Technical Committee on Telecommunications Facilities () M E M O R A N D U M DATE: February 20, 2014 TO: Principal and Alternate Members of the Technical Committee on Telecommunications Facilities () FROM: Jon Hart, Fire Protection Engineer/NFPA Staff Liaison SUBJECT: AGENDA PACKAGE NFPA 76 Second Draft Meeting (F2015) Enclosed is the agenda for the NFPA 76 Second Draft meeting of the Technical Committee on Telecommunications Facilities, which will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2015 and Friday, March 27, 2015, at the Holiday Inn Houston Northwest Willowbrook, in Houston, TX. Please review the attached comments in advance, and if you have alternate suggestions, please come prepared with proposed language and respective substantiation. If you have any questions prior to the meeting, please do not hesitate to contact me at: Office: (617) 984-7470 Email: jhart@nfpa.org For administrative questions, please contact Elena Carroll at (617) 984-7952. I look forward to working with everyone.
Technical Committee on Telecommunications Facilities () NFPA 76 Second Draft Meeting (Fall 2015) Thursday, March 26, 2015 through Friday, March 27, 2015 Holiday Inn Houston Northwest Willowbrook 18818 Tomball Parkway, Houston, TX 77070 AGENDA Wednesday March 25, 2015 HP Facility Tour Thursday, March 26 and Friday, March 27, 2015 1. Call to Order of NFPA 76 Second Draft Meeting 2. Chairman Comments 3. Introductions and Attendance 4. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes 5. Staff Liaison Presentation 6. Preparation of the Second Draft Review Public Comments Create Second Revisions 7. New Business 8. Adjournment (By 12:00 pm on 3/27) Please submit requests for additional agenda items to the chair and staff liaison at least seven days prior to the meeting.
Technical Committee on Telecommunications Facilities () NFPA 76 Second Draft Meeting (Fall 2015) Thursday, March 26, 2015 through Friday, March 27, 2015 Holiday Inn Houston Northwest Willowbrook 18818 Tomball Parkway, Houston, TX 77070 Key Dates for the Fall 2015 Revision Cycle Public Input Closing Date January 3, 2014 Final Date for First Draft Meeting June 13, 2014 Posting of First Draft and Ballot August 1, 2014 Final First Draft Posted September 5, 2014 Public Comment Closing Date November 14, 2014 Final Date for Second Draft Meeting May 1, 2015 Posting of Second Draft and Ballot June 12, 2015 Final Second Draft Posted July 17, 2015 NITMAM Closing Date August 21, 2015 Issuance of Document with No NITMAM November 10, 2015 NFPA Annual Meeting (Las Vegas) June 2016 Issuance of Document with NITMAM August 4, 2016
Technical Committee on Telecommunications Facilities () NFPA 76 Second Draft Meeting (Fall 2015) Thursday, March 26, 2015 through Friday, March 27, 2015 Holiday Inn Houston Northwest Willowbrook 18818 Tomball Parkway, Houston, TX 77070 Note from the Staff Liaison Dear Technical Committee Members: We are very pleased that you will be participating in the processing of the 2016 Edition of NFPA 76, Standard for the Fire Protection of Telecommunications Facilities. Development of this document would not be possible without the participation of volunteers like you. Meeting Preparation Committee members should review the published Public Comments prior to the meeting and to be prepared to act on each item. Handout materials should be submitted to the chair and staff liaison at least seven days prior to the meeting. Only one posting of the Public Comments will be made; it will be arranged in section/order and will be pre-numbered. This will be posted to the NFPA 76 Document Information page (www.nfpa.org/76) under the Next Edition tab. If you have trouble accessing the website please contact Elena Carroll at ecarroll@nfpa.org. Mandatory Materials: Last edition of the standard Meeting agenda Public Comments Committee Officers' Guide (Chairs) Roberts Rules of Order (Chairs; An abbreviated version may be found in the Committee Officer s Guide) Optional Materials: NFPA Annual Directory NFPA Manual of Style
Technical Committee on Telecommunications Facilities () NFPA 76 Second Draft Meeting (Fall 2015) Thursday, March 26, 2015 through Friday, March 27, 2015 Holiday Inn Houston Northwest Willowbrook 18818 Tomball Parkway, Houston, TX 77070 Regulations and Guiding Documents All committee members are expected to behave in accordance with the Guide for the Conduct of Participants in the NFPA Codes and Standards Development Process. All actions during and following the committee meetings will be governed in accordance with the NFPA Regulations Governing the Development of NFPA Standards. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in challenges to the standards-making process. A successful challenge on procedural grounds could prevent or delay publication of the document. The style of the document must comply with the Manual of Style for NFPA Technical Committee Documents.
Technical Committee on Telecommunications Facilities () NFPA 76 Second Draft Meeting (Fall 2015) Thursday, March 26, 2015 through Friday, March 27, 2015 Holiday Inn Houston Northwest Willowbrook 18818 Tomball Parkway, Houston, TX 77070 General Procedures for Meetings Use of tape recorders or other means capable of producing verbatim transcriptions of any NFPA Committee Meeting is not permitted. Attendance at all NFPA Committee Meetings is open. All guests must sign in and identify their affiliation. Participation in NFPA Committee Meetings is generally limited to committee members and NFPA staff. Participation by guests is limited to individuals, who have received prior approval from the chair to address the committee on a particular item, or who wish to speak regarding public proposals or comments that they submitted. The chairman reserves the right to limit the amount of time available for any presentation. No interviews will be allowed in the meeting room at any time, including breaks. All attendees are reminded that formal votes of committee members will be secured by letter ballot. Voting at this meeting is used to establish a sense of agreement, but only the results of the formal letter ballot will determine the official action of the committee. Note to Special Experts: Particular attention is called to Section 3.3(e) of the NFPA Guide for the Conduct of Participants in the NFPA Codes and Standards Development Process in the NFPA Directory. This section requires committee members to declare any interest they may represent, other than their official designation as shown on the committee roster. This typically occurs when a special expert is retained by and represents another interest category on a particular subject. If such a situation exists on a specific issue or issues, the committee member shall declare those interests to the committee and refrain from voting on any action relating to those issues. Smoking is not permitted at NFPA Committee Meetings.
