Fire Resistant Cables - Update Alan Cavers Engineering Manager Certificate Services Group

Transcription

1 Fire Resistant Cables - Update Alan Cavers Engineering Manager Certificate Services Group

2 History Impact on Standards Where It s At Where It s Going 2

3 A concern was investigated related to the presence of zinc Guide Information changed - all conduit and conduit fittings in contact with fire resistive cables interior free of zinc Further research indicated cables were not able to consistently achieve a two-hour fire resistive rating UL and ULC announce important changes to certification programs (Release 12PN-51) September 12,

4 To be clear ANSI/UL 2196 and CAN/ULC-S have not been withdrawn 4

5 Research findings have been provided to the appropriate technical committees for their review and assessment. October 2012: Three working groups were formed with cable manufacturers and others to understand key attributes of various fire resistive and CI cables along with other system components. March 2013: A joint U.S. and Canada standards working group of the technical committee was formed. 5

6 First things First - UL began certifying these systems under the referenced standards in To date, UL is not aware of any field failures with currently installed systems. As of December 21, 2012, UL and ULC have reestablished certification of Fire Resistive Cables for use in Electrical Circuit Integrity Systems through an interim program. The Interim Program focuses on: Test repeatability Representative testing and whether worst case configuration can be determined Enhanced follow-up services process 6

7 Where is it required? 7

8 Example (1-1 &1-2) 2010 NBCC Division B Emergency Power For Fire Alarm All emergency power feed wiring from the generator to the individual fire alarm emergency communication control units must be installed to survive two hours. If the fire alarm emergency communication control units or transponders are provided with sufficient batteries then cables do not require fire rating. MECHANICAL PENTHOUSE Low rise buildings do not require fire rated cables 2 hour rated MI or CI cable or construction method Generator Transfe r switch Emergenc y Power Distributio n Panel Ground Floor PARKING GARAGE P1-P4

9 Example (2-1,2-2 & 2-3) 2010 NBCC Division B Emergency Power For Building Services (1) Protection of Electrical Conductors All emergency power feed wiring from the generator to the individual ancillary devices such as smoke control in high buildings must be installed to survive two hours. MECHANICAL PENTHOUSE 2 hour rated MI or CI cable or construction method Generator Transfe r switch Emergenc y Power Distributio n Panel Ground Floor PARKING GARAGE P1-P4

10 To date, two cable manufacturers have achieved certification under the interim program and more are expected in the near future. All cable manufactures have expressed interest in the program. Current certifications can be viewed by searching the category number within our on-line directory and then selecting View Listings. For Installation in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code o Electrical Circuit Integrity Systems (FHITC) o Fire-resistive Cable (FHJRC) For installation in accordance with the National Electrical Code o Electrical Circuit Integrity Systems (FHIT) o Fire-resistive Cable (FHJR) 10

11 FHITC or FHJR C 11

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19 The joint U.S. and Canada standards working group of the technical committee will : Determine what upgrades in requirements are necessary to deliver a single, harmonized bi-national standard focus on a strategy to address installation variables, sampling requirements for testing, and the need for any further research. We will continue to provide updates related to the above on the Fire page of the UL Code Authorities web page (ul.com/fireratedcables). Please contact Bob James (robert.j.james@ul.com) or Al Ramirez (alfredo.m.ramirez@ul.com) with any questions or comments. 19

20 Communication and Collaboration The Fire Alarm industry got engaged on this concern. Articles were written to inform the industry. Input from many different stakeholders. Committees are formed quickly to address the problems. An interim certification program established- manufacturers submitted the wire to be retested. Standards will get updated and listings will be established 20

21 Installation of Fire Alarm Systems There were no noted problems in the past on installation. Fire alarm systems today built-in redundancy. NBC buildings use DCL C installations. Use of isolators Primary and alternate paths Industry focused on good installation practices. Projects were completed 21

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