A discussion has evolved as to if a communications conduit must be installed in accordance with NEC (question involves more than 360 degrees of bends). Ignoring the fact that a box is preferable, I can find no exception that would not also make a box required to limit the number of 90's between boxes. The job is under the 96 NEC but comments regarding any code year are welcomed.
Communications Conduit
- Thread starter clyde
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
Re: Communications Conduit
Chapter 8 is "stand alone" in the code. Prior to the '99 code there were no rules on the use of raceways for Article 800 installations. In the '99 code 800-48 was added. This section says that where communications cables are installed in raceways that the raceway and its installation shall be per Chapter 3.
Note that some communications cables have limited strength and the cable installation recommendations are more strict than the NEC rules. Instructions for one type of coax said that the maximum length of conduit between pull points was 100' of straight pipe. You were permitted 270? of bend between pull points, but you had to deduct 30' of straight pipe for each 90? of bend. These were not listing and labeling instructions, but manufacturer's recommendations. These are not code enforceable rules, but violation of the installation recommendations could damage the cable and would void the warrantee.
Don
Chapter 8 is "stand alone" in the code. Prior to the '99 code there were no rules on the use of raceways for Article 800 installations. In the '99 code 800-48 was added. This section says that where communications cables are installed in raceways that the raceway and its installation shall be per Chapter 3.
Note that some communications cables have limited strength and the cable installation recommendations are more strict than the NEC rules. Instructions for one type of coax said that the maximum length of conduit between pull points was 100' of straight pipe. You were permitted 270? of bend between pull points, but you had to deduct 30' of straight pipe for each 90? of bend. These were not listing and labeling instructions, but manufacturer's recommendations. These are not code enforceable rules, but violation of the installation recommendations could damage the cable and would void the warrantee.
Don
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
Re: Communications Conduit
The maximum pulling tension for cat 5 or 6 cable is usually 25 pounds. This and what Don has related are performance specifications. The best source on this type of information is at the BICSI web site.
The maximum pulling tension for cat 5 or 6 cable is usually 25 pounds. This and what Don has related are performance specifications. The best source on this type of information is at the BICSI web site.
- Status