Technical Committee Roster
Address List No Phone Telecommunications 02/17/2015 Jonathan Hart Steve C. Dryden Chair AMEC 2677 Buford Highway Atlanta, GA 30324-3239 SE 7/16/2003 Robert G. Backstrom Principal UL LLC 333 Pfingsten Road Northbrook, IL 60062-2096 RT 1/15/1999 Leonard Belliveau, Jr. Principal JENSEN HUGHES 117 Metro Center Blvd., Suite 1002 Warwick, RI 02886 SE 1/15/1999 Jeffrey A. Betz Principal AT&T Corporation CRE National Standards-Fire Protection 7 Stoney Hill Road PO Box 109 Brookside, NJ 07926-0109 U 1/17/1997 Michael J. Bosma Principal The Viking Corporation 210 North Industrial Park Road Hastings, MI 49058 National Fire Sprinkler Association Alternate: Jon R. Ackley Voting Alt. to NFSA Rep. M 1/18/2001 Richard L. P. Custer Principal Arup Fire 955 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 402 Cambridge, MA 02139 SE 1/17/1997 Mickey L. Driggers Principal CenturyLink 700 West Mineral Avenue, UT E28.36 Denver, CO 80120 Alternate: Edward G. Bond U 7/16/2003 Ronald A. Durgin Principal Mohave County Development Services 3250 East Kino Avenue PO Box 7000 Kingman, AZ 86402-7000 E 07/29/2013 Robert P. Gardner Principal Marsh Risk Consulting PO Box 419105 Kansas City, MO 64141-6105 I 7/23/2008 Kirk W. Humbrecht Principal Phoenix Fire Systems, Inc. 744 West Nebraska Street Frankfort, IL 60423-1701 Fire Suppression Systems Association Alternate: Paul R. Nelson IM 10/1/1999 Jonathan G. Ingram Principal UTC/Kidde-Fenwal, Inc. 400 Main Street Ashland, MA 01721 M 10/28/2008 Stanley Kaufman Principal CableSafe, Inc./OFS PO Box 500082 Atlanta, GA 31150-0082 Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. M 3/21/2006 1
Address List No Phone Telecommunications 02/17/2015 Jonathan Hart Scott R. Lang M 10/28/2008 Principal Honeywell International System Sensor Division 3825 Ohio Avenue St. Charles, IL 60174 National Electrical Manufacturers Association Alternate: Luis A. Barros Chad Mariska Principal APS Fire 400 North Walnut Street Broken Arrow, OK 74012-2353 National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors Alternate: William D. Johnson IM 08/11/2014 Randall R. McCarver Principal Telcordia Technologies (Ericsson) 444 Hoes Lane, 4D-660 Piscataway, NJ 08854-4157 U 07/29/2013 Jack McNamara Principal Bosch Security Systems 130 Perinton Parkway Fairport, NY 14450-9199 Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc. Alternate: A. M. Fred Leber M 03/07/2013 William Meyring Principal 3M Company 3M Center Building 236-01-B-7 Saint Paul, MN 55144-1000 Alternate: Mark W. Lund M 03/07/2013 Thomas F. Norton Principal Norel Service Company, Inc. 37 Buckmaster Drive Concord, MA 01742-2809 IM 4/3/2003 Daniel J. O'Connor Principal Aon Fire Protection Engineering 4 Overlook Point Lincolnshire, IL 60069-4302 Alternate: Ronald A. Stein I 1/17/1997 Ronald D. Ouimette Principal Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. 8 Fernwood Road Florham Park, NJ 07932 Alternate: Daniel P. Finnegan M 10/10/1998 Brad Pradel Principal Liberty Mutual National Accounts Property 2100 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 100 Irving, TX 75038 Alternate: Shaun A. Brasseau I 3/4/2008 Charles A. Quillin Principal HSB Professional Loss Control 1616 Catron Road Union City, TN 38261-8263 Alternate: Darrell M. Franchuk I 4/14/2005 Rodger Reiswig Principal Tyco/SimplexGrinnell 3640 Haddington Court Apopka, FL 32712-5690 Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products M 7/26/2007 Buddy Rice Principal Deer Park Fire Marshals Office 2211 East X Street Deer Park, TX 77536 E 10/29/2012 2
Address List No Phone Telecommunications 02/17/2015 Jonathan Hart Thomas F. Ziegler Principal Verizon One Verizon Way, 3rd Floor Mail Code: VC53S451 Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 U 10/3/2002 Robert Kasiski Voting Alternate FM Global 1151 Boston Providence Turnpike PO Box 9102 Norwood, MA 02062-9102 Voting Alt. to FM Rep. I 8/9/2011 Jon R. Ackley Alternate Dalmatian Fire, Inc. 5670 West 73rd Street Indianapolis, IN 46278 National Fire Sprinkler Association Principal: Michael J. Bosma M 8/2/2010 Luis A. Barros Alternate Honeywell/System Sensor 3825 Ohio Avenue St. Charles, IL 60174-5467 National Electrical Manufacturers Association Principal: Scott R. Lang M 03/03/2014 Edward G. Bond Alternate Centurylink 14111 Capital Blvd., NCWKFR0321 Wake Forest, NC 27587 Principal: Mickey L. Driggers U 03/03/2014 Shaun A. Brasseau Alternate Liberty Mutual Property 1009 Collegeville Road Collegeville, PA 19426-1017 Principal: Brad Pradel I 03/03/2014 Daniel P. Finnegan Alternate Siemens Industry, Inc. Building Technologies Division Fire & Security 2953 Exeter Court West Dundee, IL 60118-1724 Principal: Ronald D. Ouimette M 3/4/2009 Darrell M. Franchuk Alternate HSB Professional Loss Control 19160 NW 88th Ave Road Reddick, FL 32686 Principal: Charles A. Quillin I 3/1/2011 William D. Johnson IM 08/11/2014 Alternate Mid State Fire Equipment Inc. 297 Washington Blvd. NE Lake Placid, FL 33852-8801 National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors Principal: Chad Mariska A. M. Fred Leber Alternate LRI Fire Protection Engineering, Inc. Yonge Eglinton Center 2300 Yonge Street, Suite 2100 PO Box 2372 Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc. Principal: Jack McNamara M 07/29/2013 Mark W. Lund Alternate 3M Company 3M Center, Building 223-2N-20 St. Paul, MN 55408 Principal: William Meyring M 10/28/2008 Paul R. Nelson Alternate Orr Protection Systems, Inc. 11601 Interchange Drive Louisville, KY 40229 Fire Suppression Systems Association Principal: Kirk W. Humbrecht IM 8/2/2010 3
