Technical Committee on Telecommunications Facilities (TEL-AAA) · 2016-04-07 · Technical Committee on Telecommunications Facilities (TEL-AAA) NFPA 76 Second Draft Meeting (Fall

Technical Committee on Telecommunications Facilities (TEL-AAA)

MEMORANDUM

DATE: February 20, 2014 TO: Principal and Alternate Members of the Technical Committee on

Telecommunications Facilities (TEL-AAA) 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: [email protected]

For administrative questions, please contact Elena Carroll at (617) 984-7952.

I look forward to working with everyone.


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.




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, 2014Final 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, 2015NFPA Annual Meeting (Las Vegas) June 2016 Issuance of Document with NITMAM August 4, 2016




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 [email protected].

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




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.




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 PhoneTelecommunications TEL-AAA

Jonathan Hart02/17/2015

TEL-AAA

Steve C. Dryden

ChairAMEC2677 Buford HighwayAtlanta, GA 30324-3239

SE 7/16/2003TEL-AAA

Robert G. Backstrom

PrincipalUL LLC333 Pfingsten RoadNorthbrook, IL 60062-2096

RT 1/15/1999

TEL-AAA

Leonard Belliveau, Jr.

PrincipalJENSEN HUGHES117 Metro Center Blvd., Suite 1002Warwick, RI 02886

SE 1/15/1999TEL-AAA

Jeffrey A. Betz

PrincipalAT&T CorporationCRE National Standards-Fire Protection7 Stoney Hill RoadPO Box 109Brookside, NJ 07926-0109

U 1/17/1997

TEL-AAA

Michael J. Bosma

PrincipalThe Viking Corporation210 North Industrial Park RoadHastings, MI 49058National Fire Sprinkler AssociationAlternate: Jon R. AckleyVoting Alt. to NFSA Rep.

M 1/18/2001TEL-AAA

Richard L. P. Custer

PrincipalArup Fire955 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 402Cambridge, MA 02139

SE 1/17/1997

TEL-AAA

Mickey L. Driggers

PrincipalCenturyLink700 West Mineral Avenue, UT E28.36Denver, CO 80120Alternate: Edward G. Bond

U 7/16/2003TEL-AAA

Ronald A. Durgin

PrincipalMohave County Development Services3250 East Kino AvenuePO Box 7000Kingman, AZ 86402-7000

E 07/29/2013

TEL-AAA

Robert P. Gardner

PrincipalMarsh Risk ConsultingPO Box 419105Kansas City, MO 64141-6105

I 7/23/2008TEL-AAA

Kirk W. Humbrecht

PrincipalPhoenix Fire Systems, Inc.744 West Nebraska StreetFrankfort, IL 60423-1701Fire Suppression Systems AssociationAlternate: Paul R. Nelson

IM 10/1/1999

TEL-AAA

Jonathan G. Ingram

PrincipalUTC/Kidde-Fenwal, Inc.400 Main StreetAshland, MA 01721

M 10/28/2008TEL-AAA

Stanley Kaufman

PrincipalCableSafe, Inc./OFSPO Box 500082Atlanta, GA 31150-0082Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc.

M 3/21/2006

1



TEL-AAA

Scott R. Lang

PrincipalHoneywell InternationalSystem Sensor Division3825 Ohio AvenueSt. Charles, IL 60174National Electrical Manufacturers AssociationAlternate: Luis A. Barros

M 10/28/2008TEL-AAA

Chad Mariska

PrincipalAPS Fire400 North Walnut StreetBroken Arrow, OK 74012-2353National Association of Fire Equipment DistributorsAlternate: William D. Johnson

IM 08/11/2014

TEL-AAA

Randall R. McCarver

PrincipalTelcordia Technologies (Ericsson)444 Hoes Lane, 4D-660Piscataway, NJ 08854-4157

U 07/29/2013TEL-AAA

Jack McNamara

PrincipalBosch Security Systems130 Perinton ParkwayFairport, NY 14450-9199Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc.Alternate: A. M. Fred Leber

