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ARTICLE 820

Community Antenna Television and Radio Distribution Systems

Informational Note: See Informational Note Figure 800(a) and Informational Note Figure 800(b) for an illustrative application of a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor.

Part I. General

  1. Scope. This article covers coaxial cable distribution of radio frequency signals typically employed in community antenna television (CATV) systems.Informational Note: See 90.2(B)(4) for installations of CATV and radio distribution systems that are not covered.
  2. Definitions. See Part I of Article 100. For the purposes of this article, the following additional definitions apply.Abandoned Coaxial Cable. Installed coaxial cable that is not terminated at equipment other than a coaxial connector and not identified for future use with a tag.•
    Exposed (to Accidental Contact). A circuit in such a position that, in case of failure of supports and or insulation, contact with another circuit may result.Informational Note: See Part I of Article 100 for two other defi‐ nitions of Exposed.Point of Entrance. The point within a building at which the coaxial 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 utility-user network point of demarcation.
  3. Other Articles. Circuits and equipment shall comply with 820.3(A) through 820.3(I).
  1. Hazardous (Classified) Locations. CATV equipment installed in a location that is classified in accordance with 500.5 and 505.5 shall comply with the applicable requirements of Chapter 5.
  2. Wiring in Ducts for Dust, Loose Stock, or Vapor Removal.The requirements of 300.22(A) shall apply.
  3. Equipment in Other Space Used for Environmental Air.The requirements of 300.22(C)(3) shall apply.
  4. Installation and Use. The requirements of 110.3(B) shall apply.
  5. Installations of Conductive and Nonconductive Optical Fiber Cables. The requirements of Article 770 shall apply.
  6. Communications Circuits. The requirements of Arti‐ cle 800 shall apply.
  7. Network-Powered Broadband Communications Systems.The requirements of Article 830 shall apply.
  8. Premises-Powered Broadband Communications Systems.The requirements of Article 840 shall apply.
  9. Alternate Wiring Methods. The wiring methods of Arti‐ cle 830 shall be permitted to substitute for the wiring methods of Article 820.

Informational Note: Use of Article 830 wiring methods will facil‐ itate the upgrading of Article 820 installations to network- powered broadband applications.

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820.15 Power Limitations. Coaxial cable shall be permitted to

deliver power to equipment that is directly associated with the radio frequency distribution system if the voltage is not over 60 volts and if the current is supplied by a transformer or other device that has power-limiting characteristics.

Power shall be blocked from premises devices on the network that are not intended to be powered via the coaxial cable.

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

  1. Mechanical Execution of Work. Community television and radio distribution systems shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner. Coaxial cables installed exposed on the surface of ceiling and sidewalls shall be supported by the build‐ ing structure in such a manner that the cables will not be damaged by normal building use. Such cables shall be securedby 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) and300.11. Nonmetallic cable ties and other nonmetallic cable accessories used to secure and support cables in other spaces used for environmental air (plenums) shall be listed as having low smoke and heat release properties in accordance with 800.170(C).Informational Note No. 1: Accepted industry practices are described in ANSI/NECA/BICSI 568–2006, Standard for Instal‐ ling Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling; ANSI/ TIA-568.1-D-2015, Commercial Building Telecommunications Infra‐ structure Standard; ANSI/TIA-569-D-2015, Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces; ANSI/TIA-570-C-2012, Residential Telecommu‐ nications Infrastructure Standard; ANSI/TIA-1005-A-2012, Telecom‐ munications Infrastructure Standard for Industrial Premises; ANSI/ TIA-1179-2010, Healthcare Facility Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard; ANSI/TIA-4966-2014, Telecommunications Infrastructure 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 coaxial cable properties.
  2. Abandoned Cables. The accessible portion of aban‐ doned coaxial cables shall be removed. Where cables are iden‐ tified for future use with a tag, the tag shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.
  3. Spread of Fire or Products of Combustion. Installa‐ tions of coaxial cables and communications raceways 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 coaxial cables and communications raceways through fire-resistant-rated walls, partitions, floors, or ceilings shall be firestopped using approved methods to main‐ tain 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 820.26 can be found in building codes, fire resistance directories, and product listings.

