| Throughout the world, fire safety requirements for commercial buildings are established via ever-evolving building and electrical codes. Local jurisdictions often adopt model codes created by independent code making organizations, such as the National Fire Protection Association (U.S.) and the International Code Council (U.S.).
With regard to the use of communication and data cabling, building and electrical codes, and even codes for sprinkler systems, proscribe methods for installing types of cabling and ensuring maximum fire safety protection.
Additionally, jurisdictions typically amend or revise certain elements of these model codes depending on local building conditions and to incorporate local fire safety concerns.
Businesses and building owners need to understand what their local governments require to ensure the safety of concealed spaces and whether the use of combustible cabling remains permitted without added fire protection.
This section identifies and explains important developments in the evolution of building and electrical codes that affect the use of cabling in concealed spaces:
Building, electrical and fire safety inspectors can use the following CFRA code change advisories to identify specific codes relevant to ensuring plenum fire safety.
The Cable Fire Research Association has developed guidelines for local governments to strengthen NFPA codes they consider adopting. Click here to download the CFRA guidelines.
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