm Circuit Identification. Fire alarm circuits shall be identified at terminal and junction locations in a manner that helps to prevent unintentional signals on fire alarm system circuit(s) during testing and servicing of other systems.760.32 Fire Alarm Circuits Extending Beyond One Building. Non–power-limited fire alarm circuits and power-limited fire alarm circuits that extend beyond one building and run outdoors shall meet the installation requirements of Parts II, III, and IV of Article 800 and shall meet the installation requirements of Part I of Article 300.Informational Note: An example of a protective device suitable to provide protection is a device tested to the requirements of ANSI/UL 497B, Protectors for Data Communications.760.35 Fire Alarm Circuit Requirements. Fire alarm circuits shall comply with 760.35(A) and (B).
    1. Non–Power-Limited Fire Alarm (NPLFA) Circuits. See Parts I and II.
    2. Power-Limited Fire Alarm (PLFA) Circuits. See Parts I and III.
      Part II. Non–Power-Limited Fire Alarm (NPLFA) Circuits760.41 NPLFA Circuit Power Source Requirements.
    1. Power Source. The power source of non–power-limited fire alarm circuits shall comply with Chapters 1 through 4, and the output voltage shall be not more than 600 volts, nominal. The fire alarm circuit disconnect shall be permitted to be secured in the “on” position.
    2. Branch Circuit. The branch circuit supplying the fire alarm equipment(s) shall supply no other loads. The location of the branch-circuit overcurrent protective device shall be permanently identified at the fire alarm control unit. The circuit disconnecting means shall have red identification, shall be accessible only to qualified personnel, and shall be identi‐ fied as “FIRE ALARM CIRCUIT.” The red identification shall not damage the overcurrent protective devices or obscure the manufacturer’s markings. This branch circuit shall not be supplied through ground-fault circuit interrupters or arc-fault circuit-interrupters.Informational Note: See 210.8(A)(5), Exception, for receptacles in dwelling-unit unfinished basements that supply power for fire alarm systems.760.43 NPLFA Circuit Overcurrent Protection. Overcurrent protection for conductors 14 AWG and larger shall be provided in accordance with the conductor ampacity without applying the ampacity adjustment and correction factors of 310.15 to the ampacity calculation. Overcurrent protection shall not exceed 7 amperes for 18 AWG conductors and 10 amperes for 16 AWG conductors.Exception: Where other articles of this Code permit or require other over‐ current protection.
    1. NPLFA Circuit Overcurrent Device Location. Overcur‐ rent devices shall be located at the point where the conductor to be protected receives its supply.Exception No. 1: Where the overcurrent device protecting the larger conductor also protects the smaller conductor.Exception No. 2: Transformer secondary conductors. Non–power- limited fire alarm circuit conductors supplied by the secondary of a single-phase transformer that has only a 2-wire (single-voltage) secon‐ dary shall be permitted to be protected by overcurrent protection provided by the primary (supply) side of the transformer, provided the protection is in accordance with 450.3 and does not exceed the value determined by multiplying the secondary conductor ampacity by the secondary-to- primary transformer voltage ratio. Transformer secondary conductors other than 2-wire shall not be considered to be protected by the primary overcurrent protection.
      Exception No. 3: Electronic power source output conductors. Non– power-limited circuit conductors supplied by the output of a single- phase, listed electronic power source, other than a transformer, having only a 2-wire (single-voltage) output for connection to non–power- limited circuits shall be permitted to be protected by overcurrent protec‐ tion provided on the input side of the electronic power source, provided this protection does not exceed the value determined by multiplying the non–power-limited circuit conductor ampacity by the output-to-input voltage ratio. Electronic power source outputs, other than 2-wire (single voltage), connected to non–power-limited circuits shall not be considered to be protected by overcurrent protection on the input of the electronic power source.Informational Note: A single-phase, listed electronic power supply whose output supplies a 2-wire (single-voltage) circuit is an example of a non–power-limited power source that meets the requirements of 760.41.
    2. NPLFA Circuit Wiring. Installation of non–power- limited fire alarm circuits shall be in accordance with 110.3(B), 300.7, 300.11, 300.15, 300.17, 300.19(B), and other appropriate articles of Chapter 3.Exception No. 1: As provided in 760.48 through 760.53.Exception No. 2: Where other articles of this Code require other methods.
    1. Conductors of Different Circuits in Same Cable, Enclo‐ sure, or Raceway.
      1. Class 1 with NPLFA Circuits. Class 1 and non–power- limited fire alarm circuits shall be permitted to occupy the same cable, enclosure, or raceway without regard to whether the individual circuits are alternating current or direct current, provided all conductors are insulated for the maximum voltage of any conductor in the enclosure or raceway.