Part II. Coaxial Cables Outside and Entering Buildings

820.44 Overhead (Aerial) Coaxial Cables. Overhead (aerial) coaxial cables, prior to the point of grounding, as specified in 820.93, shall comply with 820.44(A) through 820.44(E).

  1. On Poles and In-Span. Where coaxial cables and electric light or power conductors are supported by the same pole or are run parallel to each other in-span, the conditions described in 820.44(A)(1) through 820.44(A)(4) shall be met.
    1. Relative Location. Where practicable, the coaxial cables shall be located below the electric light or power conductors.
    2. Attachment to Cross-Arms. Coaxial cables shall not be attached to cross-arm that carries electric light or power conductors.
    3. Climbing Space. The climbing space through coaxial cables shall comply with the requirements of 225.14(D).
    4. Clearance. Lead-in or overhead (aerial) -drop coaxial cables from a pole or other support, including the point of initial attachment to a building or structure, shall be kept away from electric light, power, Class 1, or non–power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors so as to avoid the possibility of acci‐ dental contact.Exception: Where proximity to electric light, power, Class 1, or non– power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors cannot be avoided, the installation shall provide clearances of not less than 300 mm (12 in.) from electric light, power, Class 1, or non–power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors. The clearance requirement shall apply at all points along the drop, and it shall increase to 1.0 m (40 in.) at the pole.
  2. Above Roofs. Coaxial cables shall have a vertical clear‐ ance of not less than 2.5 m (8 ft) from all points of roofs above which they pass.Exception No. 1: Vertical clearance requirements shall not apply to auxiliary buildings such as garages and the like.Exception No. 2: A reduction in clearance above only the overhanging portion of the roof to not less than 450 mm (18 in.) shall be permitted if(1) not more than 1.2 m (4 ft) of communications service drop conduc‐ tors pass above the roof overhang, and (2) they are terminated at a race‐ way mast or other approved support.Exception No. 3: Where the roof has a slope of not less than 100 mm in 300 mm (4 in. in 12 in.), a reduction in clearance to not less than 900 mm (3 ft) shall be permitted.
  3. On Masts. Overhead (aerial) coaxial cables shall be permitted to be attached to an above-the-roof raceway mast that does not enclose or support conductors of electric light or power circuits.
  4. Between Buildings. Coaxial cables extending between buildings or structures, and also the supports or attachment fixtures, shall be identified and shall have sufficient strength to withstand the loads to which they might be subjected.Exception: Where a coaxial cable does not have sufficient strength to be self-supporting, it shall be attached to a supporting messenger cable that, together with the attachment fixtures or supports, shall be accepta‐ ble for the purpose and shall have sufficient strength to withstand the loads to which they may be subjected.
  5. On Buildings. Where attached to buildings, coaxial cables shall be securely fastened in such a manner that they will be separated from other conductors in accordance with 820.44(E)(1), 820.44(E)(2) , and 820.44(E)(3).
    1. Electric Light or Power. The coaxial cable shall have a separation of at least 100 mm (4 in.) from electric light, power, Class 1, or non–power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors not in raceway or cable, or shall be permanently separated from conductors of the other system by a continuous and firmly fixed nonconductor in addition to the insulation on the wires.
    2. Other Communications Systems. Coaxial cable shall be installed so that there will be no unnecessary interference in the maintenance of the separate systems. In no case shall the conductors, cables, messenger strand, or equipment of one system cause abrasion to the conductors, cable, messenger strand, or equipment of any other system.
    3. Lightning Conductors. Where practicable, a separation of at least 1.8 m (6 ft) shall be maintained between any coaxial cable and lightning conductors.

Informational Note No. 1: For additional information regarding overhead (aerial) wires and cables, see ANSI C2-2012, National Electrical Safety Code, Part 2, Safety Rules for Overhead Lines.

Informational Note No. 2: See Section 4.6 of NFPA 780-2014,

Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems, for the calculation of sideflash distance.

