systems.

The installation requirements for communications Systems contained in Chapter 8 are independent of the Code requirements for Chapters 1 through 7, except where they are specifically referenced [90-3].

Article 800 - Telecommunications (Telephone) Circuits

Article 800 covers the installation requirements for telephones and wiring for other related telecommunications purposes such as computer local area networks (LAN) and fire and burglar alarm systems connected to central stations, Fig. 1-13. Wiring Methods - The NEC requires telecommunications cables to have a voltage rating of not less than 300 volts

[800-50 and 800-511. Cables that meet this requirement are marked CM (Communications) or MP (Multipurpose). Optical fiber cables used for telecommunications circuits must be installed in compliance with the requirements of Article 770 [800-52(a)(1)]. Authors Comment: Cables used for computers for the purpose of exchanging data must be installed in compliance with Article 725, Class 2 signaling circuits, not Article 800 [725-41(a)(4)].

Article 810 - Radio and Television Equipment

Article 810 covers antenna systems for radio and television receiving equipment, amateur radio transmitting and receiving equipment, and certain features of transmitter safety. This Article covers antennas such as multi-element, vertical rod, dish, as well as wiring and cabling that connects them to the receiving equipment, Fig. 1-14. Wiring Methods - Exposed cables wiring for connecting antennas to equipment must be Type CATV or CM [Figure 820-531 installed in accordance with Article 820 [810-2] or Type OF optical fiber cable installed in accordance with Article 770 [8l0-2]. Wiring for sound systems such as surround sound must be installed in accordance with Article 640 Sound (Audio) Systems.

FIGURE 1-13

IMPORTANT NOTE: Neither Article 810 nor any other Article deals with power-line carrier (PLC) automation control systems, such as X-10 or CEBus. These systems transmit an electrical signal over the existing building power conductors to control receiving devices for home automation, security, and factory automation processes. Section 810-1 of the National Electrical Code specifies that equipment and antennas used for coupling carrier current to power line conductors are not within the scope of Article 810.

FIGURE 1-14

Guide to Low-Voltage & Limited Energy Systems