Code Change Summary: A new Article was added to address Fire-Resistive Cable Systems.

The new article covers the installation of fire-resistive cables, fire-resistive conductors, and other system components used for survivability of critical circuits to ensure continued operation during a specified time under fire conditions.

One particular word in the new article is repeated over and over; the word “listed”.

In order to properly use and install fire-resistive cables correctly, they must be installed as required in the product listing. During the listing process, cable samples are subjected to destructive testing under a specific set of parameters in order to see how the cable performs and how long the circuit remains intact.

Installing the cables in any way other than originally tested and listed may result in poor performance or a diminished hourly rating.

A new informational note in 728.4 states: “One method of defining the fire rating is by testing the system in accordance with UL 2196-2012, Standard for Tests of Fire Resistive Cables”.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®.  See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).