Support requirements for art 800 Communication cables

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bluecollar84

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I am running communication cables for example cat6 network ,composite for card access, 22/4 for motion detectors in a commercial building. The inspector told me I need to support them every 4 1/2 feet is this true? I don't see it in the codebook I don't see a specific measurement that the communication cables need to be supported. Where is he getting this 4 1/2 feet rule from ? What code reference number is it? The only thing I can find is 800.24 says it needs to be supported but there is no measurement on intervals given. Some one who knows this code please help . I want to either throw back in the inspectors face or do what he asks. Thanks ,


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800.110 Raceways and Cable Routing Assemblies for
Communications Wires and Cables

(C)(1) Horizontal Support.
Cable routing assemblies shall be
supported where run horizontally at intervals not to exceed
900 mm (3 ft), and at each end or joint, unless listed for
other support intervals. In no case shall the distance be-
tween supports exceed 3 m (10 ft).

(2) Vertical Support.
Vertical runs of cable routing assem-
blies shall be supported at intervals not exceeding 1.2 m
(4 ft), unless listed for other support intervals, and shall not
have more than one joint between supports.
 
Hi that is for raceways or assemblies . I'm talking about communication cables wire like cat6 not assemblies or raceways .
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That's what I found in the NEC does not mention measurements for supporting intervals


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bluecollar84 said:
That's what I found in the NEC does not mention measurements for supporting intervals


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I dont have anything newer than the 08 NEC. Last I checked even EIA/TIA specs were 5' for free-run cable. the section Jumper cites isnt in the 08 book but would be in 362 for running ENT.

If you have the Telecom Distribution Method Manuals, they are ginormous (each volume 2x as big as the 2014, 2 volumes) and 5' is a *rule* there, however EIA/TIA specs are not code.

Heh, most inspectors check comm cable for type, firestop, improper drilling thru framing, and making sure it isnt hanging on the grid or attached to the sprinkler pipes or other conduit, and that's about it. Unless there is a change under the 2011 or 14 NEC or you have to follow TIA/EIA spec, you should be gtg.

eta: composite cables would seem to fall under the section he mentioned, or a corrolating section in 725.
 
EiA/tia is not enforceable right ? By the electrical inspector It's just a guideline?


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bluecollar84 said:
I am running communication cables for example cat6 network ,composite for card access, 22/4 for motion detectors in a commercial building. The inspector told me I need to support them every 4 1/2 feet is this true? I don't see it in the codebook I don't see a specific measurement that the communication cables need to be supported. Where is he getting this 4 1/2 feet rule from ? What code reference number is it? The only thing I can find is 800.24 says it needs to be supported but there is no measurement on intervals given. Some one who knows this code please help . I want to either throw back in the inspectors face or do what he asks. Thanks ,


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Do you mean Article 725 cabling? Card access, motion detectors aren't Article 800
Communications Circuit. The circuit that extends voice, audio, video, data, interactive services, telegraph (except radio), outside wiring for fire alarm and burglar alarm from the communications utility to the customer's communications equipment up to and including terminal equipment such as a telephone, fax machine, or answering machine.
Click to expand...
Emphasis mine. Some locations will treat the cable in that sort of installation the same as NM hence the support every 4.5' It might not hurt to have a rational discussion about his expectations and why he has drawn this conclusion before "throwing it in his face" and having him decide to pay extra attention.
 
bluecollar84 said:
I am running communication cables for example cat6 network ,composite for card access, 22/4 for motion detectors in a commercial building. The inspector told me I need to support them every 4 1/2 feet is this true? I don't see it in the codebook I don't see a specific measurement that the communication cables need to be supported. Where is he getting this 4 1/2 feet rule from ? What code reference number is it? The only thing I can find is 800.24 says it needs to be supported but there is no measurement on intervals given. Some one who knows this code please help . I want to either throw back in the inspectors face or do what he asks. Thanks ,


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In my opinion none of those cables are covered by any Chapter 8 Article. They are covered by Article 725. I don't believe that there are any specific support rules, other than the one in 725.24, and that only applies to cables run of the surface or a ceiling or sidwall.
 
bluecollar84 said:
EiA/tia is not enforceable right ? By the electrical inspector It's just a guideline?


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EIA/TIA are another set of specifications, but they are not Code (i.e., mandatory) unless they are specified per your contract. As FE427TP wrote, many EIs treat comm wire as NM, however it is not NM.

How far away from each other are your supports? And he may be citing something under w/e building or life and safety codes are in the area, which are enforceable and not in the NEC.

eta: regardless of what section in the NEC your install falls, the cable is the same. Distance between supports doesnt change if your cables are being used for POTS, intranet, ethernet, security, etc. ime, you'll want more supports the larger the cable bundle to keep the weight of the cables from crushing the ones on the bottom. 10' of 800+ cables is a lot of weight for the bottom ones to carry atop a 1/4" wide hanger.
 
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bluecollar84 said:
The cable I'm using is UL listed right on the box "communication cable "


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Which does not mean that any use of it is a "communication" application under the NEC.
The type of usage covered in that section of the NEC is very clearly restricted to "common carrier" communication companies.

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