Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA
Report of the Committee on
Telecommunications
Ralph E. Transue, Chair
The RJA Group, Inc., IL [SE]
Mark A. Pillow, Secretary
Tyco Suppression Systems, IN [M]
Marvin Charney, Kidde-Fenwal Inc., CA [M]
Brandon Cordts, 3M Company, MN [M]
Richard L. P. Custer, Arup Fire, MA [SE]
Sheila C. DeMand, Marsh Risk Consulting, MO [I]
Robert G. Dittrich, Honeywell, International, IL [M]
Rep. National Electrical Manufacturers Association
Paul H. Dobson, FM Global, MA [I]
Rep. FM Global/FM Research
Mickey L. Driggers, Qwest Communications, CO [U]
Bruce A. Edwards, Liberty Mutual Property, MA [I]
Rep. Alliance of American Insurers
R. Bruce Fraser, SimplexGrinnell, MA [M]
Rep. Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc.
Kirk W. Humbrecht, Phoenix Fire Systems, Inc., IL [M]
Rep. Fire Suppression Systems Association
Gary P. Jones, Technology Concepts, Ltd., IL [SE]
Thomas J. Klem, T. J. Klem and Associates, MA [SE] Rep. International Assn.
of Arson Investigators Inc.
Henry Lai, TELUS, Canada [U]
Michael J. Madden, Gage-Babcock & Associates, Inc., CA [SE]
Gregg Marafelias, Aon Risk Services of New Jersey, NJ [I]
Ronald Marts, Telcordia Technologies/SAIC, NJ [SE]
Lawrence A. McKenna, Jr., Hughes Associates, Inc., MD [SE]
Jennifer Nelson, AT&T - EH&S, NY [U]
Richard L. Niemann, Modular Protection Corporation, KS [M]
Thomas F. Norton, Norel Service Company, Inc., MA [IM]
Daniel J. OʼConnor, Schirmer Engineering Corporation, IL [I]
Ronald D. Ouimette, Vision Systems Inc., MA [M]
Robert M. Pikula, Reliable Fire Equipment Company, IL [IM] Rep. National
Assn. of Fire Equipment Distributors
Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada, Canada [U]
Chuck Slagle, Overland Park, KS [U]
Thomas F. Ziegler, Verizon, PA [U]
Alternates
Leonard Belliveau, Jr., Hughes Associates, Inc., MA [SE]
(Alt. to Lawrence A. McKenna)
Jeffrey Albert Betz, AT&T EH&S, NJ [U]
(Alt. to Jennifer Nelson)
Michael J. Bosma, The Viking Corporation, MI [IM]
(Voting Alt.)
Kevin T. Callery, The RJA Group, Inc., MA [SE]
(Alt. to Ralph E. Transue)
Randall S. Chaney, Liberty Mutual Property, CA [I]
(Alt. to Bruce A. Edwards)
Chrysanthos Chrysanthou, Telcordia Technologies/SAIC, NJ [SE]
(Alt. to Ronald Marts)
Steve C. Dryden, Marsh Risk Consulting, MO [I]
(Alt. to Sheila C. DeMand)
Dale D. Hasty, Siemens Building Technology Inc., MO [M]
(Alt. to Robert G. Dittrich)
Steve L. Lehenbauer, Schirmer Engineering Corporation, IL [I]
(Alt. to Daniel J. OʼConnor)
Thomas G. McCarty, FM Global, RI [I]
(Alt. to Paul H. Dobson)
Earl D. Neargarth, Fike Corporation, MO [M]
(Alt. to Kirk W. Humbrecht)
J. Chris Oberg, Verizon Wireless, MD [U]
(Alt. to Thomas F. Ziegler)
Andrew M. Shapiro, Qwest Corporation, CO [U]
(Alt. to Mickey L. Driggers)
Thomas Lee Simms, Technology Concepts, Ltd., IL [SE]
(Alt. to Gary P. Jones)
Ronald A. Stein, Aon Risk Services, MO [I]
(Alt. to Gregg Marafelias )
76-1
NFPA 76
Nonvoting
Robert G. Backstrom, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., IL [RT]
Thomas G. Cleary, National Institute of Standards and Technology, MD [RT]
Shmuel Netanel, Eidan Safety Engineers Group, Israel [SE]
Staff Liaison: Mark T. Conroy
Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for
documents on fire protection for telecommunication networks.