      2. Fire Alarm with Power-Supply Circuits. Power-supply and fire alarm circuit conductors shall be permitted in the same cable, enclosure, or raceway only where connected to the same equipment.
    2. NPLFA Circuit Conductors.
    1. Sizes and Use. Only copper conductors shall be permit‐ ted to be used for fire alarm systems. Size 18 AWG and 16 AWG conductors shall be permitted to be used, provided they supply loads that do not exceed the ampacities given in Table 402.5 and are installed in a raceway, an approved enclosure, or a listed cable. Conductors larger than 16 AWG shall not supply loads greater than the ampacities given in 310.15, as applicable.
    2. Insulation. Insulation on conductors shall be rated for the system voltage and not less than 600 volts. Conductors larger than 16 AWG shall comply with Article 310. Conductors 18 AWG and 16 AWG shall be Type KF-2, KFF-2, PAFF, PTFF, PF, PFF, PGF, PGFF, RFH-2, RFHH-2, RFHH-3, SF-2, SFF-2, TF, TFF, TFN, TFFN, ZF, or ZFF. Conductors with other types and thick‐ ness of insulation shall be permitted if listed for non–power- limited fire alarm circuit use.Informational Note: For application provisions, see Table 402.3.
    3. Conductor Materials. Conductors shall be solid or stran‐ ded copper.Exception to (B) and (C): Wire Types PAF and PTF shall be permitted only for high-temperature applications between 90°C (194°F) and 250°C (482°F).760.51 Number of Conductors in Cable Trays and Raceways, and Ampacity Adjustment Factors.
    1. NPLFA Circuits and Class 1 Circuits. Where only non– power-limited fire alarm circuit and Class 1 circuit conductors are in a raceway, the number of conductors shall be deter‐ mined in accordance with 300.17. The ampacity adjustment factors given in 310.15(B)(3)(a) shall apply if such conductors carry continuous load in excess of 10 percent of the ampacity of each conductor.
    2. Power-Supply Conductors and NPLFA Circuit Conductors. Where power-supply conductors and non–power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors are permitted in a raceway in accord‐ ance with 760.48, the number of conductors shall be deter‐ mined in accordance with 300.17. The ampacity adjustment factors given in 310.15(B)(3)(a) shall apply as follows:
      1. To all conductors where the fire alarm circuit conductors carry continuous loads in excess of 10 percent of the ampacity of each conductor and where the total number of conductors is more than three
      2. To the power-supply conductors only, where the fire alarm circuit conductors do not carry continuous loads in excess of 10 percent of the ampacity of each conductor and where the number of power-supply conductors is more than three
    3. Cable Trays. Where fire alarm circuit conductors are installed in cable trays, they shall comply with 392.22 and 392.80(A).760.53 Multiconductor NPLFA Cables. Multiconductor non– power-limited fire alarm cables that meet the requirements of760.176 shall be permitted to be used on fire alarm circuits operating at 150 volts or less and shall be installed in accord‐ ance with 760.53(A) and (B).
    1. NPLFA Wiring Method. Multiconductor non–power- limited fire alarm circuit cables shall be installed in accordance with 760.53(A)(1)(1), (A)(2), and (A)(3).
      1. In Raceways, Exposed on Ceilings or Sidewalls, or Fished in Concealed Spaces. Cable splices or terminations shall be made in listed fittings, boxes, enclosures, fire alarm devices, or utilization equipment. Where installed exposed, cables shall be adequately supported and installed in such a way that maxi‐ mum protection against physical damage is afforded by build‐ ing construction such as baseboards, door frames, ledges, and so forth. Where located within 2.1 m (7 ft) of the floor, cables shall be securely fastened in an approved manner at intervals of not more than 450 mm (18 in.).
      2. Passing Through a Floor or Wall. Cables shall be installed in metal raceway or rigid nonmetallic conduit where passing through a floor or wall to a height of 2.1 m (7 ft) above the floor, unless adequate protection can be afforded by building construction such as detailed in 760.53(A)(1), or unless an equivalent solid guard is provided.
      3. In Hoistways. Cables shall be installed in rigid metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, intermediate metal conduit, liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit, or electrical metallic tubing where installed in hoistways.Exception: As provided for in 620.21 for elevators and similar equip‐ ment.
    2. Applications of Listed NPLFA Cables. The use of non– power-limited fire alarm circuit cables shall comply with 760.53(B)(1) through (B)(4).specifically fabricated for environmental air.
      1. Ducts Specifically Fabricated for Environmental Air. Multiconductor non–power-limited fire alarm circuit cables, Types NPLFP, NPLFR, and NPLF, shall not be installed exposed in ductsInformational Note: See 300.22(B).(Plenums).