  1. Underground Coaxial Cables Entering Buildings. Underground coaxial cables entering buildings shall comply with 820.47(A) and 820.47(B).
    1. Underground Systems with Electric Light, Power, Class 1, or Non–Power-Limited Fire Alarm Circuit Conductors. Underground coaxial cables in a duct, pedestal, handhole enclosure, or manhole that contains electric light, power, or Class 1 or non–power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors shall be in a section permanently separated from such conductors by means of a suitable barrier.
    2. Direct-Buried Cables and Raceways. Direct-buried coaxial cable shall be separated at least 300 mm (12 in.) from conduc‐ tors of any light or power, non–power-limited fire alarm circuit conductors, or Class 1 circuit.
    Exception No. 1: Separation shall not be required where electric service conductors or coaxial cables are installed in raceways or have metal cable armor.Exception No. 2: Separation shall not be required where electric light or power branch-circuit or feeder conductors or Class 1 circuit conductors are installed in a raceway or in metal-sheathed, metal-clad, or Type UF or Type USE cables; or the coaxial cables have metal cable armor or are installed in a raceway.
  2. Unlisted Cables Entering Buildings. Unlisted outside plant coaxial cables shall be permitted to be installed in build‐ ing spaces other than risers, ducts used for environmental air, plenums used for environmental air, and other spaces used for environmental air, where the length of the cable within the building, measured from its point of entrance, does not exceed 15 m (50 ft) and the cable enters the building from the outside and is terminated at a grounding block. The point of entrance shall be permitted 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.
  3. Metallic Entrance Conduit Grounding. Metallic conduit containing entrance coaxial cable shall be connected by a bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor to a grounding electrode in accordance with 820.100(B).

Part III. Protection

820.93 Grounding of the Outer Conductive Shield of Coaxial Cables. Coaxial cables entering buildings or attached to build‐ ings shall comply with 820.93(A) or (B). Where the outer

conductive shield of a coaxial cable is grounded, no other protective devices shall be required. For purposes of this section, grounding located at mobile home service equipment located within 9.0 m (30 ft) of the exterior wall of the mobile home it serves, or at a mobile home disconnecting means grounded in accordance with 250.32 and located within 9.0 m (30 ft) of the exterior wall of the mobile home it serves, shall be considered to meet the requirements of this section.

Informational Note: Selecting a grounding block location to achieve the shortest practicable bonding conductor or ground‐ ing electrode conductor helps limit potential differences between CATV and other metallic systems.

  1. Entering Buildings. In installations where the coaxial cable enters the building, the outer conductive shield shall be grounded in accordance with 820.100. The grounding shall be as close as practicable to the point of entrance.•
  2. Terminating Outside of the Building. In installationswhere the coaxial cable is terminated outside of the building, the outer conductive shield shall be grounded in accordance with 820.100. The grounding shall be as close as practicable to the point of attachment or termination.
  3. Location. Where installed, a listed primary protector shall be applied on each community antenna and radio distribution (CATV) cable external to the premises. The listed primary protector shall be located as close as practicable to the entrance point of the cable on either side or integral to the ground block.
  4. Hazardous (Classified) Locations. Where a primary protector or equipment providing the primary protection func‐ tion is used, it shall not be located in any hazardous (classified) location 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.

Part IV. Grounding Methods

820.100 Cable Bonding and Grounding. The shield of the coaxial cable shall be bonded or grounded as specified in 820.100(A) through (E).

Exception: For communications systems using coaxial cable completely contained within the building (i.e., they do not exit the building) or the exterior zone of protection defined by a 46 m (150 ft) radius rolling sphere and isolated from outside cable plant, the shield shall be permit‐ ted to be grounded by a connection to an equipment grounding conduc‐ tor as described in 250.118. Connecting to an equipment grounding conductor through a grounded receptacle using a dedicated bonding jumper and a permanently connected listed device shall be permitted. Use of a cord and plug for the connection to an equipment grounding conductor shall not be permitted.

Informational Note: See 4.8.3.1 of NFPA 780-2014, Standard for

the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems, for the theory of the term rolling sphere.