This list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on
the text of this edition. Since that time, changes in the membership may have
occurred. A key to classifications is found at the front of this book.
The Report of the Technical Committee on Telecommunications is presented
for adoption.
This Report was prepared by the Technical Committee on
Telecommunications, and proposes for adoption, a complete revision
to NFPA 76, on Recommended Practice for the Fire Protection of
Telecommunications Facilities, 2002 edition. NFPA 76-2002 is published in
Volume 13 of the 2003 National Fire Codes and in separate pamphlet form.
This Report has been submitted to letter ballot of the Technical Committee
on Telecommunications, which consists of 29 voting members; of whom 21
voted affirmatively, 5 negatively after circulation of negative ballots (Bosma,
DeMand, Dobson, Driggers, McKenna), and 3 ballots were not returned
(Nelson, OʼConnor, Pikula).
Mr. Bosma voted negatively stating:
Although this practice has many good attributes, such as the use of early
detection, it still does not address automatic protection. History has proven that
automatic protection is required. I also do not feel this Recommended Practice
has had sufficient opportunity for public comment in order to be considered a
standard.
Ms. DeMand voted negatively stating:
I am not comfortable with this version due to several errors and
inconsistencies. I am having problems interpreting the requirements and I donʼt
feel the general public (AHJs) could interpret.
Mr. Dobson voted negatively stating:
1. There is no recommendation for fire protection for critical
telecommunication facilities that cannot be readily replaced. The emphasis
is on prevention and detection. There is a concern that without automatic or
trained manual fire protection there could be extensive damage to equipment
and loss of critical communication services for an extended period time.
The alternatives are as follows: a) automatic fire protection, or b) automatic
smoke management or c) response within a specific period of time by
personnel trained to isolate power to the affected area and fight fire.
2. Storage and transport of fuel supplies for standby diesel generators
presents an exposure to large buildings leased by a number of
telecommunications companies (telecommunication hotels). The fuel supplies
are piped from central areas in the building, usually basement areas, to
specific locations in the building. A leak could expose the building to severe
structural damage. The piping should be double wall or guardian piping or be
located within a 3 hour fire rated enclosure.
Mr. Driggers voted negatively stating:
At present time I cannot support the adoption of this recommended practice in
becoming a standard. This is especially true with numerous changes that were
made that are not reflected in the submitted materials received. One example is
term “criticality” which the committee voted to delete and yet it appears in this
package. This is just one of numerous mistakes in this ROP. I feel we should
get a fairly correct document which really reflects the committeeʼs decision
before we release it for public comment.
Mr. McKenna voted negatively stating:
1. The draft document as presented includes substantial new material
in the form of the redundant or replacement-based design options. This
approach has not been hereto fore used in any regulatory requirements with
which I am familiar. While I was a party to the drafting of this approach,
and I fully support the approach as useful, it has not been subjected to either
public review or trial before a regulatory authority. I believe that it is very
inappropriate to include such a “revolutionary” approach in a mandatory
document. The criterion for issuing the current edition of the document as
a Recommended Practice applies even more fully to this draft – this is such
a significant change in historic regulatory language that a trial period as a
Recommended Practice is warranted prior to converting to the mandatory
language of a standard.
Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA
2. The document generally codifies existing industry best practices as
a set of requirements applicable to all service providers. In doing so, the
document cites the findings of fire investigations and government studies
(i.e., Hinsdale and Orangeburg incidents, and the FCC study). Much of what
was noted as good in those investigations and studies is incorporated in the
document. However, the draft continues to ignore one of the most important
recommendations from these fires and studies – the crucial need for effective
smoke control (except perhaps where the redundancy option is adopted).