M 03/07/2013

TEL-AAA

William Meyring

Principal3M Company3M CenterBuilding 236-01-B-7Saint Paul, MN 55144-1000Alternate: Mark W. Lund

M 03/07/2013TEL-AAA

Thomas F. Norton

PrincipalNorel Service Company, Inc.37 Buckmaster DriveConcord, MA 01742-2809

IM 4/3/2003

TEL-AAA

Daniel J. O'Connor

PrincipalAon Fire Protection Engineering4 Overlook PointLincolnshire, IL 60069-4302Alternate: Ronald A. Stein

I 1/17/1997TEL-AAA

Ronald D. Ouimette

PrincipalSiemens Building Technologies, Inc.8 Fernwood RoadFlorham Park, NJ 07932Alternate: Daniel P. Finnegan

M 10/10/1998

TEL-AAA

Brad Pradel

PrincipalLiberty Mutual National Accounts Property2100 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 100Irving, TX 75038Alternate: Shaun A. Brasseau

I 3/4/2008TEL-AAA

Charles A. Quillin

PrincipalHSB Professional Loss Control1616 Catron RoadUnion City, TN 38261-8263Alternate: Darrell M. Franchuk

I 4/14/2005

TEL-AAA

Rodger Reiswig

PrincipalTyco/SimplexGrinnell3640 Haddington CourtApopka, FL 32712-5690Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products

M 7/26/2007TEL-AAA

Buddy Rice

PrincipalDeer Park Fire Marshals Office2211 East X StreetDeer Park, TX 77536

E 10/29/2012

2



TEL-AAA

Thomas F. Ziegler

PrincipalVerizonOne Verizon Way, 3rd FloorMail Code: VC53S451Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

U 10/3/2002TEL-AAA

Robert Kasiski

Voting AlternateFM Global1151 Boston Providence TurnpikePO Box 9102Norwood, MA 02062-9102Voting Alt. to FM Rep.

I 8/9/2011

TEL-AAA

Jon R. Ackley

AlternateDalmatian Fire, Inc.5670 West 73rd StreetIndianapolis, IN 46278National Fire Sprinkler AssociationPrincipal: Michael J. Bosma

M 8/2/2010TEL-AAA

Luis A. Barros

AlternateHoneywell/System Sensor3825 Ohio AvenueSt. Charles, IL 60174-5467National Electrical Manufacturers AssociationPrincipal: Scott R. Lang

M 03/03/2014

TEL-AAA

Edward G. Bond

AlternateCenturylink14111 Capital Blvd., NCWKFR0321Wake Forest, NC 27587Principal: Mickey L. Driggers

U 03/03/2014TEL-AAA

Shaun A. Brasseau

AlternateLiberty Mutual Property1009 Collegeville RoadCollegeville, PA 19426-1017Principal: Brad Pradel

I 03/03/2014

TEL-AAA

Daniel P. Finnegan

AlternateSiemens Industry, Inc.Building Technologies DivisionFire & Security2953 Exeter CourtWest Dundee, IL 60118-1724Principal: Ronald D. Ouimette

M 3/4/2009TEL-AAA

Darrell M. Franchuk

AlternateHSB Professional Loss Control19160 NW 88th Ave RoadReddick, FL 32686Principal: Charles A. Quillin

I 3/1/2011

TEL-AAA

William D. Johnson

AlternateMid State Fire Equipment Inc.297 Washington Blvd. NELake Placid, FL 33852-8801National Association of Fire Equipment DistributorsPrincipal: Chad Mariska

IM 08/11/2014TEL-AAA

A. M. Fred Leber

AlternateLRI Fire Protection Engineering, Inc.Yonge Eglinton Center2300 Yonge Street, Suite 2100PO Box 2372Toronto, ON M4P 1E4Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc.Principal: Jack McNamara

M 07/29/2013

TEL-AAA

Mark W. Lund

Alternate3M Company3M Center, Building 223-2N-20St. Paul, MN 55408Principal: William Meyring