Address List No Phone Telecommunications 02/17/2015 Jonathan Hart Ronald A. Stein Alternate Aon Global Risk Consultants 4801 Main Street, Suite 350 Kansas City, MO 64112 Principal: Daniel J. O'Connor I 1/1/1997 Thomas G. Cleary Nonvoting Member National Institute of Standards & Technology 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8664 Gaithersburg, MD 20899 RT 1/15/1999 Shmuel Netanel Nonvoting Member Eidan Safety Engineers Group 11 Moshe Levi St. Rishon Le Zion, 75658 Israel SE 1/17/1997 Jonathan Hart Staff Liaison National Fire Protection Association 1 Batterymarch Park Quincy, MA 02169-7471 2/25/2011 4
Technical Committee Distribution
Distribution by % Telecommunications Name Company Representation Class Office Ronald A. Durgin Mohave County Development E Principal Services Buddy Rice Deer Park Fire Marshals Office E Principal Voting Number 2 Percent 8% Robert P. Gardner Marsh Risk Consulting MARSH I Principal Daniel J. O'Connor Aon Fire Protection Engineering AON I Principal 02/17/2015 Brad Pradel Liberty Mutual National Accounts Property I Principal Charles A. Quillin HSB Professional Loss Control I Principal Robert Kasiski FM Global FM I Voting Alternate Voting Number 5 Percent 19% Kirk W. Humbrecht Phoenix Fire Systems, Inc. FSSA IM Principal Chad Mariska APS Fire NAFED IM Principal Thomas F. Norton Norel Service Company, Inc. IM Principal Voting Number 3 Percent 12% Michael J. Bosma The Viking Corporation NFSA M Principal Jonathan G. Ingram UTC/Kidde-Fenwal, Inc. UTC M Principal Stanley Kaufman CableSafe, Inc./OFS SPI M Principal Scott R. Lang Honeywell International NEMA M Principal Jack McNamara Bosch Security Systems AFAA M Principal William Meyring 3M Company M Principal Ronald D. Ouimette Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. M Principal Rodger Reiswig Tyco/SimplexGrinnell TYCO M Principal Voting Number 8 Percent 31% Robert G. Backstrom UL LLC UL RT Principal Voting Number 1 Percent 4% Steve C. Dryden AMEC SE Chair Leonard Belliveau, Jr. JENSEN HUGHES SE Principal
Distribution by % Telecommunications Tuesday 2 17, Tuesday Name Company Representation Class Office Richard L. P. Custer Arup Fire SE Principal Voting Number 3 Percent 12% Jeffrey A. Betz AT&T Corporation U Principal Mickey L. Driggers CenturyLink U Principal Randall R. McCarver Telcordia Technologies (Ericsson) U Principal Thomas F. Ziegler Verizon U Principal Voting Number 4 Percent 15% Total Voting Number 26
Previous Meeting Minutes
MINUTES NFPA Technical Committee on Telecommunications () April 22-24, 2014 First Draft Meeting Holiday Inn, Inner Harbor Baltimore, MD 1. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 1:30 pm (Eastern) on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 by Committee Chair, Steve Dryden. 2. Attendance and Introductions: Attendance was taken and those present at the meeting introduced themselves and stated who they represent on the committee. Those who were present at the meeting are listed below:
3. Chairman Comments: Steve Dryden spoke to the agenda for the meeting and provided opening comments. 4. Minutes Approval: The minutes of the April 11-13, 2011 ROC Meeting in Dallas, TX were approved as distributed in the Agenda Package. 5. Staff Liaison Presentation: Barry Chase gave the staff presentation for the meeting which included general meeting procedures and a review of the Fall 2015 revision cycle. 6. Development of First Draft: The committee reviewed all public input (PI) and resolved them by either providing a committee statement or by creating a first revision (FR) based on the PC. Other First Revisions were created. See the First Draft and First Draft report for the official committee actions. These will be available at www.nfpa.org/76next 7. New Business: Task Groups: -A Task Group was formed to look at referenced documents within NFPA 76. Chair: R. McCarver. Members: J. Betz and B. Rice. -A Task Group on SUS, small unoccupied spaces, was be formed. Chair: R. Stein. Members: M. Driggers and J. Betz 8. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the TC will be the second draft meeting in the F2015 cycle and will likely take place in the February/March time frame in 2015. The committee preference is to hold this meeting in a location in the South of the U.S. 9. Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 pm on April 24, 2014.