This is a glaring omission that should raise serious questions about the
requirements in the document as a whole.
Mr. Charney voted affirmatively with this comment:
I agree with Mike Madden that much work needs to be done on Chapter 7.
Mr. Edwards voted affirmatively with this comment:
Comment on Affirmative Proposal 76-62 (Log #CP94) 6.11.1.(4) “…shall be
kept to the absolute minimum required…” is not enforceable language.
Mr. Madden voted affirmatively with this comment:
Have concerns regarding Chapter 7, particularly since the committee has
recommended going from a Recommended Practice to a Standard. Chapter 7
needs more work!
Mr. Schachtschneider voted affirmative with this comment:
Significant Editorial Changes Required.
76-2
NFPA 76
________________________________________________________________
76-1 Log #CP92 Final Action: Accept
( Entire Document )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Globally change “special purpose industrial occupancy” to
“industrial low occupancy”.
Substantiation: To be consistent with NFPA 101 and 5000.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-1a Log #CP104 Final Action: Accept
( Entire Document )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Completely revise the document as reflected in the
attached rewrite.
Substantiation: The document was changed from a recommended practice
to a standard as it was the consensus opinion of the Committee that NFPA
76 should have equal stature with NFPA 75, should be enforceable for new
construction, should be recognized by the Building Code as a standard,
and has been more fully developed by the Committee since its origin as a
recommended practice.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-2 Log #47 Final Action: Reject
( Chapters 1 & 6 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Add new text as follows:
6.6.X Cable Route Protection. Telecommunication signal wire and cable and
signal processing equipment power wire and cable passing through this hazard
area should be protected with a rated fire separation with a minimum fire
resistance of 2 hours.
6.6.X.1 The recommended fire resistance should be permitted to be reduced
to 1 hour, if the cable entrance facility is protected throughout by an automatic
fire suppression system.
6.9.X Cable Route Protection. Telecommunication signal wire and cable
and telecommunication equipment power wire and cable passing through this
hazard area should be protected with a rated fire separation with a minimum
fire resistance of 2 hours.
6.9.X.1 The recommended fire resistance should be permitted to be reduced to
1 hour, if the standby engine area is protected throughout by an automatic fire
suppression system.
6.11.X Cable Route Protection. Telecommunication signal wire and cable
and telecommunication equipment power wire and cable passing through this
hazard area should be protected with a rated fire separation with a minimum
fire resistance of 1 hour.
6.11.X.1 The recommended fire resistance should be permitted to be reduced
to 15 minutes, if the administrative area is protected throughout by an
automatic fire suppression system.
6.12.X Cable Route Protection. Telecommunication signal wire and cable
and telecommunication equipment power wire and cable passing through this
hazard area should be protected with a rated fire separation with a minimum
fire resistance of 2 hours.
6.12.X.1 The recommended fire resistance should be permitted to be reduced
to 1 hour, if the building service and support area is protected throughout by an
automatic fire suppression system.
1.1.3 Cable Route Protection. Telecommunication signal wire and cable
and telecommunication equipment power wire and cable passing through a
multiple tenant building should be protected with a rated fire separation with a
minimum fire resistance of 2 hours.
Substantiation: Fire damage to cable passing through a hazard area will
require complete replacement from end to end. A very time consuming
procedure. Without adequate cable route protection significant network outages
can occur due to fires. Objective of NFPA 76 is to avoid unacceptable network
outage and this material is in that spirit of that objective.
Committee Meeting Action: Reject
Committee Statement: Cable route protection as described in the submittal
inhibits access for maintenance and removal of cable.
________________________________________________________________
76-3 Log #CP31 Final Action: Accept
( 1.1 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications, Task Group 6
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
1.1* Scope. This standard provides requirements for fire protection of
telecommunications facilities where telephone, data, cellular, internet, and
video services are rendered. Telecommunications facilities include signal
processing equipment areas, cable entrance facilities, power areas and battery
spaces, main distribution frames, standby engine areas, technical support areas,
administrative areas, and building services and support areas within facilities.