M 10/28/2008TEL-AAA

Paul R. Nelson

AlternateOrr Protection Systems, Inc.11601 Interchange DriveLouisville, KY 40229Fire Suppression Systems AssociationPrincipal: Kirk W. Humbrecht

IM 8/2/2010

3



TEL-AAA

Ronald A. Stein

AlternateAon Global Risk Consultants4801 Main Street, Suite 350Kansas City, MO 64112Principal: Daniel J. O'Connor

I 1/1/1997TEL-AAA

Thomas G. Cleary

Nonvoting MemberNational Institute of Standards & Technology100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8664Gaithersburg, MD 20899

RT 1/15/1999

TEL-AAA

Shmuel Netanel

Nonvoting MemberEidan Safety Engineers Group11 Moshe Levi St.Rishon Le Zion, 75658 Israel

SE 1/17/1997TEL-AAA

Jonathan Hart

Staff LiaisonNational Fire Protection Association1 Batterymarch ParkQuincy, MA 02169-7471

2/25/2011

4

Technical Committee

Distribution

02/17/2015

TelecommunicationsTEL-AAAName Representation Class Office

Distribution by %

Company

Ronald A. Durgin Mohave County DevelopmentServices

E Principal

Buddy Rice Deer Park Fire Marshals Office E Principal

2Voting Number Percent 8%

Robert P. Gardner Marsh Risk Consulting MARSH I Principal

Daniel J. O'Connor Aon Fire Protection Engineering AON I Principal

Brad Pradel Liberty Mutual National AccountsProperty

I Principal

Charles A. Quillin HSB Professional Loss Control I Principal

Robert Kasiski FM Global FM I Voting Alternate


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


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


Robert G. Backstrom UL LLC UL RT Principal


Steve C. Dryden AMEC SE Chair

Leonard Belliveau, Jr. JENSEN HUGHES SE Principal

Tuesday 2 17, Tuesday

TelecommunicationsTEL-AAAName Representation Class Office

Distribution by %

Company

Richard L. P. Custer Arup Fire SE Principal


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


26Total Voting Number

Previous Meeting Minutes

MINUTES NFPA Technical Committee on Telecommunications (TEL-AAA)

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 TEL-AAA 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

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 updatesRelated Item

Public Input No. 1-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. 2.3.2]

Submitter Information Verification

Submitter Full Name: Marcelo HirschlerOrganization: GBH InternationalStreet Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Thu Sep 18 18:59:24 EDT 2014

National Fire Protection Association Report http://submittals.nfpa.org/TerraViewWeb/ContentFetcher?commentParams=(CommentType="...

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3.3.4 Cable Telecommunications.One- and two-way communications service provided over a network, generally through optical fiber -optic and coaxial cable.


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 Full Name: Stanley KaufmanOrganization: CableSafe, Inc./OFSAffilliation: SPIStreet Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Fri Oct 10 02:32:19 EDT 2014


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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 requirementspermitted by Chapters 6 and 7, the telecommunications equipment, cables, wiring, and associated components shall comply with the provisionsof 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/UL1277, 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 groundwires 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 amaximum average optical density of 0.150 when tested in accordance with NFPA 262 or Flame and Smoke Test in the Appendix to CSA C22.2No. 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 opticaldensity 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.


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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. Thesecables 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 groundwires 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 insulatedground wires shall be listed as not spreading fire to the top of the tray and shall demonstrate limited smoke generation in the vertical-tray flametest 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 insulatedground wires shall be listed as meeting the requirements of the FT-4 test in CSA Vertical Flame Test — Cables in Cable Trays in the TestMethods 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 shalldemonstrate 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 groundwires 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.


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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 inATIS 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, thedocumentation regarding compliance with the fire resistance criteria specified in Section 8.8 shall be readily available.


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 Relationship

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]



City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Fri Nov 14 14:19:13 EST 2014


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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 groundwires 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 of0.50 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 Testin the Appendix to CSA C22 .2 No. 0.3-M-1996 (FT6 Rating).