      2. Other Spaces Used for Environmental AirCables installed in other spaces used for environmental air shall be Type NPLFP.Exception No. 1: Types NPLFR and NPLF cables installed in compli‐ ance with 300.22(C).Exception No. 2: Other wiring methods in accordance with 300.22(C) and conductors in compliance with 760.49(C).Exception No. 3: Type NPLFP-CI cable shall be permitted to be installed to provide a 2-hour circuit integrity rated cable.
      3. Riser. Cables installed in vertical runs and penetrating one or more floors, or cables installed in vertical runs in a shaft, shall be Type NPLFR. Floor penetrations requiring Type NPLFR shall contain only cables suitable for riser or plenum use.Exception No. 1: Type NPLF or other cables that are specified in Chap‐ ter 3 and are in compliance with 760.49(C) and encased in metal race‐ way.Exception No. 2: Type NPLF cables located in a fireproof shaft having firestops at each floor.Informational Note: See 300.21 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.Exception No. 3: Type NPLF-CI cable shall be permitted to be installed to provide a 2-hour circuit integrity rated cable.
      4. Other Wiring Within Buildings. Cables installed in build‐ ing locations other than the locations covered in 760.53(B)(1), (B)(2), and (B)(3) shall be Type NPLF.Exception No. 1: Chapter 3 wiring methods with conductors in compli‐ ance with 760.49(C).Exception No. 2: Type NPLFP or Type NPLFR cables shall be permit‐ ted.Exception No. 3: Type NPLFR-CI cable shall be permitted to be installed to provide a 2-hour circuit integrity rated cable.
        Part III. Power-Limited Fire Alarm (PLFA) Circuits760.121 Power Sources for PLFA Circuits.
    1. Power Source. The power source for a power-limited fire alarm circuit shall be as specified in 760.121(A)(1), (A)(2), or (A)(3).Informational Note No. 1: Tables 12(A) and 12(B) in Chapter 9 provide the listing requirements for power-limited fire alarm circuit sources.Informational Note No. 2: See 210.8(A)(5), Exception, for receptacles in dwelling-unit unfinished basements that supply power for fire alarm systems.
      1. A listed PLFA or Class 3 transformer
      2. A listed PLFA or Class 3 power supply
      3. Listed equipment marked to identify the PLFA power sourceInformational Note: Examples of listed equipment are a fire alarm control panel with integral power source; a circuit card listed for use as a PLFA source, where used as part of a listed assembly; a current-limiting impedance, listed for the purpose or part of a listed product, used in conjunction with a non– power-limited transformer or a stored energy source, for exam‐ ple, storage battery, to limit the output current.
    2. Branch Circuit. The branch circuit supplying the fire alarm equipment(s) shall supply no other loads. The location of the branch-circuit overcurrent protective device shall be permanently identified at the fire alarm control unit. The circuit disconnecting means shall have red identification, shall be accessible only to qualified personnel, and shall be identi‐ fied as “FIRE ALARM CIRCUIT.” The red identification shall not damage the overcurrent protective devices or obscure the manufacturer’s markings. This branch circuit shall not be supplied through ground-fault circuit interrupters or arc-fault circuit interrupters.760.124 Circuit Marking. The equipment supplying PLFA circuits shall be durably marked where plainly visible to indi‐ cate each circuit that is a power-limited fire alarm circuit.Informational Note: See 760.130(A), Exception No. 3, where a power-limited circuit is to be reclassified as a non–power-limited circuit.760.127 Wiring Methods on Supply Side of the PLFA Power Source. Conductors and equipment on the supply side of the power source shall be installed in accordance with the appro‐ priate requirements of Part II and Chapters 1 through 4. Trans‐ formers or other devices supplied from power-supply conductors shall be protected by an overcurrent device rated not over 20 amperes.Exception: The input leads of a transformer or other power source supplying power-limited fire alarm circuits shall be permitted to be smaller than 14 AWG, but not smaller than 18 AWG, if they are not over 300 mm (12 in.) long and if they have insulation that complies with 760.49(B).760.130 Wiring Methods and Materials on Load Side of the PLFA Power Source. Fire alarm circuits on the load side of the power source shall be permitted to be installed using wiring methods and materials in accordance with 760.130(A), (B), or a combination of (A) and (B).
    1. NPLFA Wiring Methods and Materials. Installation shall be in accordance with 760.46, and conductors shall be solid or stranded copper.Exception No. 1: The ampacity adjustment factors given in 310.15(B)(3)(a) shall not apply.Exception No. 2: Conductors and multiconductor cables described in and installed in accordance with 760.49 and 760.53 shall be permit‐ ted.Exception No. 3: Power-limited circuits shall be permitted to be reclassi‐ fied and installed as non–power-limited circuits if the power-limited fire alarm circuit markings required by 760.124 are eliminated and the entire circuit is installed using the wiring methods and materials in accordance with Part II, Non–Power-Limited Fire Alarm Circuits.Informational Note: Power-limited circuits reclassified and installed as non–power-limited circuits are no longer power-
      limited circuits, regardless of the continued connection to a power-limited source.