  1. 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 outer sheath of the coaxial cable. The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall not be required to exceed 6 AWG.
    4. Length. The bonding conductor or grounding electrode conductor shall be as short as practicable. In one- and two- family dwellings, the bonding conductor or grounding elec‐ trode conductor shall be as short as practicable, not to exceed6.0 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 bonding conductor or grounding elec‐ trode conductor length of 6.0 m (20 ft), a separate grounding electrode as specified in 250.52(A)(5), (A)(6), or (A)(7) shall be used, the grounding electrode conductor shall be connected to the separate grounding electrode in accordance with 250.70, and the separate grounding electrode shall be connected to the power grounding electrode system in accordance with 820.100(D).
    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.
  2. Electrode. The bonding conductor or grounding elec‐ trode conductor shall be connected in accordance with 820.100(B)(1), 820.100(B)(2) , or 820.100(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 connected to an electrode as covered in 250.32
      A bonding device intended to provide a termination point for the bonding conductor (intersystem bonding) shall not interfere with the opening of an equipment enclosure. A 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 820.93, 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 820.100(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 grounding means, as described in 820.100(B)(2) or (B)(3)(1), to any one of the individ‐ ual grounding electrodes described in 250.52(A)(5), (A)(7), and (A)(8). Steam, hot water pipes, or lightning protection system conductors shall not be employed as grounding electrodes for bonding conductors or ground‐ ing electrode conductors.
  3. Electrode Connection. Connections to grounding electro‐ des shall comply with 250.70.
  4. Bonding of Electrodes. A bonding jumper not smaller than 6 AWG copper or equivalent shall be connected between the community antenna television system’s grounding elec‐ trode and the power grounding electrode system at the build‐ ing or structure served where separate electrodes are used.Exception: At mobile homes as covered in 820.106.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.
  5. Shield Protection Devices. Grounding of a coaxial drop cable shield by means of a protective device that does not inter‐ rupt the grounding system within the premises shall be permit‐ ted.

820.103 Equipment Grounding. Unpowered equipment and enclosures or equipment powered by the coaxial cable shall be considered grounded where connected to the metallic cable shield.

820.106 Grounding and Bonding at Mobile Homes.

  1. Grounding. Grounding shall comply with 820.106(A)(1) and (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 mobilehome it serves, the coaxial cable shield ground, or surge arrester grounding terminal, shall be connected to a grounding electrode conductor or grounding electrode in accordance with 820.100(B)(3).
    2. Where there is no mobile home disconnecting means grounded in accordance with 250.32 and located within
    9.0 m (30 ft) of the exterior wall of the mobile home it serves, the coaxial cable shield ground, or surge arrester grounding terminal, shall be connected to a grounding electrode in accordance with 820.100(B)(3).
  2. Bonding. The coaxial cable shield grounding terminal, surge arrester grounding terminal, or grounding electrode shall be connected to the metal frame or available grounding terminal of the mobile home with a copper conductor not smaller than 12 AWG under any of the following conditions:
  1. Where there is no mobile home service equipment or disconnecting means as in 820.106(A)
  2. Where the mobile home is supplied by cord and plug

Part V. Installation Methods Within Buildings

820.110 Raceways and Cable Routing Assemblies for Coaxial Cables.

  1. Types of Raceways. Coaxial cables shall be permitted to be installed in any raceway that complies with either (A)(1) or (A)(2) and in cable routing assemblies installed in compliance with 820.110(C).
    1. Raceways Recognized in Chapter 3. Coaxial cables shall be permitted to be installed in any raceway included in Chap‐ ter 3. The raceways shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 3.
    2. Communications Raceways. Coaxial cables shall be permitted to be installed in plenum communications raceways, riser communications raceways, and general-purpose commu‐ nications raceways, selected in accordance with Table 800.154(b), listed in accordance with 800.182, and installed in accordance with 800.113 and 362.24 through 362.56, where the requirements applicable to electrical nonmetallic tubing (ENT) apply.imageN
    3. Innerduct for Coaxial Cables. Listed plenum communica‐ tions raceways, listed riser communications raceways, and listed general-purpose communications raceways selected in accord‐ ance with Table 800.154(b) shall be permitted to be installed as innerduct in any type of listed raceway permitted in Chapter 3.
  2. Raceway Fill for Coaxial Cables. The raceway fill require‐ ments of Chapters 3 and 9 shall not apply to coaxial cables.
  3. Cable Routing Assemblies. Coaxial cables shall be permit‐ ted 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 800.182, and installed in accordance with 800.110(C) and 800.113.