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]



City:

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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 peakoptical 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 2024or the flame and smoke test in CSA C22 .2 No. 0.3, Appendix B (FT6 Rating).


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




City:

State:

Zip:



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8.8.2.8.3 Cable routing assemblies shall be listed to the requirements of UL 2024.


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.



Public Comment No. 20-NFPA 76-2014 [Section No. 8.8.2.8.3]Related Item




City:

State:

Zip:



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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 exhibita maximum flame spread index of 25 and a maximum smoke developed index of 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84, Standard TestMethod for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or with ANSI/UL 723, Standard Test Method for Surface BurningCharacteristics 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.

.


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.



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





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City:

State:

Zip:



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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 noncombustibleor 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 BurningCharacteristics 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 ULrefernced standards.


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.



Public Comment No. 20-NFPA 76-2014 [Section No. 8.8.2.8.3]Related Item




City:

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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 inprotected storage rooms, noncombustible enclosed storage cabinets or bins, noncombustible covered refuse containers, or listedself-extinguishing-type trash receptacles.


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 Full Name: Jim MuirOrganization: Clark County, Washington, Building Safety DivisionAffilliation: NFPA's Building Code Development Committee (BCDC)Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



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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 .


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 Full Name: Randall McCarverOrganization: Telcordia (Ericsson)Affilliation: AT&T, CenturyLinkStreet Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Tue Nov 11 15:14:54 EST 2014


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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.


The term “amperage” is defined per section 3.1 as the ordinarily accepted meaning. There is no confusion with the original term.Related Item



Submitter Full Name: Jim MuirOrganization: Clark County, Washington, Building Safety DivisionAffilliation: NFPA's Building Code Development Committee (BCDC)Street Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



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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 withNFPA 241 or an equivalent standard .


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 Full Name: Randall McCarverOrganization: Telcordia (Ericsson)Affilliation: AT&T, CenturyLink, VerizonStreet Address:

City:

State:

Zip:



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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 changedor re-keyed, and a key(s) to that lock shall be contained in the key box.


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]



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9.7 Means of Egress.All means of egress shall be maintained in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 101 .


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]



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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 retardantor 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.


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]



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State:


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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 constantlyattended 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.


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.

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9.11 * Vacant Areas.Vacant areas or spaces in a building shall be reviewed annually for the fire risk.


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




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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 facilitychanges occur.


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]



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Public Comment No. 23-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. A.8.2.3.6 ]


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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.


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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 insufficient 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 mechanicalsystems is greater than the buoyant forces of the fire or overheat condition. Detection system sensors or ports installed in the paths of coolingair exhaust from the cooled equipment can be expected to respond to a small fire in the equipment sooner than sensors or ports located outsideof the ventilation air envelope. To be effective, the detection equipment installed within the ventilation air envelope should be suitable for thetemperatures, air velocities and other conditions present. If suitable detection equipment cannot be installed within the exhaust ventilation airenvelope, a fire in the cooled equipment should be expected to grow to a size at which its energy is sufficient to overcome the mechanicalforces of the HVAC containment system.

In the presence of aisle containment systems used to enhance the effectiveness of cooling signal processing equipment, sensors or portslocated 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 effectivedetection 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 tosmoldering events that produce smoke but tend to remain small due to the very low electrical voltages present at the board level in the signalprocessing equipment. Exceptions may occur when a source of energy external to the signal processing equipment drives increasinginvolvement 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 aremore effective in detecting flaming fires than smoldering events due to the respective release rates of combustion products and the effects offorced air flow on the products of combustion. The greater the air flow, which dilutes and channels detectable products of combustion, the lesseffective will be the performance of the detection system. Damage or losses that may result from smoldering events or flaming fires in signalprocessing equipment prior to detection are likely to be greater in the presence of greater forced air flow due to the likely decrease in detectionsystem 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 signalprocessing equipment fire, or electrical event that produces smoke, the system should be arranged with high sensitivity and close spacing toachieve 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 closuresin the event of a fire in an SIGNAL PROCESSING EQUIPMENT area, the system should be arranged with medium sensitivity and spacing lessthan 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 SIGNALPROCESSING EQUIPMENT Area, the system should be arranged with low sensitivity, spacing less than listed spacing, and should include aform 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


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(1) Smoke sensor and port spacing on ceilings in the presence of high air movement should follow the requirements of NFPA 72 section17.7.6.3.