Public Comments
1 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM Public Comment No. 2-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. 2.3.2 ] 2.3.2 ASTM Publications. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2013 Rev A 2014. ASTM E814, Standard Test Method for Fire Tests of Penetration Firestop Systems, 2013 Rev A 2013a. ASTM E1537, Standard Test Method for Fire Testing of Upholstered Furniture, 2013. ASTM E1966, Standard Test Method for Fire Resistive Joint Systems, 2007 ( 2011). Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment date updates Related Item Public Input No. 1-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. 2.3.2] Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Marcelo Hirschler Organization: GBH International Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Thu Sep 18 18:59:24 EDT 2014
2 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM Public Comment No. 4-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. 3.3.4 ] 3.3.4 Cable Telecommunications. One- and two-way communications service provided over a network, generally through optical fiber -optic and coaxial cable. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment This editorial change correlates with National Electrical Code Article 770 which refers to optical fiber cables, not fiber-optic cables. Related Item First Revision No. 37-NFPA 76-2014 [Section No. 3.3.4] Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Stanley Kaufman Organization: CableSafe, Inc./OFS Affilliation: SPI Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Fri Oct 10 02:32:19 EDT 2014
3 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM Public Comment No. 21-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. 8.8 ] 8.8 Telecommunications Equipment Ignition and Fire Resistance Performance. 8.8.1* General. Where needed to achieve an objective of a performance-based design permitted by Chapter 5 or to meet the prescriptive requirements permitted by Chapters 6 and 7, the telecommunications equipment, cables, wiring, and associated components shall comply with the provisions of Section 8.8. 8.8.2 Wire and Cables. 8.8.2.1 Telecommunications cables shall be listed to the requirements of ANSI/UL 444. 8.8.2.2 Telecommunications wires shall be listed to the requirements for cross-connect wire in ANSI/UL 444. 8.8.2.3 Optical fiber cables shall be listed to the requirements of ANSI/UL 1651. 8.8.2.4 Wires and cables intended for powering signal-processing equipment and insulated ground wires shall be listed to the requirements of ANSI/UL 1277, ANSI/UL 44, or ANSI/UL 83 or shall be specifically listed for the purpose. 8.8.2.5 Communications raceways shall be listed to the requirements of ANSI/UL 2024. 8.8.2.6 Cable routing assemblies shall be listed to the requirements of UL 2024. 8.8.2.7 Nonmetallic cable trays shall be listed to the requirements of ANSI/UL 568. 8.8.2.8 Raised Floor and Ceiling Cavity Plenums. 8.8.2.8.1 Wires and cables intended for powering signal-processing equipment, telecommunications cables, optical fiber cables, and insulated ground wires installed in plenums shall be listed as having a maximum flame spread of 1.52 m (5.0 ft), a maximum peak optical density of 0.50, and a maximum average optical density of 0.150 when tested in accordance with NFPA 262 or Flame and Smoke Test in the Appendix to CSA C22.2 No. 0.3-M-1996 (FT6 Rating). 8.8.2.8.2 Communications raceways installed in plenums shall be listed as having a maximum flame spread of 1.52 m (5.0 ft), a maximum peak optical density of 0.50, and a maximum average optical density of 0.150 when tested per ANSI/UL 2024 or the flame and smoke test in CSA C22.2 No. 0.3, Appendix B (FT6 Rating). 8.8.2.8.3 Cable routing assemblies shall be listed to the requirements of UL 2024.