    2. PLFA Wiring Methods and Materials. Power-limited fire alarm conductors and cables described in 760.179 shall be installed as detailed in 760.130(B)(1), (B)(2), or (B)(3) of this section and 300.7. Devices shall be installed in accordance with 110.3(B), 300.11(A), and 300.15.
      1. In Raceways, Exposed on Ceilings or Sidewalls, or Fished in Concealed Spaces. Cable splices or terminations shall be made in listed fittings, boxes, enclosures, fire alarm devices, or utilization equipment. Where installed exposed, cables shall be adequately supported and installed in such a way that maxi‐ mum protection against physical damage is afforded by build‐ ing construction such as baseboards, door frames, ledges, and so forth. Where located within 2.1 m (7 ft) of the floor, cables shall be securely fastened in an approved manner at intervals of not more than 450 mm (18 in.).
      2. Passing Through a Floor or Wall. Cables shall be installed in metal raceways or rigid nonmetallic conduit where passing through a floor or wall to a height of 2.1 m (7 ft) above the floor, unless adequate protection can be afforded by building construction such as detailed in 760.130(B)(1), or unless an equivalent solid guard is provided.
      3. In Hoistways. Cables shall be installed in rigid metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, intermediate metal conduit, or electrical metallic tubing where installed in hoist‐ ways.Exception: As provided for in 620.21 for elevators and similar equip‐ ment.760.133 Installation of Conductors and Equipment in Cables, Compartments, Cable Trays, Enclosures, Manholes, Outlet Boxes, Device Boxes, Raceways, and Cable Routing Assemblies for Power-Limited Fire Alarm Circuits. Conductors and equip‐ ment for power-limited fire alarm circuits shall be installed in accordance with 760.135 through 760.143.
    1. Installation of PLFA Cables in Buildings. Installation of power-limited fire alarm cables in buildings shall comply with 760.135(A) through (J).
      1. Listing. PLFA cables installed in buildings shall be listed.
      2. Ducts Specifically Fabricated for Environmental Air. The following cables shall be permitted in ducts specifically fabrica‐ ted for environmental air as described in 300.22(B), if they are directly associated with the air distribution system:
        1. Types FPLP and FPLP-CI cables in lengths as short as practicable to perform the required function
        2. Types FPLP, FPLP-CI, FPLR, FPLR-CI, FPL, and FPL-CI cables installed in raceways that are installed in compli‐ ance 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.
      3. Other Spaces Used For Environmental Air (Plenums). The following cables shall be permitted in other spaces used for environmental air as described in 300.22(C):
        1. Type FPLP cables
        2. Type FPLP cables installed in plenum communications raceways
        3. Type FPLP cables installed in plenum routing assemblies
        4. Types FPLP and FPLP-CI cables supported by open metal‐ lic cable trays or cable tray systems
        5. Types FPLP, FPLR, and FPL cables installed in raceways that are installed in compliance with 300.22(C)
        6. Types FPLP, FPLR, and FPL cables supported by solid bottom metal cable trays with solid metal covers in other spaces used for environmental air (plenums) as described in 300.22(C)
        7. Types FPLP, FPLR, and FPL cables installed in plenum communications raceways, riser communications race‐ ways, 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)
      4. Risers — Cables in Vertical Runs. The following cables shall be permitted in vertical runs penetrating one or more floors and in vertical runs in a shaft:
        1. Types FPLP and FPLR cables
        2. Types FPLP and FPLR cables installed in the following:
          1. Plenum communications raceways
          2. Plenum cable routing assemblies
          3. Riser communications raceways
          4. Riser cable routing assembliesInformational Note: See 300.21 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.
      5. Risers — Cables in Metal Raceways. The following cables shall be permitted in metal raceways in a riser having firestops at each floor:
        1. Types FPLP, FPLR, and FPL cables
        2. Types FPLP, FPLR, and FPL cables installed in the follow‐ ing:
          1. Plenum communications raceways
          2. Riser communications raceways
          3. General-purpose communications racewaysInformational Note: See 300.21 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.
      6. Risers — Cables in Fireproof Shafts. The following cables shall be permitted to be installed in fireproof riser shafts having firestops at each floor:
        1. Types FPLP, FPLR, and FPL cables
        2. Types FPLP, FPLR, and FPL cables installed in the follow‐ ing:
          1. Plenum communications raceways
          2. Plenum cable routing assemblies
          3. Riser communications raceways
          4. Riser cable routing assemblies
          5. General-purpose communications raceways
          6. General-purpose cable routing assembliesInformational Note: See 300.21 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.