(2) Where air changes per hour (ACH) in the room served by the ventilation system exceeds 60, and where the supply air is delivered to theroom through a raised floor, smoke sensors or ports under the floor may not be effective in detecting a fire originating under the floor. Theymay, however, be effective in detecting a fire originating in an air handling unit supplying air to the underfloor space.

(3) For sensors and ports installed in the exhaust/return air stream in hot aisles or above ceiling plenums, the spacing and sensitivities listed inTable A.8.2.3.6 should be used. The guidance in Table A.8.2.3.6 comes partly from a study sponsored by the Fire Protection ResearchFoundation. That guidance is conservative since it is based on testing using airflow without recirculation into the volume being studied.

(4) In applying the sensor or port spacing, it is recommended that sensors and ports be located at strategic points where smoke is likely topass; for example, in hot air return streams and at return air registers.

Table A.8.2.3.6 Sensitivity and Spacing of Smoke Sensors or Ports in Exhaust/Return Air Streams in Signal Processing Equipment Areas withHigh Air Flow

IntendedFunction

Low ACH - Up To 30 High ACH - Greater Than 30

Sensitivity Spacing Sensitivity Spacing

Very EarlyWarning ≤0.2%/ft. ≤200 sq. ft. ≤0.1%/ft. ≤100 sq. ft.

OperatingDampers, Doors

& Shutters≤1.5%/ft. ≤400 sq. ft. ≤0.75%/ft. ≤200 sq. ft.

SuppressionAgent Release >2.5% ≤4%/ft. ≤400 sq. ft. >1.5% ≤3%/ft. ≤200 sq. ft.


A joint task group of the NFPA 75 and 76 technical committees developed more thorough guidance on the subject of detection in high air flow electronic equipment areas. The additional text is based on results of a study sponsored by FPRF and previously known detection application guidance.

Related Item

Committee Input No. 57-NFPA 76-2014 [Global Input]


Submitter Full Name: Ralph TransueOrganization: Hughes Associates/RJA GroupStreet Address:


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City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Mon Nov 24 13:04:03 EST 2014


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Public Comment No. 22-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. A.8.8.3 ]

A.8.8.3 UL 60950-1 specifies the fire resistance performance of the materials used in making the equipment and therefore provides a level ofprotection. However, UL 60950 does not require fire safety performance testing of the final equipment configuration as Telcordia-GR-63-COREdoes, and does not provide assurances that the fire will not continue to propagate past a single piece of equipment as required by GR-63.


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. Thissection addresses fire performance requirements.



Public Comment No. 21-NFPA 76-2014 [Section No. 8.8]Related Item




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Public Comment No. 15-NFPA 76-2014 [ Chapter G ]

Annex G Informational ReferencesG.1 Referenced Publications.The documents or portions thereof listed in this annex are referenced within the informational sections of this standard and are not part of therequirements of this document unless also listed in Chapter 2 for other reasons.


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G.1.1 NFPA Publications.National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.

NFPA 1, Fire Code, 2015 edition.

NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2013 edition.

NFPA 12A, Standard on Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems, 2015 edition.

NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2016 edition.

NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2014 edition.

NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2015 edition.

NFPA 68, Standard on Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting, 2012 edition.

NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code®, 2014 edition.

NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2016 edition.

NFPA 75, Standard for the Protection of Information Technology Equipment, 2016 edition.

NFPA 80A, Recommended Practice for Protection of Buildings from Exterior Fire Exposures, 2012 edition.

NFPA 92, Standard for Smoke Control Systems, 2015 edition.

NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, 2015 edition.