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820.113 Installation of Coaxial Cables. Installation of coaxial

cables shall comply with 820.113(A) through (K). Installation of raceways and cable routing assemblies shall comply with 820.110.

  1. Listing. Coaxial cables installed in buildings shall be listed.
    Exception: Coaxial cables that are installed in compliance with 820.48 shall not be required to 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. Up to 1.22 m (4 ft) of Type CATVP
    2. Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX installed in raceways that are installed in compliance with 300.22(B)
    Informational Note: For information on fire protection of wiring installed in fabricated ducts see 4.3.4.1 and 4.3.11.3.3 of NFPA 90A -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 CATVP
    2. Type CATVP installed in plenum communications race‐ ways
    3. Type CATVP installed in plenum cable routing assemblies
    4. Type CATVP supported by open metallic cable trays or cable tray systems
    5. Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX installed in raceways that are installed in compliance with 300.22(C)
    6. Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX supported by solid-bottom metal cable trays with solid metal covers in other spaces used for environmental air (plenums) as described in 300.22(C)
    7. Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX installed in plenum communications raceways, riser communications raceways, or general-purpose communications raceways supported by solid-bottom metal cable trays with solid metal covers in other spaces used for environmental air (plenums) as described in 300.22(C)
    Informational Note: For information on fire protection of wiring installed in other spaces used for environmental air, see 4.3.11.2, 4.3.11.4, and 4.3.11.5 of NFPA 90A-2015, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.
  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 CATVP and CATVR
    2. Types CATVP and CATVR installed in the following:
      1. Plenum communications raceways
      2. Plenum cable routing assemblies
      3. Riser communications raceways
      4. Riser cable routing assemblies
    Informational Note: See 820.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.
  5. 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 CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX
    2. Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX installed in the following:
      1. Plenum communications raceways (innerduct)
      2. Riser communications raceways (innerduct)
      3. General-purpose communications raceways (inner‐ duct)
    Informational Note: See 820.26 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 with firestops at each floor:
    1. Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX
    2. Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV 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
    Informational Note: See 820.26 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 CATVP, CATVR, and CATV
    2. Type CATVX less than 10 mm (3∕8 in.) in diameter
    3. Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV 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 820.26 for firestop requirements for floor penetrations.
  8. Cable Trays. The following cables shall be permitted to be supported by cable trays:
    1. Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV
    2. Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV installed in the follow‐ ing:
      1. Plenum communications raceways
      2. Riser communications raceways
      3. General-purpose communications raceways
  1. Distributing Frames and Cross-Connect Arrays. The following cables shall be permitted to be installed in distribut‐ ing frames and cross-connect arrays:
    1. Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV
    2. Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV 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
  2. Other Building Locations. The following cables shall be permitted to be installed in building locations other than the locations covered in 820.113(B) through (I):
    1. Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV
    2. A maximum of 3 m (10 ft) of exposed Type CATVX in nonconcealed spaces
    3. Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV 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
    4. Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX installed in a raceway of a type recognized in Chapter 3
  3. One- and Two-Family and Multifamily Dwellings. The following cables shall be permitted to be installed in one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings in locations other than those locations covered in 820.113(B) through (I):
  1. Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV
  2. Type CATVX less than 10 mm (3∕8 in.) in diameter
  3. Types CATVP, CATVR, and CATV 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
  4. Types CATVP, CATVR, CATV, and CATVX installed in a raceway of a type recognized in Chapter 3

820.133 Installation of Coaxial Cables and Equipment. Beyond the point of grounding, as defined in 820.93, the coaxial cable installation shall comply with 820.133(A) and (B).

