You rang, Bob?
Yes, there is indeed a separation requirement that is now being enforced in RI, and it is taken from NFPA 72. The RI codemakers took the recommended distances in the Annex of 72 for section 6.4.2.2.2 and put them into the code. Actually, it has been in place here for quite some time (since the adoption of the much stricter 1997 code and subsequent codes), but until the Station fire and the new focus on fire codes, it was never enforced. Now the games are over and every detail of the code is being enforced.
The incoming and outgoing circuits of all FA systems, no matter what type, must be 1 foot apart vertically and 4 feet apart horizontally. (RI code)
There are a few exceptions of course but the new rule being enforced here makes fire alarm jobs quite challenging.
Peter
[This message has been edited by CTwireman (edited 05-13-2005).]