NFPA 204, Standard for Smoke and Heat Venting, 2015 edition.

NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction, 2015 edition.

NFPA 241, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations, 2013 edition.

NFPA 259, Standard Test Method for Potential Heat of Building Materials, 2013 edition.

NFPA 853, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Fuel Cell Power Systems, 2015 edition.

NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, 2015 edition.

NFPA 5000®, Building Construction and Safety Code®, 2015 edition.

Fire Protection Handbook, 20th edition.

SFPE Guide to Performance-Based Fire Protection, 2nd edition.

SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, 4th edition.

G.1.2 Other Publications.


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G.1.2.1 ASHRAE Publications.ASHRAE Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329-2305.

ASHRAE 149, Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans Used to Exhaust Smoke in Smoke Management Systems, 2013.

Klote, John H., and James A. Milke, Principles of Smoke Management, 2002, ASHRAE.

John H. Klote, James A. Milke, Paul G. Turnbull, Ahmed Kashef, and Michael J. Ferreira, Handbook of Smoke Control Engineering, 2012.

G.1.2.2 ASTM Publications.ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

ASTM E648, Standard Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor-Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source, 2010e1.

G.1.2.3 BSI Publications.BSI Global, 389 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 4AL, United Kingdom.

BS 6266, Fire Protection for Electronic Data Processing Installations, 2011.

G.1.2.4 CGA Publications.Compressed Gas Association, 4221 Walney Road, 5th Floor, Chantilly, VA 20151-2923.

CGA P-1, Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers, 2008.

G.1.2.5 FM Approvals Publications.FM Approvals, 1151 Boston-Providence Turnpike, Norwood, MA 02062.

FM Approvals Class Number 3972, Test Standard for Cable Fire Propagation, 2009.

G.1.2.6 IEEE Publications.IEEE, Three Park Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10016-5997.

ANSI/IEEE 304, Test Procedure for Evaluation and Classification of Insulation Systems for Direct-Current Machines, 1977 (reaff. 1991)(withdrawn 2004).

G.1.2.7 UL Publications.Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.

UL 555, Standard for Fire Dampers, 2006.

UL 555S, Standard for Smoke Dampers, 2014.

UL 568, Nonmetallic Cable Tray Systems, 2002.

UL 864, Standard for Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems, 2003.

UL 60950-1, Information Technology Equipment — Safety — Part 1: General Requirements, 2013.

G.1.2.8 U.S. Government Publications.U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.

Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910, “Telecommunications.”

Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1910.34.


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G.1.2.9 Other Publications.Drysdale, D., An Introduction to Fire Dynamics, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, England, 1998.

“Network Reliability: A Report to the Nation; Fire Prevention in Telecommunications Facilities,” Federal Communications Commission NetworkReliability Council, 1993.

“Fire Extinguishment Testing of Sprinkler Protected Telecommunications Equipment,” Bell Northern Research, 1987.

Reagor, B. T., “Smoke Corrosivity: Generation, Impact, Detection and Protection Colloquium on Smoke Corrosivity,” Journal of Fire Sciences,Baltimore, MD, November 7–8, 1991.

“The Special Need for a Smoke Exhaust System to Minimize Secondary Damage to Electronic Telephone Switching Equipment,” H. H. Angus &Associates, 1992.

Tanaka, T. J., “Effects of Smoke on Functional Circuits,” NUREG/CR-6542 SAND97-2544.

Tanaka T. J., S. P. Nowlen, and D. J. Anderson, “Circuit Bridging of Components by Smoke,” NUREG/CR-6476 SAND96-2633.

Telcordia GR-63-CORE, (formerly Bellcore), Network Equipment Building System (NEBS)™ Requirements: Physical Protection, Issue 2, April2002.

G.2 Informational References.The following documents or portions thereof are listed here as informational resources only. They are not a part of the requirements of thisdocument.G.2.1 ASTM Publications.ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

ASTM D2863, Standard Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle-like Combustion of Plastics(Oxygen Index), 2013.