  1. Separation from Other Conductors.
    1. In Raceways, Cable Trays, Boxes, Enclosures, and Cable Routing Assemblies.
      1. Other Circuits. Coaxial cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, box, enclosure, or cable routing assembly with jacketed cables of any of the following:
        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 in compliance with Parts I and V of Article 770
        2. Communications circuits in compliance with Parts I and V of Article 800
        3. Low-power network-powered broadband communications circuits in compliance with Parts I and V of Article 830
        • (b) Electric Light, Power, Class 1, Non–Power-Limited Fire
        Alarm, and Medium-Power Network-Powered Broadband Communica‐ tions Circuits. Coaxial cable shall not be placed in any raceway, compartment, outlet box, junction box, or other enclosures with conductors of electric light, power, Class 1, non–power- limited fire alarm, or medium-power network-powered broad‐ band communications circuits.Exception No. 1: Coaxial cable shall be permitted to be placed in any raceway, compartment, outlet box, junction box, or other enclosures with conductors of electric light, power, Class 1, non–power-limited fire alarm, or medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits where all of the conductors of electric light, power, Class 1, non– power-limited fire alarm, and medium-power network-powered broad‐band communications circuits are separated from all of the coaxial cables by a permanent barrier or listed divider.Exception No. 2: Coaxial cable shall be permitted to be placed in outlet boxes, junction boxes, or similar fittings or compartments with power conductors where such conductors are introduced solely for power supply to the coaxial cable system distribution equipment. The power circuit conductors shall be routed within the enclosure to maintain a minimum 6 mm (1∕4 in.) separation from coaxial cables.
    2. Other Applications. Coaxial cable shall be separated at least 50 mm (2 in.) from conductors of any electric light, power, Class 1, non–power-limited fire alarm, or medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits.Exception No. 1: Separation shall not be required where either (1) 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 in a raceway, or in metal-sheathed, metal-clad, nonmetallic-sheathed, Type AC or Type UF cables, or (2) all of the coaxial cables are encased in a raceway.Exception No. 2: Separation shall not be required where the coaxial cables are permanently separated from the conductors of electric light, power, Class 1, non–power-limited fire alarm, and medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits by a continuous and firmly fixed nonconductor, such as porcelain tubes or flexible tubing, in addition to the insulation on the wire.
  2. Support of Coaxial Cables. Raceways shall be used for their intended purpose. Coaxial cables shall not be strapped, taped, or attached by any means to the exterior of any conduit or raceway as a means of support.

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

820.154 Applications of Listed CATV Cables. Permitted and nonpermitted applications of listed coaxial cables shall be as indicated in Table 820.154(a). The permitted applications shall be subject to the installation requirements of 820.110 and

820.113. The substitutions for coaxial cables in Table 820.154(b) and illustrated in Figure 820.154 shall be permit‐ ted.

Informational Note: The substitute cables in Table 820.154(b) and Figure 820.154 are only coaxial-type cables.

Part VI. Listing Requirements

  1. Coaxial Cables. Cables shall be listed in accordance with 820.179(A) through (D) and marked in accordance with Table 820.179. The cable voltage rating shall not be marked on the cable. Coaxial cables shall have a temperature rating of not less than 60°C (140°F). The temperature rating shall be marked on the jacket of coaxial cables that have a temperature rating exceeding 60°C (140°F).Informational Note: Voltage markings on cables could be misin‐ terpreted 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 820.154(a) Applications of Listed Coaxial Cables in Buildings