      7. Risers — One- and Two-Family Dwellings. The following cables shall be permitted in one- and two-family dwellings:
        1. Types FPLP, FPLR, and FPL cables
        2. Types FPLP, FPLR, and FPL cables installed in the follow‐ ing:
          1. Plenum communications raceways
          2. Plenum cable routing assemblies
          3. Riser communications raceways
          4. Riser cable routing assemblies
          5. General-purpose communications raceways
          6. General-purpose cable routing assemblies
      8. Other Building Locations. The following cables shall be permitted to be installed in building locations other than the locations covered in 770.113(B) through (H):
        1. Types FPLP, FPLR, and FPL cables
        2. Types FPLP, FPLR, and FPL cables installed in the follow‐ ing:
          1. Plenum communications raceways
          2. Plenum cable routing assemblies
          3. Riser communications raceways
          4. Riser cable routing assemblies
          5. General-purpose communications raceways
          6. General-purpose cable routing assemblies
        3. Types FPLP, FPLR, and FPL cables installed in a raceway of a type recognized in Chapter 3
      1. Nonconcealed Spaces. Cables specified in Chapter 3 and meeting the requirements of 760.179(A) and (B) shall be permitted to be installed in nonconcealed spaces where the exposed length of cable does not exceed 3 m (10 ft).
      2. Portable Fire Alarm System. A portable fire alarm system provided to protect a stage or set when not in use shall be permitted to use wiring methods in accordance with 530.12.
    2. Separation from Electric Light, Power, Class 1, NPLFA, and Medium-Power Network-Powered Broadband Communications Circuit Conductors.
    1. General. Power-limited fire alarm circuit cables and conductors shall not be placed in any cable, cable tray, compartment, enclosure, manhole, outlet box, device box, raceway, or similar fitting with conductors of electric light, power, Class 1, non–power-limited fire alarm circuits, and medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits unless permitted by 760.136(B) through (G).
    2. Separated by Barriers. Power-limited fire alarm circuit cables shall be permitted to be installed together with Class 1, non–power-limited fire alarm, and medium-power network- powered broadband communications circuits where they are separated by a barrier.
    3. Raceways Within Enclosures. In enclosures, power-limited fire alarm circuits shall be permitted to be installed in a race‐ way within the enclosure to separate them from Class 1, non– power-limited fire alarm, and medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits.
    4. Associated Systems Within Enclosures. Power-limited fire alarm conductors in compartments, enclosures, device boxes, outlet boxes, or similar fittings shall be permitted to be instal‐ led with electric light, power, Class 1, non–power-limited fire alarm, and medium power network-powered broadband communications circuits where they are introduced solely to connect the equipment connected to power-limited fire alarm circuits, and comply with either of the following conditions:
      1. The electric light, power, Class 1, non–power-limited fire alarm, and medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuit conductors are routed to main‐ tain a minimum of 6 mm (0.25 in.) separation from the conductors and cables of power-limited fire alarm circuits.
      2. The circuit conductors operate at 150 volts or less to ground and also comply with one of the following:
        1. The fire alarm power-limited circuits are installed using Type FPL, FPLR, FPLP, or permitted substitute cables, provided these power-limited cable conductors extending beyond the jacket are separated by a mini‐ mum of 6 mm (0.25 in.) or by a nonconductive sleeve or nonconductive barrier from all other conductors.
        2. The power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors are installed as non–power-limited circuits in accordance with 760.46.
    5. Enclosures with Single Opening. Power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors entering compartments, enclosures, device boxes, outlet boxes, or similar fittings shall be permitted to be installed with electric light, power, Class 1, non–power-limited fire alarm, and medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits where they are introduced solely to connect the equipment connected to power-limited fire alarm circuits or to other circuits controlled by the fire alarm system to which the other conductors in the enclosure are connected. Where power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors must enter an enclosure that is provided with a single opening, they shall be permitted to enter through a single fitting (such as a tee), provided the conductors are separated from the conductors of the other circuits by a continuous and firmly fixed nonconduc‐ tor, such as flexible tubing.
    6. In Hoistways. In hoistways, power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors shall be installed in rigid metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, intermediate metal conduit, liquid‐ tight flexible nonmetallic conduit, or electrical metallic tubing. For elevators or similar equipment, these conductors shall be permitted to be installed as provided in 620.21.
    7. Other Applications. For other applications, power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors shall be separated by 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 unless one of the following conditions is met:
    1. Either (a) all of the electric light, power, Class 1, non– power-limited fire alarm, and medium-power network- powered broadband communications circuit conductors or (b) all of the power-limited fire alarm circuit conduc‐ tors are in a raceway or in metal-sheathed, metal-clad, nonmetallic-sheathed, or Type UF cables.
