Article 800 NEC (NEC) covers Article 800 General Requirements for Communications Systems, including wire methods, grounding, fire resistance, and installation practices for cables and equipment. It applies to circuits that extend from the communications tool (such as phone or cable services) to customer buildings equipment. The article covers twisted electrical, central electrical systems, and optical fibers.
Why Article 800 exists
The NEC On Communication Department has been developed to regulate phone systems. It has since been expanded to include a wide range of low -voltage systems used for sound, video, data, and network connections. These systems do not carry energy, but sensitive signals are vulnerable to electromagnetic interference (EMI). It requires specialized treatment separated from energy wires with the appropriate foundation, which calls for their own custom department in NEC.
Domain and systems covered in Article 800
Article 800 applies to communications circuits for:
Voice and sound (for example, phones, internal contact)
Video (for example, cable TV)
Data and the Internet
Signal systems (for example, fire alarms/integrated robbery)
It focuses on internal and external facilities, public expenditures and underground line, and contains requirements for semester, protection and physical support.
Definitions in Article 800
Communications cableIt carries low voltage signals, data or video.
Riser: A vertical cable that works between the floors.
Her Majesty is completeAir processing space in a building (for example, above the ceilings, under high floors).
Entrance: A spot where the cable enters the connection to a building
Types of cables covered in NEC 800
Cables are classified according to fire resistance, application, and site:
Write CMP -Writened (used in the channels or spaces that spin air)
Write CMR Classification of the riser (used in vertical shafts or between floors)
Write cm For general purposes with the slightest flame resistance
Write CMG For general purposes with a better flame resistance than CM
Write CMX Use light in residential settings only
Axis (CATV, RG-6, RG-11) It is used for a wide range of TV and internet
Visual fibers (Off, Off, Off) -It is used to transfer high -speed data in networks and communications
CMP and CMR cables are required in commercial facilities, depending on the site (air spaces against risers). CMP Cable is dedicated to the total cable, and CMR cable is intended for sports.
CM, CMG and CMX cables are suitable for a single family and family housing, with CMX is limited to using light.
NEC Article 800 cable requirements
Best practices to install communications cables
Do not raise communication cables with the metal pole or the canal that brings the upper energy to the building (the energy mast in the service).
Select the entry point and install the primary protector as soon as possible.
Maintaining straight and short grounding conductors as much as possible to avoid voltage differences.
Keep all the communications cables separate from the lighting and energy circuits of at least 2 inches or use suitable barriers.
Do not hang them on the elements of the power system outside those that support communication cables exclusively.
Guidance and support the cables above the suspended ceilings so that the roof tiles can be removed for maintenance.
Use the listed racing methods only and follow the NEC rules when operating communications cables in races.
Naming unused cables clearly or removing them to reduce the accumulation of combustible materials.
Use the categorical cables in the places of air handling, and properly hack the wall, floor and ceiling.
The bond of all metal components, plan compositions to reach future and compliance with a symbol.
Installation standards and workmanship
NEC requires all communications cable works in a “elegant and employee in a wayr. The definition of the worker is not given, but it is likely to mean:
Avoid cable tangles and sharp bends
Provide appropriate mechanical support at intervals
After the suspended ceiling path above
the next Ansi/NECA/BICSI 568 Guidelines
After the requirements for stopping the fire in the event of the penetration of the fire -resistant walls
Removing the abandoned cable (800.2)
Cables that are not accessible should be removed or tagged for future use. This does not apply to cables in races (considered “hidden”).
Removing abandoned cables helps reduce combustible materials in the building, which reduces the potential spread of fire or smoke.
Requirements of the upper cable and cable underground
Above the head (800.44, 680.8, 800.53)
Maintaining clearance 8 feet on the surfaces that can be accessed
3 feet distance on the down surfaces (≥4: 12)
6 feet the minimum semester of lightning protection connectors
Underground (800.47)
In detail or manual holes, communication cables should be separated from Class 1 or Energy circuits or fire alarm by a suitable barrier (those that completely separate cables physically).
Introduction and interconnection (800.100)
All metal parts of the connection circuit should be based near the entry point.
The grounding leader must be:
Minimum 14 AWG copper or corrosion resistant
Isolated, guarding of damage, and short/straight
In housing, it should not exceed 20 feet
In the absence of a grounding system, install 5 feet, ½ in the ground rod, linked to a minimum of 6 AWG connector
Acceptable termination points include:
The basic electronic system (250.50)
Mineral water pipes within 5 feet (250.52 (a) (1))
Service equipment containers, interconnection players or metal race
Other major requirements
An essential condom is listed Each contact circle is required to enter a building, installed as soon as possible to the entrance point and based on the shortest possible straight conductor, to protect from lightning storms and energy ventilation.
Cables should be listed To use communications, however The voltage categories should not be marked To avoid misuse (800.113).
Cables can share racing wages with 2/3 category circuits, optical fibers and axial circuits, but not category 1 energy circuits.
Complete cables It should be used in environmental air spaces (300.22 (c)).
Rising cables It should be used in vertical shafts between the floors unless CM cables are attached to fire -resistant shafts.
Cm, CMG and CMX cables Acceptable in One housing and two familyAs Riser or Lenum are not required.
In Nassau National Cable, you can shop a full range of Communication cablesIt includes CMP, CMR, CM, CMX, CoaxialAnd Optical fibers Options, all of which are compatible with Article 800 NEC. Whether you connect a house, work or data center – we are here to help you choose the right product for this job.