    ApplicationsListed Coaxial Cable TypeCATVPCATVRCATVCATVXIn ducts specifically fabricated for environmental air as described in 300.22(B)In fabricated ducts as described in 300.22(B)Y*NNNIn metal raceway that complies with 300.22(B)Y*Y*Y*Y*In other spaces used for environmental air (plenums) as described in 300.22(C)In other spaces used for environmental air (plenums) as described in 300.22(C)Y*NNNIn metal raceway that complies with 300.22(C)Y*Y*Y*Y*In plenum communications racewaysY*NNNIn plenum cable routing assembliesY*NNNSupported by open metal cable traysY*NNNSupported by solid-bottom metal cable trays with solid metal coversY*Y*Y*Y*In risersIn vertical runsY*Y*NNIn metal racewaysY*Y*Y*Y*In fireproof shaftsY*Y*Y*Y*In plenum communications racewaysY*Y*NNIn plenum cable routing assembliesY*Y*NNIn riser communications racewaysY*Y*NNIn riser cable routing assembliesY*Y*NNIn one- and two- family dwellingsY*Y*Y*Y*Within buildings in other than air-handling spaces and risersGeneralY*Y*Y*Y*In one- and two-family dwellingsY*Y*Y*Y*In multifamily dwellingsY*Y*Y*Y*In nonconcealed spacesY*Y*Y*Y*Supported by cable traysY*Y*Y*NIn distributing frames and cross-connect arraysY*Y*Y*NIn any raceway recognized in Chapter 3Y*Y*Y*Y*In plenum communications racewaysY*Y*Y*NIn plenum cable routing assembliesY*Y*Y*NIn riser communications racewaysY*Y*Y*NIn riser cable routing assembliesY*Y*Y*NIn general-purpose communications racewaysY*Y*Y*NIn general-purpose cable routing assembliesY*Y*Y*NNote: 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 820.113.Informational Note No. 1: Part V of Article 820 covers installation methods within buildings. This table covers the applications of listed coaxial cables in buildings. The definition of Point of Entrance is in 820.2.Informational Note No. 2: For information on the restrictions to the installation of communications cables in ducts specifically fabricated for environmental air, see 820.113(B).
    Table 820.154(b) Coaxial Cable Uses and Permitted Substitutions
    imageCable Type Permitted SubstitutionsimageCATVP CMP, BLPCATVR CATVP, CMP, CMR, BMR, BLP, BLRCATV CATVP, CMP, CATVR, CMR, CMG, CM, BMR, BM, BLP, BLR, BLCATVX CATVP, CMP, CATVR, CMR, CATV, CMG, CM, BMR, BM, BLP, BLR, BL, BLX
    imageimage
    BLP
    CATVP
    CMPimagePlenum
    imageimageBMR, BM, BLP, BLR, BL
    CATVBMR, BLP, BLR
    CATVR
    CMRCMG CMimageRiser
    imageimageGeneral        purposepurpose CATV use, with the exception of risers and plenums, and shall also be listed as being resistant to the spread of fire.Informational Note: One method of defining resistant to the spread of fire is that the cables do not spread fire to the top of the tray in the “UL Flame Exposure, Vertical Tray Flame Test” in ANSI/UL 1685-2010, Standard for Safety for Vertical-Tray Fire- Propagation and Smoke-Release Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables. The smoke measurements in the test method are not applicable.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.
    1. Type CATVX. Type CATVX limited-use community antenna television coaxial cables shall be listed as being suita‐ ble for use in dwellings and for use in raceways and shall also be listed as being resistant to flame spread.Informational Note: One method of determining that cable is resistant to flame spread is by testing the cable to the VW-1 (vertical-wire) flame test in ANSI/UL 1581-2013, Reference Stand‐ ard for Electrical Wires, Cables and Flexible Cords.

      Dwellings

      CMX
      imageimageABimage
      CATVXCoaxial cable A shall be permitted to be used in place of coaxial cable B.Table 820.179 Coaxial Cable Markings
      imageimageBMR, BM, BLP, BLR, BL, BLXCable Marking TypeimageCATVP CATV plenum cableCATVR CATV riser cableType BL— Network-powered broadband communications low- power cablesType BM— Network-powered broadband communications medium- power cablesType CATV— Community antenna television cables Type CM— Communications cablesFIGURE 820.154 Cable Substitution Hierarchy.
      1. Type CATVP. Type CATVP community antenna television plenum coaxial cables shall be listed as being suitable for use in ducts, plenums, and other spaces used for environmental air and shall also be listed as having adequate fire-resistant and low-smoke-producing characteristics.Informational Note: One method of defining a cable that is low- smoke-producing cable and fire-resistant cable is that the cable exhibits a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an 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.
      2. Type CATVR. Type CATVR community antenna televi‐ sion riser coaxial cables shall be listed as being suitable for use in a vertical run in a shaft or from floor to floor and shall also be listed as having fire-resistant characteristics capable of preventing the carrying of fire from floor to floor.Informational Note: One method of defining fire-resistant 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.
      3. Type CATV. Type CATV community antenna television coaxial cables shall be listed as being suitable for general-
    CATV CATV cableCATVX CATV cable, limited use
    Informational Note: Cable types are listed in descending order of fire resistance rating.
  2. 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.

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