    2. All of the electric light, power, Class 1, non–power-limited fire alarm, and medium-power network-powered broad‐ band communications circuit conductors are perma‐ nently separated from all of the power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors by a continuous and firmly fixed nonconductor, such as porcelain tubes or flexible tubing, in addition to the insulation on the conductors.760.139 Installation of Conductors of Different PLFA Circuits, Class 2, Class 3, and Communications Circuits in the Same Cable, Enclosure, Cable Tray, Raceway, or Cable Routing Assembly.
    1. Two or More PLFA Circuits. Cable and conductors of two or more power-limited fire alarm circuits, communications circuits, or Class 3 circuits shall be permitted within the same cable, enclosure, cable tray, raceway, or cable routing assembly.
    2. Class 2 Circuits with PLFA Circuits. Conductors of one or more Class 2 circuits shall be permitted within the same cable, enclosure, cable tray, raceway, or cable routing assembly with conductors of power-limited fire alarm circuits, provided that the insulation of the Class 2 circuit conductors in the cable, enclosure, raceway, or cable routing assembly is at least that required by the power-limited fire alarm circuits.
    3. Low-Power Network-Powered Broadband Communications Cables and PLFA Cables. Low-power network-powered broad‐ band communications circuits shall be permitted in the same enclosure, cable tray, raceway, or cable routing assembly with PLFA cables.
    4. Audio System Circuits and PLFA Circuits. Audio system circuits described in 640.9(C) and installed using Class 2 or Class 3 wiring methods in compliance with 725.133 and725.154 shall not be permitted to be installed in the same cable, cable tray, raceway, or cable routing assembly with power- limited conductors or cables.
    1. Conductor Size. Conductors of 26 AWG shall be permitted only where spliced with a connector listed as suitable for 26 AWG to 24 AWG or larger conductors that are termina‐ ted on equipment or where the 26 AWG conductors are termi‐ nated on equipment listed as suitable for 26 AWG conductors. Single conductors shall not be smaller than 18 AWG.
    2. Support of Conductors. Power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors shall not be strapped, taped, or attached by any means to the exterior of any conduit or other raceway as a means of support.760.145 Current-Carrying Continuous Line-Type Fire Detec‐ tors.
    1. Application. Listed continuous line-type fire detectors, including insulated copper tubing of pneumatically operated detectors, employed for both detection and carrying signaling currents shall be permitted to be used in power-limited circuits.
    2. Installation. Continuous line-type fire detectors shall be installed in accordance with 760.124 through 760.130 and 760.133.760.154 Applications of Listed PLFA Cables. PLFA cables shall comply with the requirements described in Table 760.154 or where cable substitutions are made as shown in 760.154(A). Where substitute cables are installed, the wiring requirements of Article 760, Parts I and III, shall apply. Types FPLP-CI, FPLR- CI, and FPL-CI cables shall be permitted to be installed to provide 2-hour circuit integrity rated cables.(A) Fire Alarm Cable Substitutions. The substitutions for fire alarm cables listed in Table 760.154(A) and illustrated in Figure 760.154(A) shall be permitted. Where substitute cables are installed, the wiring requirements of Article 760, Parts I and III, shall apply.Informational Note: For information on communications cables (CMP, CMR, CMG, CM), see 800.179.
      Part IV. Listing Requirements760.176 Listing and Marking of NPLFA Cables. Non-power- limited fire alarm cables installed as wiring within buildings shall be listed in accordance with 760.176(A) and (B) and as being resistant to the spread of fire in accordance with760.176(C) through (F), and shall be marked in accordance with 760.176(G). Cable used in a wet location shall be listed for use in wet locations or have a moisture-impervious metal sheath. Non-power-limited fire alarm cables shall have a temperature rating of not less than 60°C (140°F).
    1. NPLFA Conductor Materials. Conductors shall be 18 AWG or larger solid or stranded copper.
    2. Insulated Conductors. Insulation on conductors shall be rated for the system voltage and not less than 600 V. Insulated conductors 14 AWG and larger shall be one of the types listed in Table 310.104(A) or one that is identified for this use. Insu‐ lated conductors 18 AWG and 16 AWG shall be in accordance with 760.49.
    3. Type NPLFP. Type NPLFP non–power-limited fire alarm cable for use in other space used for environmental air shall be listed as being suitable for use in other space used for environ‐ mental air as described in 300.22(C) and shall also be listed as having adequate fire-resistant and low smoke–producing char‐ acteristics.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.
    4. Type NPLFR. Type NPLFR non–power-limited fire alarm riser cable 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 ANSI/UL 1666-2012, Test for Flame Propagation Height of Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables Installed Verti‐ cally in Shafts.