8.8.2.8.4* Nonmetallic cable trays used in plenums shall be listed for use in plenums. 8.8.2.9 Risers. 8.8.2.9.1 Telecommunications cables, optical fiber cables, wires and cables intended for powering signal-processing equipment, insulated ground wires, communications raceways, and nonmetallic cable trays installed vertically between floors in a building shall comply with ANSI/UL 1666. These cables shall demonstrate limited smoke generation by testing in accordance with ANSI/UL 1685. 8.8.2.9.2 Telecommunications cables, optical fiber cables, wires and cables intended for powering signal-processing equipment, and insulated ground wires meeting the requirements of 8.8.2.8.1 shall be permitted. 8.8.2.9.3 Communications raceways meeting the requirements of 8.8.2.8.2 shall be permitted. 8.8.2.9.4 Cable routing assemblies meeting the requirements of 8.8.2.8.3 shall be permitted. 8.8.2.9.5 Cable routing assemblies shall be listed to the requirements of UL 2024. 8.8.2.9.6 Cable routing assemblies meeting the requirements of 8.8.2.8.4 shall be permitted. 8.8.2.10 Installations Other Than Risers and Plenums. Installations of telecommunications wires and cables, optical fiber cables, wires and cables intended for powering signal-processing equipment, and insulated ground wires in spaces other than risers or plenums shall comply with 8.8.2.10.1 or 8.8.2.10.2 or 8.8.2.10.3. 8.8.2.10.1 Telecommunications wires and cables, optical fiber cables, wires and cables intended for powering signal-processing equipment, and insulated ground wires shall be listed as not spreading fire to the top of the tray and shall demonstrate limited smoke generation in the vertical-tray flame test in ANSI/UL 1685. 8.8.2.10.2 Telecommunications wires and cables, optical fiber cables, wires and cables intended for powering signal-processing equipment, and insulated ground wires shall be listed as meeting the requirements of the FT-4 test in CSA Vertical Flame Test Cables in Cable Trays in the Test Methods for Electrical Wires and Cables, C22.2 No. 0.3-M-1996, with char length not to exceed 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in.). These cables shall demonstrate limited smoke generation by testing in accordance with ANSI/UL 1685. 8.8.2.10.3 Telecommunications cables, optical fiber cables, wires and cables intended for powering signal-processing equipment, and insulated ground wires meeting the requirements of 8.8.2.8.1 or 8.8.2.9.1 shall be permitted. 8.8.2.10.4 Communications raceways shall not spread fire to the top of the tray in the vertical-tray flame test in ANSI/UL 2024. 8.8.2.10.5 Cable routing assemblies shall be listed to the requirements of UL 2024. 8.8.2.10.6 Cable routing assemblies and communications raceways meeting the requirements of 8.8.2.8.2 or 8.8.2.9.1 shall be permitted. 4 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM
5 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM 8.8.2.10.7 Cable routing assemblies meeting the requirements of 8.8.2.8.4 or 8.8.2.9.5 shall be permitted. 8.8.3* Major Telecommunications Equipment Systems. Major telecommunications equipment shall be classified as follows: (1) Level A. Equipment that meets the fire resistance criteria specified in Telcordia GR-63-CORE, following the methodologies specified in ATIS 0600307 and ATIS 0600319 (2) Level B. Equipment that meets the requirements of UL 60950-1 only, and does not qualify for Level A classification (3) Level C. Equipment that does not meet the requirements of either Level A or Level B 8.8.4 Nonlabeled Wire, Cable, and Telecommunications Equipment. Where wire, cable, and telecommunications equipment are not labeled to indicate compliance with the requirements of Section 8.8, the documentation regarding compliance with the fire resistance criteria specified in Section 8.8 shall be readily available. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment Fire resistance is defined as a property assessing the ability of a material, product, or assembly to withstand fire or give protection from it for a period of time. This chapter addresses fire performance requirements. Related Public Comments for This Document Related Comment Public Comment No. 22-NFPA 76-2014 [Section No. A.8.8.3] Related Item First Revision No. 20-NFPA 76-2014 [Section No. 8.8.2.5] Relationship Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Marcelo Hirschler Organization: GBH International Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Fri Nov 14 14:19:13 EST 2014
6 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM Public Comment No. 17-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. 8.8.2.8.1 ] 8.8.2.8.1 Wires and cables intended for powering signal-processing equipment, telecommunications cables, optical fiber cables, and insulated ground wires installed in plenums shall be listed as having a maximum flame spread of 1.52 5 m (5.0 ft) or less, a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, and a maximum average optical density of 0.150 15 or less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262 or Flame and Smoke Test in the Appendix to CSA C22.2 No. 0.3-M-1996 (FT6 Rating). Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment This public comment does not extract language from NFPA 90A but simply makes the requirements identical. Note that CSA FT6 is not referenced in NFPA 90A because it has not kept up with the advances incorporated into NFPA 90A. Standards Council has stated that NFPA 90A has jurisdiction over the requirements for materials in plenums. This public comment does not incorporate any material or products that are not already referenced in NFPA 76. Related Item Public Input No. 3-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. 8.8.2.8] Public Input No. 5-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. 8.8.2.8] Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Marcelo Hirschler Organization: GBH International Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Fri Nov 14 13:45:25 EST 2014
7 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM Public Comment No. 18-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. 8.8.2.8.2 ] 8.8.2.8.2 Communications raceways installed in plenums shall be listed as having a maximum flame spread of 1.52 5 m (5.0 ft) or less, a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, and a maximum average optical density of 0.150 15 or less when tested per in accordance with ANSI/UL 2024 or the flame and smoke test in CSA C22.2 No. 0.3, Appendix B (FT6 Rating). Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment This public comment simply slightly revises the requirements by incorporating language that corresponds to the language from NFPA 90A, which has jurisdiction over materials in plenums, in accordance with Standards Council. The reference to the CSA standard is being removed because it has not kept up to date with the changes in NFPA standards. Related Item Public Input No. 3-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. 8.8.2.8] Public Input No. 5-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. 8.8.2.8] Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Marcelo Hirschler Organization: GBH International Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Fri Nov 14 13:51:12 EST 2014