ASTM E380, Standard Practice for Use of the International System of Units (SI) (The Modernized Metric System), 1993.

ASTM E1354, Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen ConsumptionCalorimeter, 2013.

G.2.2 ATIS Publications.ATIS, 1200 G Street NW, Suite 500, Washington DC, 20005.

ATIS 0600307, Fire Resistance Criteria — Ignitability Requirements for Equipment Assemblies, Ancillary Non-Metallic Apparatus, and FireSpread Requirements for Wire and Cable, 2014.

ATIS 0600311, DC Power Systems — Telecommunications Environment Protection, 2007 (R2012).

ATIS 0600319, Equipment Assemblies — Fire Propagation Risk Assessment Criteria, 2014.

ATIS 0600328, Protection of Telecommunications Links from Physical Stress and Radiation Effects and Associated Requirements for DC PowerSystems, 2012.

G.2.3 CSA Publications.Canadian Standards Association, 5060 Spectrum Way, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 5N6, Canada.

CSA C22.2, No. 0.3, Test Methods for Electrical Wires and Cables, 2009.


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G.2.4 DOE Publications.U.S. Department of Energy, EH-34, Washington, DC 20545.

DOE/EP-0108, Standard for Fire Protection of DOE Electronic Computer/Data Processing Systems, Annex B, Reconditioning of Flooded andSmoke-Contaminated Equipment, 1986.

G.2.5 IEEE Publications.IEEE, Three Park Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10016-5997.

ANSI/IEEE 383, Standard for Qualifying Class IE Electric Cables and Field Splices for Nuclear Power Generating Stations, 2003.

ANSI/IEEE 1202, Standard for Flame-Propagation Testing of Wire and Cable, 2006/Cor 1-2012.

G.2.6 NFPA Publications.National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.

NFPA 262, Standard Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces, 2015.

G.2.7 UL Publications.Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.

ANSI/UL 263, Standard for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, 2011.

UL 510, Standard for Safety Polyvinyl Chloride, Polyethylene and Rubber Insulating Tape.

ANSI/UL 1441, Coated Electrical Sleeving, 2005.

ANSI/UL 1479, Standard for Fire Tests of Through-Penetration Firestops, 2003.

ANSI/UL 1581, Reference Standard for Electrical Wires, Cables, and Flexible Cords, 2001.

ANSI/UL 1666, Standard for Test for Flame Propagation Height of Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables Installed Vertically in Shafts, 2007.

ANSI/UL 1685, Standard for Vertical-Tray Fire-Propagation and Smoke-Release Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables, 2007.

ANSI/UL 1784, Air Leakage Tests of Door Assemblies, 2001.

G.2.8 Other Publications.ASHRAE Handbook — Fundamentals, 2013.

IEC 60695-4, Fire Hazard Testing — Part 4: Terminology concerning fire tests for electromechanical products, 2012.

IEC 60695-11-5, Fire Hazard Testing — Part 11-5: Test flames - Needle-flame test method - Apparatus, confirmatory test arrangement andguidance, 2014.

ISO 9705, Fire Test — Full Scale Room Test for Surface Products, 1993.

National Bureau of Standards Handbook 91, Experimental Statistics, Mary Gibbons Natrella, August 1963.

T1E1.8/95-032, Telecommunications Central Office Equipment Fire Research Report, May 1992.

G.3 References for Extracts in Informational Sections. (Reserved)

Additional Proposed Changes


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File Name Description Approved

Annex_G_Fire_Detection_for_IT_Area_Risks_and_Special_Conditions.docx

Revised annex developed by the joint NFPA 75 - 76 task group as new guidance. Renumber existing Annex G to H. A longer version of this annex material was proposed for the first draft but not accepted. This shorter version is more appropriate.