    5. Type NPLF. Type NPLF non–power-limited fire alarm cable shall be listed as being suitable for general-purpose fire alarm use, with the exception of risers, ducts, plenums, and other space used for environmental air, 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.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-M-2001, Test Methods for Electrical Wires and Cables.
      Table 760.154 Applications of Listed PLFA Cables in Buildings

      ApplicationsCable TypeFPLP & FPLP-CIFPLR & FPLR-CIFPL & FPL-CI
      In fabricated ducts as described in 300.22(B)In fabricated ductsY*NNIn 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 airY*NNIn metal raceway that complies with 300.22(C)Y*Y*Y*In plenum communications racewaysY*NNIn plenum cable routing assembliesY*NNSupported 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 communications raceways
      Y*
      Y*
      NIn plenum cable routing assemblies
      Y*
      Y*
      NIn riser communications racewaysY*Y*NIn riser cable routing assembliesY*Y*NIn one- and two-family dwellingsY*Y*Y*Within buildings in other than air-handling spaces and risersGeneralY*Y*Y*Supported by cable traysY*Y*Y*In any raceway recognized in Chapter 3
      Y*
      Y*
      Y*In plenum communications raceway
      Y*
      Y*
      Y*In plenum cable routing assemblies
      Y*
      Y*
      Y*In riser communications racewaysY*Y*Y*In riser cable routing assembliesY*Y*Y*In general-purpose communications raceways
      Y*
      Y*
      Y*In general-purpose cable routing assemblies
      Y*
      Y*
      Y*Note:“N” indicates that the cable type shall not be permitted to be installed in the application.“Y*” indicates that the cable type shall be permitted to be installed in the application subject to the limitations described in 760.130 through 760.145.
      Table 760.154(A) Cable Substitutions
      imageCable Type Permitted SubstitutionsimageFPLP CMPFPLR CMP, FPLP, CMRFPL CMP, FPLP, CMR, FPLR, CMG, CM
      Multiconductor cables
      imageFPLPCMPimagePlenum
      imageCMG CMFPLRCMRFPLimageRiser
      imageGeneral purpose
      Type CM— Communications wires and cables Type FPL— Power-limited fire alarm cablesimageA BCable A shall be permitted to be used in place of cable B, 26 AWG minimumFIGURE 760.154(A) Cable Substitution Hierarchy.
    6. Fire Alarm Circuit Integrity (CI) Cable or Electrical Circuit Protective System. Cables that are used for survivability of crit‐ ical circuits under fire conditions shall meet either 760.176(F)(1) or (F)(2) as follows:Informational Note No. 1: Fire alarm circuit integrity (CI) cable and electrical circuit protective systems may be used for fire alarm circuits to comply with the survivability requirements of NFPA 72 -2013, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 12.4.3 and 12.4.4, that the circuit maintain its electrical function during fire conditions for a defined period of time.Informational Note No. 2: One method of defining circuit integ‐ rity (CI) cable or an electrical circuit protective system is by establishing a minimum 2-hour fire-resistive rating for the cable when tested in accordance with UL 2196-2012, Standard for Tests of Fire Resistive Cables.Informational Note No. 3: UL guide information for electrical circuit protective systems (FHIT) contains information on proper installation requirements for maintaining the fire rating.
    7. NPLFA Cable Markings. Multiconductor non–power- limited fire alarm cables shall be marked in accordance with Table 760.176(G). Non–power-limited fire alarm circuit cables shall be permitted to be marked with a maximum usage voltage rating of 150 volts. Cables that are listed for circuit integrity shall be identified with the suffix “CI” as defined in 760.176(F). Temperature rating shall be marked on the jacket of NPLFA cables that have a temperature rating exceeding 60°C (140°F). The jacket of NPLFA cables shall be marked with the conduc‐ tor size.Informational Note: Cable types are listed in descending order of fire resistance rating.760.179 Listing and Marking of PLFA Cables and Insulated Continuous Line-Type Fire Detectors. PLFA cables installed as wiring within buildings shall be listed as being resistant to the spread of fire and other criteria in accordance with 760.179(A) through (H) and shall be marked in accordance with 760.179(I). Insulated continuous line-type fire detectors shall be listed in accordance with 760.179(J). Cable used in a wet location shall be listed for use in wet locations or have a moisture-impervious metal sheath.
    1. Conductor Materials. Conductors shall be solid or stran‐ ded copper.
    2. Conductor Size. The size of conductors in a multiconduc‐ tor cable shall not be smaller than 26 AWG. Single conductors shall not be smaller than 18 AWG.
    3. Ratings. The cable shall have a voltage rating of not less than 300 volts. The cable shall have a temperature rating of not less than 60°C (140°F).
    4. Type FPLP. Type FPLP power-limited fire alarm plenum cable shall be listed as being suitable for use in ducts, plenums, and other space 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.