This standard specifically excludes telecommunications facilities with less than
Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 76
46.5 m2 (500 ft2) of signal processing equipment areas. 6.1.2* Prescriptive Approach. Where the performance-based approach of
Substantiation: The added wording clearly identifies the appropriate Chapter 5 or the redundant- or replacement-based approach of Chapter 7 are
occupancy of telecommunications facilities as referenced in both NFPA 101 not used, the prescriptive recommendations of this chapter should apply.
and NFPA 5000. 5. Renumber 6.5.4 and revise to read as follows:
Committee Meeting Action: Accept 6.6.4 Building Service Equipment. Building services should be provided
in accordance with the requirements of the applicable mechanical, electrical
________________________________________________________________ codes, and NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning
76-4 Log #43 Final Action: Accept in Principle and Ventilating Systems. Facilities containing less than 2500 sq ft of
( 1.3 ) telecommunications equipment area shall not be required to comply with
________________________________________________________________ 6.6.4.1 through 6.6.4.3.
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada 6. Renumber 6.5.4.3 and revise to read as follows:
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: 6.6.4.3 * HVAC ducts and air transfer openings serving non-signal processing
1.3* Application. The provisions of this recommended practice are considered equipment areas should have smoke dampers or combination fire/smoke
necessary to provide a reasonable level of protection from loss of life, and dampers installed in the ducts or air transfer openings where they penetrate the
property and service continuity from fire and explosion. The provisions reflect wall to the signal processing equipment area.
situations and the state of the art at the time the recommended practice was 7. Renumber 6.5.6.1 and revise to read as follows:
issued. 6.6.6.1 General. Facilities containing greater than 2500 sq ft of
Substantiation: Editorial to align with NFPA 76 purpose. State of the art is no telecommunications equipment area shall be provided with a very early
longer applicable given that date sensitive nature of “when issued”. warning fire detection (VEWFD) system for detection and alarm processing
Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle in accordance with Chapter 8. (ROP CP13) Facilities containing 2500 sq ft
Revise text to read as follows: or less of telecommunications equipment area shall be provided with an early
1.3* Application. The provisions of this standard are considered necessary warning fire detection (EWFD) system for detection and alarm processing in
to provide a reasonable level of protection from loss of life, and property and accordance with Chapter 8.
service continuity from fire and explosion. The provisions reflect situations and 8. Renumber 6.7.2 and revise to read as follows:
the state of the art at the time the standard was issued. 6.8.2 Compartmentation. Power areas should be separated from adjacent
Committee Statement: Left the last sentence in as it is recommended by the nonequipment spaces by a minimum of 1-hour fire-resistance-rated
manual of style. construction in accordance with Section 8.2. Facilities containing less than
2500 sq ft of telecommunications equipment area shall not be required to
________________________________________________________________ comply with this requirement.
76-5 Log #42 Final Action: Reject 9. Renumber 6.8.2 and revise to read as follows:
( 1.3.1 ) 6.9.2* Compartmentation. Main distribution frames should be separated
________________________________________________________________ from nonequipment spaces by a minimum of 1-hour fire-resistance-rated
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada construction in accordance with Section 8.3. Facilities containing less than
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: 2500 sq ft of telecommunications equipment area shall not be required to
1.3.1 The provisions of this document recommended practice should shall not comply with the requirements of this paragraph.
be applied to facilities, equipment, structures, or installations that were existing Substantiation: The Committee refined the risk control approach to protecting
or approved for construction or installation prior to 2002 04 01 to the effective telecommunications service continuity from the threats of fire by revisions
date of the recommended practice, except in those cases where it is determined to Chapters 1,4, 6 and a complete rewrite of Chapter 7 to cover the range
by the Authority Having Jurisdiction that the existing situation involves a of available methods to protect of service continuity from fire, including
distinct hazard to life or adjacent property. protection of facilities in place and protection service continuity through
Substantiation: Editorial to reflect the date change. redundant or replacement facilities. Paragraphs 6.10.3.1 and 6.10.3.2 are
Committee Meeting Action: Reject covered by Log #22.
