334.12(a)(2)

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skeshesh

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334.12 Uses Not Permitted.
(A) Types NM, NMC, and NMS. Types NM, NMC, and
NMS cables shall not be permitted as follows:
(2) Exposed in dropped or suspended ceilings in other than
one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings

334.15 Exposed Work. In exposed work,; except as
provided in 300. 11 (A), cable shall be installed as specified
in 334. 15(A) through (C).
(B) Protection from Physical Damage. Cable shall be
protected from physical damage where necessary by rigid
metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical
metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC rigid nonmetallic
conduit, or other approved means.

Good day all. Is running CAT5 (5e, 6, what have you) cable exposed in dropped ceilings a violation? I think so.

What are the "other approved means" available? I see CAT5 runs in cable trays in drop ceilings all the time. I understand that this was an addition in the 2005 cycle so older installations like this exist. Does a cable tray provide protection from physical damage in this case? I think the purpose of 334.12(A)(2) is to prevent cable from being damaged when someone tries to remove a ceiling panel; in such a case I'm think a cable tray would be adequate.
 
400 posts and you're asking? I'm disappointed.

"Approved means" are whatever the inspector says they are. You're not restricted only to recognized raceways- many times I've seen raceways with additional protections in front of them. Examples include concrete-filled pillars and 5/8" thick steel plate.

NM ("Romex") and Article 334 have nothing to do with data wire. Data wire is available in several types, and some are allowed in places others are forbidden.
 
As already pointed out Article 334 is dealing with NM cable and is not applicable for CAT5 cabling.

Article 800 deals with communications circuits.

Specifically 800.154 for applications of listed communications wires and cables.

If the above ceiling space is used for conveying environmental air then the cables must be Plenum rated cables.

If the space above the ceiling is not used for environmental air then you can run standard CAT5 cables without installing them in a raceway.

Chris
 
renosteinke said:
400 posts and you're asking? I'm disappointed.
Click to expand...

I'm plenty disappointed myself believe me! The only (poor) excuse I have is I have not done much communication work and am not familiar with the cable classification.

I did look through 800 but was a bit misled by the statement of scope:

800.1 Scope. This article covers telephone, telegraph
(except radio), outside wiring for fire alarm and burglar
alarm, and similar central station systems; and telephone
systems not connected to a central station system but using
similar types of equipment, methods of installation, and
maintenance.

I guess I see how CAT5 could fall under "telephone" or "similar systems". Plus I pretty much failed to do proper research in this case - my bad!
 
800.1 Scope. This article covers telephone, telegraph(except radio), outside wiring for fire alarm and burglar
alarm, and similar central station systems; and telephone
systems not connected to a central station system but using
similar types of equipment, methods of installation, and
maintenance.


:roll:

I haven't installed any telegraph wiring in a while
 
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220/221 said:
800.1 Scope. This article covers telephone, telegraph(except radio), outside wiring for fire alarm and burglar
alarm, and similar central station systems; and telephone
systems not connected to a central station system but using
similar types of equipment, methods of installation, and
maintenance.


:roll:

I haven't installed any telegraph wiring in a while
Click to expand...

.. , -. . ...- . .-. , .... .- ...- . :grin:
 
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