    5. Type FPLR. Type FPLR power-limited fire alarm riser cable shall be listed as being suitable for use in a vertical run in
      Table 760.176(G) NPLFA Cable Markings
      1. Circuit Integrity (CI) Cables. Circuit integrity (CI) cables,                                                                                                                                specified in 760.176(C), (D), and (E), and used for survivability of critical circuits, shall have an additional classification usingCableimageMarking Type Referencethe suffix “CI.” Circuit integrity (CI) cables shall only be permitted to be installed in a raceway where specifically listed and marked as part of an electrical circuit protective system as covered in 760.176(F)(2).
      2. Electrical Circuit Protective System. Cables specified in 760.176(C), (D), (E), and (F)(1), that are part of an electrical circuit protective system, shall be identified with the protective system number and hourly rating printed on the outer jacket ofNPLFP Non–power-limited fire alarm circuit cable for use in “other space used for environmental air”NPLFR Non–power-limited fire alarm circuit riser cableNPLF Non–power-limited fire alarm circuit cable760.176(C) and (G)
        760.176(D) and (G)
        760.176(E) and (G)the cable and installed in accordance with the listing of the protective system.Note: Cables identified in 760.176(C), (D), and (E) and meeting the requirements for circuit integrity shall have the additional classification using the suffix “CI” (for example, NPLFP-CI, NPLFR-CI, and NPLF- CI).
        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 1666-2012, Standard Test for Flame Propagation Height of Electri‐ cal and Optical-Fiber Cable Installed Vertically in Shafts.
    6. Type FPL. Type FPL power-limited fire alarm cable shall be listed as being suitable for general-purpose fire alarm use, with the exception of risers, ducts, plenums, and other spaces used for environmental air, and shall also be listed as being resistant to the spread of fire.on the cable. Cables that are listed for circuit integrity shall be identified with the suffix CI as defined in 760.179(G). Temper‐ ature rating shall be marked on the jacket of PLFA cables that have a temperature rating exceeding 60°C (140°F). The jacket of PLFA cables shall be marked with the conductor size.Informational Note: Voltage ratings on cables may be misinter‐ preted to suggest that the cables may be suitable for Class 1, electric light, and power applications.Exception: Voltage markings shall be permitted where the cable has multiple listings and voltage marking is required for one or more of the listings.
      Table 760.179(I) Cable MarkingsInformational 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 1685-2012, 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 forCable Marking TypeimageFPLP Power-limited fire alarm plenum cableFPLR Power-limited fire alarm riser cableFPL Power-limited fire alarm cablethe 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.
    7. Fire Alarm Circuit Integrity (CI) Cable or Electrical Circuit Protective System. Cables that are used for survivability of crit‐ ical circuits under fire conditions shall meet either 760.179(G)(1) or (G)(2) as follows:Informational Note No. 1: Fire alarm circuit integrity (CI) cable and electrical circuit protective systems may be used for fire alarm circuits to comply with the survivability requirements of NFPA 72 -2013, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 12.4.3 and 12.4.4, that the circuit maintain its electrical function during fire conditions for a defined period of time.Informational Note No. 2: One method of defining circuit integ‐ rity (CI) cable or an electrical circuit protective system is by establishing a minimum 2-hour fire-resistive rating for the cable when tested in accordance with UL 2196-2012, Standard for Tests of Fire Resistive Cables.Informational Note No. 3: UL guide information for electrical circuit protective systems (FHIT) contains information on proper installation requirements for maintaining the fire rating.
      1. Circuit Integrity (CI) Cables. Circuit integrity (CI) cables specified in 760.179(D), (E), (F), and (H), and used for surviv‐ ability of critical circuits, shall have an additional classification using the suffix “CI.” Circuit integrity (CI) cables shall only be permitted to be installed in a raceway where specifically listed and marked as part of an electrical circuit protective system as covered in 760.179(G)(2).
      2. Electrical Circuit Protective System. Cables specified in 760.179(D), (E), (F), (H), and (G)(1), that are part of an elec‐ trical circuit protective system, shall be identified with the protective system number and hourly rating printed on the outer jacket of the cable and installed in accordance with the listing of the protective system.
    8. Coaxial Cables. Coaxial cables shall be permitted to use 30 percent conductivity copper-covered steel center conductor wire and shall be listed as Type FPLP, FPLR, or FPL cable.
    9. Cable Marking. The cable shall be marked in accordance with Table 760.179(I). The voltage rating shall not be markedNote: Cables identified in 760.179(D), (E), and (F) as meeting the requirements for circuit integrity shall have the additional classification using the suffix “CI” (for example, FPLP-CI, FPLR-CI, and FPL-CI).
      Informational Note: Cable types are listed in descending order of fire resistance rating.

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