Public Comment No. 16-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. 8.8.2.8.3 ] 8.8.2.8.3 Cable routing assemblies shall be listed to the requirements of UL 2024. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment Both the NEC and NFPA 90A (which has jurisdiction over materials in plenums) do not allow cable routing assemblies to be used in plenums unless tested by the default criteria. Cable routing assemblies can be used in trays and risers but not in plenums unless tested as any other material in a plenum. UL 2024 uses a less severe fire test that ASTM E84 (25/50), the default test, and NFPA 90A has rejected its use for cable routing assemblies. I am a committee member of NFPA 90A. This public comment introduces the requirements from NFPA 90A for materials in plenums. The requirements for noncombustible or low flame spread and smoke based on testing to ASTM E84 are those that apply to all materials and products not otherwise mentioned with specific requirements. An alternate public comment adds the specific requirements for all default materials (including cable routing assemblies) in plenums, per NFPA 90A. Related Public Comments for This Document Related Comment Public Comment No. 20-NFPA 76-2014 [Section No. 8.8.2.8.3] Related Item Public Input No. 3-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. 8.8.2.8] Public Input No. 5-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. 8.8.2.8] Relationship Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Marcelo Hirschler Organization: GBH International Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Fri Nov 14 13:41:43 EST 2014 8 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM
9 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM Public Comment No. 20-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. 8.8.2.8.3 ] 8.8.2.8.3 Cable routing assemblies shall be listed for use in plenums and shall be constructed of materials that are either noncombustible or that exhibit a maximum flame spread index of 25 and a maximum smoke developed index of 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or with ANSI/UL 723, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. Also, update the references to the requirements of UL 2024. ASTM E84 (2014) and to ANSI/UL 723 (2008, revised 2013) within the sections in Chapter 2 on ASTM and UL referenced standards.. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment Both the NEC and NFPA 90A (which has jurisdiction over materials in plenums) do not allow cable routing assemblies to be used in plenums unless tested by the default criteria. Cable routing assemblies can be used in trays and risers but not in plenums unless tested as any other material in a plenum. UL 2024 uses a less severe fire test that ASTM E84 (25/50), the default test, and NFPA 90A has rejected its use for cable routing assemblies. I am a committee member of NFPA 90A. This public comment introduces the requirements from NFPA 90A for materials in plenums. The requirements for noncombustible or low flame spread and smoke based on testing to ASTM E84 are those that apply to all materials and products not otherwise mentioned with specific requirements. Related Public Comments for This Document Related Comment Public Comment No. 16-NFPA 76-2014 [Section No. 8.8.2.8.3] Public Comment No. 19-NFPA 76-2014 [Section No. 8.8.2.8.4] Related Item Public Input No. 3-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. 8.8.2.8] Public Input No. 5-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. 8.8.2.8] Relationship Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Marcelo Hirschler Organization: GBH International Street Address:
10 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Fri Nov 14 14:10:37 EST 2014
11 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM Public Comment No. 19-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. 8.8.2.8.4 ] 8.8.2.8.4* Nonmetallic cable trays used in plenums shall be listed for use in plenums and shall be constructed of materials that are either noncombustible or that exhibit a maximum flame spread index of 25 and a maximum smoke developed index of 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or with ANSI/UL 723, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. Also, update the references to ASTM E84 (2014) and to ANSI/UL 723 (2008, revised 2013) within the sections in Chapter 2 on ASTM and UL refernced standards. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment This introduces the requirements from NFPA 90A for materials in plenums. The requirements for noncombustible or low flame spread and smoke based on testing to ASTM E84 are those that apply to all materials and products not otherwise mentioned with specific requirements. Related Public Comments for This Document Related Comment Public Comment No. 20-NFPA 76-2014 [Section No. 8.8.2.8.3] Related Item Public Input No. 3-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. 8.8.2.8] Public Input No. 5-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. 8.8.2.8] Relationship Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Marcelo Hirschler Organization: GBH International Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Fri Nov 14 13:56:47 EST 2014
12 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM Public Comment No. 5-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. 9.1.1 ] 9.1.1 * Removal or Storage of Combustibles. Combustibles shall not be removed from stored in telecommunications equipment areas or shall be stored appropriately areas except in protected storage rooms, noncombustible enclosed storage cabinets or bins, noncombustible covered refuse containers, or listed self-extinguishing-type trash receptacles. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment The Technical Committee clarified that the removal of combustibles was addressing telecommunications equipment areas, but they deleted the frequency of removal, which was confusing. We believe the Technical Committee intends that combustibles not be stored in these areas. This revision clarifies the provision and gets to the heart of the matter. Related Item First Revision No. 35-NFPA 76-2014 [Section No. 9.1.1] Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Jim Muir Organization: Clark County, Washington, Building Safety Division Affilliation: NFPA's Building Code Development Committee (BCDC) Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Fri Oct 31 11:29:38 EDT 2014
13 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM Public Comment No. 7-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. 9.1.4 ] 9.1.4* Heat-Producing Appliances. The use of portable heat-producing appliances shall not be located permitted in any telecommunications equipment area, computer room, individual office areas, individual office cubicles, storage areas, or shipping areas. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment Computer rooms, individual office areas, individual office cubicles, storage areas, or shipping areas are not unique to telecommunications facilities. This Standard should only address fire hazards unique to the telecommunications equipment occupancy. More general hazards are already addressed in other NFPA standards. Requirements regarding heat producing appliances in other areas belong in NFPA 1-11.5.3, which provides general fire protection requirements. There are unintended restrictions in 9.1.4 which exceed the requirements of NFPA 1 for no discernible reason in telecommunications equipment areas. An example of an unintended restriction is a heat-producing tool such as a soldering iron or heat shrink device. Related Item Public Input No. 76-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. 9.1.4] Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Randall McCarver Organization: Telcordia (Ericsson) Affilliation: AT&T, CenturyLink Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Tue Nov 11 15:14:54 EST 2014
