Fireproof rated cabling

[jakeparsons03]

We have a risk-accessor saying that we need fire rated instrument cabling throughout our facility. This cabling is supposed to last in fire for 15 minutes. From the research I have done FT4 rated cabling is a standard that states the cable can be in fire for 20 minutes but that is only if the cable is vertically routed, not horizontally. Is there another standard that says the cable is rated for 15 or more minutes of being in fire routed horizontally?

 

[jakeparsons03]

I spoke too soon. I think that CI cable is what I am looking for.

 

[zbang]

I think the risk assessor needs to clarify what they want. All cable? Only outside of conduit/tubing/cabinets?

 

[gadfly56]

I spoke too soon. I think that CI cable is what I am looking for.

CI cable will get you 2 hours if installed properly. It's very common in high rise fire alarm systems.

 

[suemarkp]

I think most of the NEC markings will comply, like CL2, CL3, CM, CATV, etc. We had a lot of issues with this for audio and video cables under raised floors. Our fire people had different rules for cable fire load depending on whether the room had CO2 suppression, just smoke detection, or nothing. The smoke detection only rooms were the most annoying as the fire guys allowed a handful of non rated cabling. I asked if i could pick the guy with the hands...

It should be easier these days to get rated cable. But if you are just looking at a Belden catalog, there will be many that dont have the ratings fire inspectors want to see.

To me the silliest part was they did not care about all the cabling in equipment racks or run on top ofthe floor. Only the raised floor areas which had removable tiles.