Background information for users of the standard to better understand the characteristics of and fire protection of signal processing equipment.Related Item

Public Input No. 72-NFPA 76-2013 [New Section after 8.5.3.3]


Submitter Full Name: Ralph TransueOrganization: Hughes/RJAStreet Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Thu Nov 13 13:39:46 EST 2014


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Annex G Fire Detection for IT Area Risks and Special Conditions G.1 Introduction

For fire detection systems to be effective in signal processing areas, the design and installation must respond to the special conditions and unusual risks present. The requirements in NFPA 72 for fire detection systems might not provide effective early detection of fires in IT areas. This standard permits equivalent solutions (see Section 1.5) to achieve its purpose (see Section 1.2). The standard recognizes the performance-based approach to determine equivalent solutions (see

Chapter 5). The standard permits design of fire detection systems based on a fire risk assessment (see

Chapter 4). These fire risk assessments consider the risk of specified losses and need to consider the likelihood of fires (ignition source and fuel ignited by location in the protected space) and the likely response of the selected detector(s) in the proposed location(s). A 2013 paper by Bukowski discusses the most likely fires that might occur in data centers based on limited fire experience reported by a major, global operator as part of committee task group activities. G.2 Risk Assessment Objective(s)

The objective of a fire risk assessment is to minimize risk by mitigating the consequences of a fire or reducing its likelihood. Life safety (preventing fatalities and reducing or eliminating injuries) is generally the prime objective of a fire risk assessment, but modern data centers operate with relatively few staff located mostly in the ancillary areas. Technicians venture into the signal processing) areas only when necessary to install and service equipment. Life safety risk in the ancillary areas is similar to office occupancies, and the life safety risk in the equipment areas is very low; there are few occupants, and fires are rare and grow very slowly. The widespread practice of data mirroring greatly reduces the risk of data loss. Thus the primary objective of data center fire protection is to mitigate the likelihood of loss of capacity to process, store and retrieve data. G.3 Design Fire Scenarios

Fire experience in data centers shows that by far, the most common fires involve ancillary fuels in adjacent spaces such as meeting rooms, offices, and break rooms. The inclusion of fire and smoke barriers between these spaces and the signal processing spaces, along with sprinklers and detectors as usually provided in office occupancies, will prevent fires in these spaces from affecting signal processing. Additionally, strict enforcement of housekeeping rules for signal processing areas so that there are no (even temporary) accumulations of combustibles (e.g., packaging materials, construction materials, or papers/manuals) limits the risk of fires in ancillary areas affecting signal processing. The most common fire sources within the signal processing areas most frequently involve power supplies, including UPSs, because these contain some combustible materials, which can produce significant fault energies, and involve components that run hot since they are operated near rated capacity for maximum electrical efficiency. Physical separation of power supply equipment and associated power cables from digital equipment and data cables and the inclusion of overheat sensors to shut down power supplies exceeding normal operating conditions can minimize fire risk to the facility

from such equipment. The next most common fire scenarios involve HVAC or other support equipment located within signal processing areas. The most likely fires originating in cooling equipment involve (combustible) filters and overheating fan motors. Wire and cable fires are limited to power cables; these are the only cables that contain significant fault energy and can run warm enough to permit combustion of the insulation or jacket materials. Most wire and cable insulation and jacketing will not support combustion unless heated internally or externally. Physical separation or specific protection such as enclosed cable trays and linear overheat detection can result in adequate mitigation. The least common fires are in the signal processing itself, particularly where that equipment is listed to UL 60950, Safety of Information Technology Equipment, or Telcordia GR-63-CORE, Network Equipment Building System (NEBS)™ Requirements: Physical Protection, standards. References

Bukowski 2013, Risk Considerations for Data Center Fire Protection, Proc 2013 SFPE Engineering

Conference and Expo Austin TX October 26-30, 2013.

Public Comment No. 3-NFPA 76-2014 [ Section No. G.1.2.2 ]

G.1.2.2 ASTM Publications.ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

ASTM E648, Standard Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor-Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source, 2010e1. 2014c


date updateRelated Item

Public Input No. 2-NFPA 76-2013 [Section No. G.1.2.3]



City:

State:

Zip:

Submittal Date: Thu Sep 18 19:01:09 EDT 2014


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