14 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM Public Comment No. 6-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. 9.3.2.2 ] 9.3.2.2 Flexible electrical cords shall be adequate to carry the anticipated current amperage and shall be listed. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment The term amperage is defined per section 3.1 as the ordinarily accepted meaning. There is no confusion with the original term. Related Item First Revision No. 39-NFPA 76-2014 [Section No. 9.3.2.2] Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Jim Muir Organization: Clark County, Washington, Building Safety Division Affilliation: NFPA's Building Code Development Committee (BCDC) Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Fri Oct 31 11:35:41 EDT 2014
15 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM Public Comment No. 8-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. 9.4.4 [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ] The delivery, storage, construction, and cleanup associated with building construction and alteration work shall be performed in accordance with NFPA 241 or an equivalent standard. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment First revision No. 41 allows for the use of an equivalent standard to NFPA 241 in Section 9.4. The same language should appear in 9.4.4 also. The annex text already provides some additional standards that may be referenced. Related Item Public Input No. 83-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. 9.4.4] First Revision No. 41-NFPA 76-2014 [Section No. 9.4 [Excluding any Sub-Sections]] Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Randall McCarver Organization: Telcordia (Ericsson) Affilliation: AT&T, CenturyLink, Verizon Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Tue Nov 11 15:22:31 EST 2014
Public Comment No. 9-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. 9.6 ] 9.6 * Physical Security. 9.6.1 A key box(es), where required by the authority having jurisdiction, shall be listed and installed in an accessible location. 9.6.2 The operator of the premises shall immediately notify the authority having jurisdiction and provide the new key(s) when a lock shall be changed or re-keyed, and a key(s) to that lock shall be contained in the key box. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment Key boxes are not unique to telecommunications facilities. The requirements in NFPA 1 specifically address the use of key boxes in more detail than do those in Section 9.6. NFPA 76 should only address fire hazards unique to the telecommunications equipment occupancy. More general hazards are already addressed in other NFPA standards. NFPA 1 is the fundamental document that provides general fire protection requirements. It is the definitive standard and should be the only one that contains general requirements. Repeating requirements already in NFPA 1 leads to confusion and conflicting enforcement when requirements of one document diverge from the other, which occurs because they are not on the same revision cycle. NFPA 76 was a stand-alone document that is now a Standard referenced in NFPA 1, the primary governing document for general fire prevention. Related Item Public Input No. 85-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. 9.6] Public Input No. 86-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. A.9.6] Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Randall McCarver Organization: Telcordia (Ericsson) Affilliation: AT&T, CenturyLink Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Tue Nov 11 15:32:43 EST 2014 16 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM
Public Comment No. 10-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. 9.7 ] 9.7 Means of Egress. All means of egress shall be maintained in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 101. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment This requirement is not unique to telecommunications facilities. NFPA 76 should only address fire hazards unique to the telecommunications equipment occupancy. More general hazards are already addressed in other NFPA standards. NFPA 1 is the fundamental document that provides general fire protection requirements. It is the definitive standard and should be the only one that contains general requirements. Repeating requirements already in NFPA 1 leads to confusion and conflicting enforcement when requirements of one document diverge from the other, which occurs because they are not on the same revision cycle. NFPA 76 was a stand-alone document that is now a Standard referenced in NFPA 1, the primary governing document for general fire prevention. Related Item Public Input No. 87-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. 9.7] Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Randall McCarver Organization: Telcordia (Ericsson) Affilliation: AT&T, CenturyLink Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Tue Nov 11 15:37:33 EST 2014 17 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM
Public Comment No. 11-NFPA 76-2014 [ Sections 9.8.1, 9.8.2, 9.8.3, 9.8.4, 9.8.5 ] Sections 9.8.1, 9.8.2, 9.8.3, 9.8.4, 9.8.5 9.8.1 Displays, holiday trees, or other decorations shall not be allowed to obstruct corridors, exit ways, or other means of egress. 9.8.2 Natural cut holiday trees shall not be permitted. 9.8.3 Artificial holiday trees, displays, and decorations shall be labeled or otherwise identified or certified by the manufacturer as being flame retardant or flame resistive. 9.8.4 Only listed electric lights and wiring shall be used on holiday trees and similar decorations. 9.8.5 Electric lights shall be prohibited on metal artificial trees, displays, and other decorations not labeled for the use of listed lights. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment Section 9.8 already prohibits displays, holiday trees or other decorations in telecommunication areas. Sections 9.8.1 through 9.8.5 contain requirements not unique to telecommunications facilities. NFPA 76 should only address fire hazards unique to the telecommunications equipment occupancy. More general hazards are already addressed in other NFPA standards. NFPA 1 is the fundamental document that provides general fire protection requirements. It is the definitive standard and should be the only one that contains general requirements. Repeating requirements already in NFPA 1 leads to confusion and conflicting enforcement when requirements of one document diverge from the other, which occurs because they are not on the same revision cycle. NFPA 76 was a stand-alone document that is now a Standard referenced in NFPA 1, the primary governing document for general fire prevention. Related Item Public Input No. 88-NFPA 76-2013 [Sections 9.8.1, 9.8.2, 9.8.3, 9.8.4, 9.8.5] Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Randall McCarver Organization: Affilliation: Street Address: City: State: Telcordia (Ericsson) AT&T, CenturyLink 18 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM
19 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM Zip: Submittal Date: Tue Nov 11 15:39:26 EST 2014
Public Comment No. 12-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. 9.9 ] 9.9 * Open Flame Devices. 9.9.1 In nontelecommunications areas, the use of solid-fueled heat sources for warming of food trays shall be permitted and shall be constantly attended and operated with the approval of management. 9.9.2 Other open flames shall only be permitted as otherwise stated in this document. 9.9.3 Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 10. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment Section 9.9 contains requirements not unique to telecommunications facilities. NFPA 76 should only address fire hazards unique to the telecommunications equipment occupancy. More general hazards are already addressed in other NFPA standards. NFPA 1 is the fundamental document that provides general fire protection requirements. It is the definitive standard and should be the only one that contains general requirements. Repeating requirements already in NFPA 1 leads to confusion and conflicting enforcement when requirements of one document diverge from the other, which occurs because they are not on the same revision cycle. NFPA 76 was a stand-alone document that is now a Standard referenced in NFPA 1, the primary governing document for general fire prevention. Related Item Public Input No. 89-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. 9.9] Public Input No. 90-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. A.9.9] Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Randall McCarver Organization: Telcordia (Ericsson) Affilliation: AT&T, CenturyLink Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Tue Nov 11 15:42:03 EST 2014 20 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM
Public Comment No. 13-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. 9.11 ] 9.11 * Vacant Areas. Vacant areas or spaces in a building shall be reviewed annually for the fire risk. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment The term vacant areas or spaces is ambiguous. Is a space vacant when it is no longer being used, but contains retired-in-place equipment? Vacant spaces are not unique to telecommunications facilities. All facilities are vulnerable to the hazards of combustible material stored in vacant spaces. However if those spaces contain stored material, they are not vacant and therefore not covered by Section 9.11. If the space is truly vacant (i.e., clean and empty floor to ceiling and wall to wall) then there are no additional fire protection measures necessary. The risk is already minimized. In addition, the requirement is vague. It gives no guidance as to what an annual review for the fire risk consists of and what should be done with any findings. Related Item Public Input No. 91-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. 9.11] Public Input No. 92-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. A.9.11] Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Randall McCarver Organization: Telcordia (Ericsson) Affilliation: AT&T, CenturyLink, Verizon Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Tue Nov 11 15:44:02 EST 2014 21 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM
22 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM Public Comment No. 14-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. 10.1.1.1 ] 10.1.1.1 The pre-fire plan shall be reviewed and updated annually and where as personnel changes, management structure realignment, or facility changes occur. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment Neither OSHA regulations covering emergency action plans nor NFPA 101 emergency plans require annual review. There is nothing unique about a telecommunications facility that requires annual review. The requirement is vague. No guidance is provided as to what constitutes an annual review. Related Item Public Input No. 93-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. 10.1.1.1] Submitter Information Verification Submitter Full Name: Randall McCarver Organization: Telcordia (Ericsson) Affilliation: AT&T, CenturyLink, Verizon Street Address: City: State: Zip: Submittal Date: Tue Nov 11 15:46:48 EST 2014
23 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM Public Comment No. 23-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. A.8.2.3.6 ]
A.8.2.3.6 The temperatures in hot aisles can exceed 37.8 C (100 F), which is often the listing limit on many types of detectors. 24 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM
25 of 35 1/12/2015 3:00 PM A.8.2.3.6 Smoke Detector Sensitivity and Spacing Guidance for Protection of Signal Processing Equipment in High Airflow Areas General For smoke detections systems to detect products of combustion, the products must travel from the source to a sensor or port and arrive there in sufficient density to be detectable. Products of combustion follow forced air streams early in the development of a fire, or overheat condition, when the influence of mechanical systems is greater than the buoyant forces of the fire or overheat condition. Detection system sensors or ports installed in the paths of cooling air exhaust from the cooled equipment can be expected to respond to a small fire in the equipment sooner than sensors or ports located outside of the ventilation air envelope. To be effective, the detection equipment installed within the ventilation air envelope should be suitable for the temperatures, air velocities and other conditions present. If suitable detection equipment cannot be installed within the exhaust ventilation air envelope, a fire in the cooled equipment should be expected to grow to a size at which its energy is sufficient to overcome the mechanical forces of the HVAC containment system. In the presence of aisle containment systems used to enhance the effectiveness of cooling signal processing equipment, sensors or ports located in hot aisles or in the above ceiling plenum may be effective. Regardless, sensors or ports located on the ceiling in signal processing equipment areas are a basic requirement and contribute to effective detection over a broad range of signal processing equipment area configurations. Listed signal processing equipment has inherent fire resistant characteristics. Failing or overheated components or connections may lead to smoldering events that produce smoke but tend to remain small due to the very low electrical voltages present at the board level in the signal processing equipment. Exceptions may occur when a source of energy external to the signal processing equipment drives increasing involvement of the materials present. In such exceptional cases, flaming fires may result. Automatic fire and smoke detection systems installed to detect smoldering events and/or flaming fires in signal processing equipment areas are more effective in detecting flaming fires than smoldering events due to the respective release rates of combustion products and the effects of forced air flow on the products of combustion. The greater the air flow, which dilutes and channels detectable products of combustion, the less effective will be the performance of the detection system. Damage or losses that may result from smoldering events or flaming fires in signal processing equipment prior to detection are likely to be greater in the presence of greater forced air flow due to the likely decrease in detection system performance. Smoke Detection Systems for Very Early Warning Where a smoke detection system is installed for the primary purpose of summoning responsible people to the presence of a small signal processing equipment fire, or electrical event that produces smoke, the system should be arranged with high sensitivity and close spacing to achieve response to low density products of combustion suspended in air with reasonable stability and tolerance of the environment. Smoke Detection Systems to Initiate Operation of HVAC Dampers or to Close Openings in Fire Rated Walls Where smoke a smoke detection system is installed for the primary purpose of initiating operation of dampers, shutters, doors or other closures in the event of a fire in an SIGNAL PROCESSING EQUIPMENT area, the system should be arranged with medium sensitivity and spacing less than listed spacing to assure the integrity of fire resistive barriers. Smoke Detection Systems to Initiate Release of a Fire Suppression Agent Where smoke a smoke detection system is installed for the primary purpose of initiating the release of a fire suppression agent into an SIGNAL PROCESSING EQUIPMENT Area, the system should be arranged with low sensitivity, spacing less than listed spacing, and should include a form of logical confirmation of the presence of products of combustion to assure that a single indication does not release the agent.. Sensitivity and Spacing Ranges