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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,148
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George, The systems going in today are Non-Power Limited and the cables need to comply with 760.31 There has been a change in that section. From the 2002 code: 760.31 Listing and Marking of NPLFA Cables.
Non–power-limited fire alarm cables installed as wiring within buildings shall be listed in accordance with 760.31(A) and (B) and as being resistant to the spread of fire in accordance with 760.31(C) through (F), and shall be marked in accordance with 760.31(G). From the 2005 code: 760.30 Multiconductor NPLFA Cables
Multiconductor non–power-limited fire alarm cables that meet the requirements of 760.81 shall be permitted to be used on fire alarm circuits operating at 150 volts or less and shall be installed in accordance with 760.30(A) and 760.30(B). I see nothing in the 2005 code that requires the use of listed fire alarm cables for this application. Don
Don(resqcapt19)
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Joined: Dec 2003
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A fire alarm system is not required for a single family home, a smoke alarm system is.
This smoke alarm system is required to be interconnected and have a battery backup. If the alarm guy wants to use the already roughed in cables for a fire alarm system, then there is no reason he could not, so long as he has a smoke detector and alarm in the areas required and a battery backup. This fire alarm system would not be code compliant for commercial use, but it will work for residential as it will provide the required protection.
Classify the wiring as non-power limited, and Chapter 3 wiring methods are allowed.
If the voltage used is not 120 volts, then AFCI protection will not be required either.
Earl
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Joined: Jan 2004
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Well gentlemen, I guess my only response would be - Show me the specs on the Fire Alarm System that show wiring requirements. I would bet a small amount of greenbacks it won't say 14/3 NM cable. (good luck on the terminations)
George Little
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Joined: Aug 2003
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Well gentlemen, I guess my only response would be - Show me the specs on the Fire Alarm System that show wiring requirements. I would bet a small amount of greenbacks it won't say 14/3 NM cable. (good luck on the terminations) So what? If it doesn't show every conductor type listed in 310.13 does that mean you can't use those either?
Ryan Jackson,
Salt Lake City
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Joined: Jan 2004
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Ryan- the tone of your words sound like your miffed.
I'm not the sharpest alarm guy around so I rely on Manufacturers Specs. I still get power limited and non-power limited systems confused. I have scanned some specs from the system I have in my house HTTP://homepage.mac.com/georgelittle/alarm_specs.jpg
I'm here to tell you that I'd not accept the use of NM cable or any other wire other than limited energy cable for this system. Use NM cable and then plan on changing it and pay a re-inspection fee ;(
George Little
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Joined: Aug 2003
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Let me make sure I understand you correctly.
You would make an electrician remove a 600 volt, 14 gauage cable (NM) and make them replace it with a 150 volt, 26 gauge cable (PLFA)?
Ryan Jackson,
Salt Lake City
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Joined: Jan 2004
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Yes, Ryan I would. I don't know why he would install NM cable in the first place??
George Little
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Joined: Aug 2003
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Well, I guess its not the strangest thing I've ever heard, but it is close ![[Linked Image]](https://www.electrical-contractor.net/ubb/smile.gif)
Ryan Jackson,
Salt Lake City
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Ryan- I re-read 760.61(C) and saw where the use of cables in chapter 3 are permitted (ie Romex) but it is only for a limited length and then only if it's exposed. Do you agree with me or am I missing something.
You want strange- I inspected a job today where a guy wanted the electrician to install hospital grade receptacles in his house and have a dedicated sub-panel coming off his meter for these receptacles that are serving his 50K dollar stereo.
George Little
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Joined: Aug 2003
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Hi George. Try reading it one more time. If it is exposed (noncealed), then you must limit it to 10'.
Ryan Jackson,
Salt Lake City
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