16-207 Log #2655 NEC-P16 Final Action: Accept in Principle in Part
(800.156)
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Submitter: Robert W. Jensen, dbi / Rep. BICSI, A Telecommunications Association
Recommendation: Add new text to read:
800.156 Dwelling Unit Communications Outlets. For new construction, a minimum of two communications outlet shall be installed; one within the master bedroom and one within the living room or kitchen, and cabled to the service provider demarcation point.
Substantiation: Currently there is no requirement for a communications outlet in a dwelling unit. A communications outlet in the home is needed for many reasons, but most important is for emergency services such as a simple call for police, fire or rescue squad. This proposal only affects newly constructed dwelling units. In addition to the problem it solves for communications needs in a dwelling, the proposal is also targeted at safety of technicians and emergency responding personnel while enhancing the 5 key NFPA strategies to reduce fatal home fires.
1. Reduces the safety risk of electrocution to technicians where extended length drill bits (54 to 72 inches) are typically used to install cables and penetrate unseen electrical cables in the attic, wall and ceiling space. (See
pictures at end of this proposal)
2. Reduces the tripping hazard for fire protection personnel during a fire.
3. Reduces the need for home wiring for communications after occupancy which typically involves tracing, handling, and snaking through electrical cable pathways and spaces such as in attics and wall cavities which creates
potentially greater hazard (e.g., electrocution).
4. Increases the use of home protection systems and automation which typically includes fire detection and direct dial-up remote monitoring systems.
5. This proposal ties directly to one of the 5 key NFPA strategies to reduce fatal home fires (see attached “Fire Loss in the United States During 2002”,
Michael J Karter, Jr., Fire Analysis and Research Division, NFPA).
6. Places communications outlets in homes to address fire safety needs of young high user communications groups, older adults, and ADA affected.
7. A fine print note is used as a reference to a standard that specifies installation requirements such as minimum separation from power cabling and minimum requirements for cabling in support of the FCC mandate for category
3 cable or better. In addition, this standard references several NEC Articles for meeting minimum requirements.
Note: Supporting material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters.
Panel Meeting Action: Accept in Principle in Part
Add new text to 800.156 to read as follows:
800.156 Dwelling Unit Communications Outlet. For new construction, a minimum of one communications outlet shall be installed within the dwelling and cabled to the service provider demarcation point.
Panel Statement: The requirement for at least one outlet within the dwelling meets the submitter’s intent.
Number Eligible to Vote: 15
Ballot Results: Affirmative: 15
_________________________________
16-164 Log #1514 NEC-P16 Final Action: Reject
(800.156)
______________________________________________________
Submitter: Donad Ganiere, Ottawa, IL
Comment on Proposal No: 16-207
Recommendation: Reject this proposal.
Substantiation: Proposal is too vague to be enforceable and covers design issues not code issues. Many people have no need for any type of hard wired communication connection in their dwelling units.
Panel Meeting Action: Reject
Panel Statement: The commenter did not provide sufficient technical substantiation. The panel continues to agree with the proposer’s intent.
Number Eligible to Vote: 15
Ballot Results: Affirmative: 15
______________________________________________________
16-165 Log #2100 NEC-P16 Final Action: Reject
(800.156)
______________________________________________________
Submitter: James H. Maxfield, Dover, NH
Comment on Proposal No: 16-207
Recommendation: Delete the following text:
800.156 Dwelling Unit Communications Outlets. For new construction, a minimum of two communications outlet shall be installed; one within the master bedroom and one within the living room or kitchen, and cabled to the service provider demarcation point.
Substantiation: This proposal appears to be a matter of design convenience. The resident of a dwelling unit may act choose to subscribe to a land line communication provider. They may choose a wireless system. The addition of
this section does not appear to be in harmony with Section 90.1 of NFPA 70, NEC, 2005 edition. The addition of this proposal does not appear to solve any problem while mandating communication services and location of services
which may not be desired.
Panel Meeting Action: Reject
Panel Statement: See the panel action and statement on Comment 16-164.
Number Eligible to Vote: 15
Ballot Results: Affirmative: 15
Now we need a definition of "communications". Is a cable TV connection suitable?
Don
