I am inquiring as to where I can find information on whether installing cable into a building constitutes a permanent addition to the premises or a fixture in which can be removed upon vacating? I am also curious as to whether there are specific policies or codes implimented regarding the insulation of cable. Are there possible fire hazards that may arise if the cable is not properly insulated if need be? It would be greatly appreciated if anybody could assist me or guide me in the right direction. Thanks in advance.
Can anybody help me?
- Thread starter nprice
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Can anybody help me?
Is it a ?permanent addition?? That is a matter of local jurisdiction. Each State, City, and sometimes housing area will have its own notion of what is a minor repair and what is an upgrade that would require a permit. So the answer to the question is, ?Talk to the ?Authority Having Jurisdiction? in your area.?
Regarding the rest of your question: It depends absolutely on the type of cable (i.e., what does it serve, what is its voltage level?). Conductors for cable TV or for telephone service would have different hazards (and therefore different rules) than conductors for household lighting and receptacles. But the answer to your questions is, ?National Electric Code.? Let me add that a poorly installed cable of almost any type has the possibility of starting a fire.
As to guiding you ?in the right direction,? it sounds like the best guidance I can give is that you seek the advice of a professional electrician. Let me add that I am not an electrician, so I am not just trying to drum up business. You have to decide for yourself what price to put on safety.
[ May 16, 2003, 12:08 PM: Message edited by: charlie b ]
Is it a ?permanent addition?? That is a matter of local jurisdiction. Each State, City, and sometimes housing area will have its own notion of what is a minor repair and what is an upgrade that would require a permit. So the answer to the question is, ?Talk to the ?Authority Having Jurisdiction? in your area.?
Regarding the rest of your question: It depends absolutely on the type of cable (i.e., what does it serve, what is its voltage level?). Conductors for cable TV or for telephone service would have different hazards (and therefore different rules) than conductors for household lighting and receptacles. But the answer to your questions is, ?National Electric Code.? Let me add that a poorly installed cable of almost any type has the possibility of starting a fire.
As to guiding you ?in the right direction,? it sounds like the best guidance I can give is that you seek the advice of a professional electrician. Let me add that I am not an electrician, so I am not just trying to drum up business. You have to decide for yourself what price to put on safety.
[ May 16, 2003, 12:08 PM: Message edited by: charlie b ]
Re: Can anybody help me?
First of all, thank you for responding to my inquiry. The type of cable I am working with is to network a large computer system within a building. I understand that when installed, cable is put into pathways in which makes it easier to add/remove/repair the cables. Is the purpose of a pathway to make it easier for removal of the cables or is it just a procedural way of installing these networks? I am concerned with the possible fire hazards that may accompany such pathways. When using the pathway method, shouldn't there always be some sort of insulation preventing a fire hazard? Once again, thank you for your help.
First of all, thank you for responding to my inquiry. The type of cable I am working with is to network a large computer system within a building. I understand that when installed, cable is put into pathways in which makes it easier to add/remove/repair the cables. Is the purpose of a pathway to make it easier for removal of the cables or is it just a procedural way of installing these networks? I am concerned with the possible fire hazards that may accompany such pathways. When using the pathway method, shouldn't there always be some sort of insulation preventing a fire hazard? Once again, thank you for your help.
Re: Can anybody help me?
Nprice
Your questions regarding "pathways" or raceways for wiring can be found in the NEC, For the fire protection refer to the NFPA rulses in regards to the requirements for fire stops.
It sound like you are trying to wire in Commerical office building am I correct?
Nprice
Your questions regarding "pathways" or raceways for wiring can be found in the NEC, For the fire protection refer to the NFPA rulses in regards to the requirements for fire stops.
It sound like you are trying to wire in Commerical office building am I correct?
Re: Can anybody help me?
No I do not know where you can view it free, As a licensed Electrician I strongly suggest you to consult a Licensed Electrician or Engineer in your area who can give you details to your installation.
If this is installed into a computer room with a CO2 or Foam firefighting system there are certain codes that need to be adhered to as well as maintaining the room intregerty.
Also the NEC is not meant to be a instruction manual and can sometimes create alot of confussion if you do not have an electrical backround.
No I do not know where you can view it free, As a licensed Electrician I strongly suggest you to consult a Licensed Electrician or Engineer in your area who can give you details to your installation.
If this is installed into a computer room with a CO2 or Foam firefighting system there are certain codes that need to be adhered to as well as maintaining the room intregerty.
Also the NEC is not meant to be a instruction manual and can sometimes create alot of confussion if you do not have an electrical backround.
Re: Can anybody help me?
NPRICE, you may be in over your head. Installing computer cable seems simple enough. But a very simple oversight can put you into a world of hurt.
I'm not an expert but have some experience installing. Here's some ideas.
Using conduit isn't done unless demanded by AHJ such as city of Chicago. Sometimes it's piped in short runs where it may get damaged.
Tight loops, kinks, staples, things like that will cause errors.
Stay away from things like flourescent lights, electric motors, etc.
Running in an air duct, or similer, the AHJ may want a plenum rated cover on the cable.
Has anyone taught you the proper way to terminate?
NPRICE, you may be in over your head. Installing computer cable seems simple enough. But a very simple oversight can put you into a world of hurt.
I'm not an expert but have some experience installing. Here's some ideas.
Using conduit isn't done unless demanded by AHJ such as city of Chicago. Sometimes it's piped in short runs where it may get damaged.
Tight loops, kinks, staples, things like that will cause errors.
Stay away from things like flourescent lights, electric motors, etc.
Running in an air duct, or similer, the AHJ may want a plenum rated cover on the cable.
Has anyone taught you the proper way to terminate?
Re: Can anybody help me?
I think you should consult an expert, there are many considerations to take into account before choosing the type of cable you will use. What the run if for and what you have to run through are just to of these. Cabling if sized correctly and installed in an approved manner has very little chance of fire. But even the best cable if it is used under the wrong conditions or in the wrong manner can become a fire hazzard. Now on whether the cabling is considered permanent can vary from local to local depending on how it is run. Modular zone wiring can be considered easily removeable if run under and raised floor, and into a modular wall or modular furniture as these things are not considered permanent placements in some locals but might be considered permanent if installed in the ceiling depending again on where you are.
I think you should consult an expert, there are many considerations to take into account before choosing the type of cable you will use. What the run if for and what you have to run through are just to of these. Cabling if sized correctly and installed in an approved manner has very little chance of fire. But even the best cable if it is used under the wrong conditions or in the wrong manner can become a fire hazzard. Now on whether the cabling is considered permanent can vary from local to local depending on how it is run. Modular zone wiring can be considered easily removeable if run under and raised floor, and into a modular wall or modular furniture as these things are not considered permanent placements in some locals but might be considered permanent if installed in the ceiling depending again on where you are.
- Status