Committee Statement: The manual of style recommends the existing Committee Meeting Action: Accept
wording. Committee Statement: Section 6.8.5.1 was revised by 76-58 (Log #21).

________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________
76-6 Log #CP95 Final Action: Accept 76-8 Log #CP86 TEL-AAA Final Action: Accept
( 1.3.1, 6.4.1, 7.4.1 ) ( 2.2 )
________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: 1. Delete 6.4.1 and 7.4.1. Recommendation: In section 2.2, add:
2. Add a new 1.3.1 and renumber existing text. The new 1.3.1 will read as NFPA 1/UFC
follows: NFPA 5000
1.3.1 For purposes of application of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code and NFPA Substantiation: Required for scoping activity references.
5000, Building Construction and Safety Code, telecommunications facilities, Committee Meeting Action: Accept
shall be classified as Industrial Low Hazard Occupancy.
Substantiation: The committee coordinated the requirements in NFPA 76 with ________________________________________________________________
NFPA 101 and NFPA 5000. 76-9 Log #5 Final Action: Accept in Principle
Committee Meeting Action: Accept ( 2.3.4 )
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________ Submitter: Bob Eugene, Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
76-7 Log #CP49 Final Action: Accept Recommendation: Delete the following text:
( 1.4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.6.4, 6.6.4.3, 6.6.6.1, 6.8.2, UL 910, UL Standard for Safety Test for Flame Propagation and Smoke
6.9.2, 6.9.5.1 ) Density Values for Electrical and Optical Fiber Cables Used in Spaces
________________________________________________________________ Transporting Environmental Air, 1998.
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications Substantiation: UL 910 was withdrawn in favor of NFPA 262.
Recommendation: 1. Revise 1-4 to read as follows: Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
1.4* Design Options. This recommended practice provides performance- Delete UL 910 and replace it with NFPA 262 in Chapters 3-10 and delete it in
based, prescriptive-based, and redundant- or replacement-based design options. Chapter 2.
Fire protection for the individual hazard areas identified in the recommended Committee Statement: UL 910 was withdrawn in favor of NFPA 262.
practice should be based on the performance-based approaches of Chapter 5
or the prescriptive-based approaches of Chapters 6. Either approach should ________________________________________________________________
be used selectively by hazard area. Protection of service continuity from 76-10 Log #6 Final Action: Accept
fire for facilities using the redundant- or replacement-based approaches ( 2.3.4 )
shall comply with Chapter 7. Chapters 1, 4, 9, and 10 should apply to all ________________________________________________________________
telecommunications facilities within the scope of this recommended practice, Submitter: Bob Eugene, Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
regardless of the design approach taken. Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
2. Delete the existing Chapter 7 as the revised Chapter 6 will cover small and UL 900, Standard for Safety Air Filter Units, 1994 1995.
large facilities. Substantiation: Revised date notes the most recently ANSI approved edition.
3. Revise the titles for Chapters 6 and 7 to read as follows: Committee Meeting Action: Accept
Chapter 6 Prescriptive-Based Approaches
Chapter 7 Redundant- or Replacement-Based Approaches
4. Revise 6.1.1. and 6.1.2 to read as follows:
6.1.1 Application. This chapter applies to telecommunications facilities
designed to the prescriptive-based option of Section 1.4.
76-3
Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 76
________________________________________________________________ telecommunications facility that does not classify as a telecommunications
76-11 Log #7 Final Action: Accept equipment area but directly supports the equipment.
( 2.3.4 ) 3.4.11* Technical Support Area. The area or space within a
________________________________________________________________ telecommunications facility that does not contain telecommunications
Submitter: Bob Eugene, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. equipment but contains administrative type office or equipment which directly
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: supports the telecommunication equipment area.
UL 1056, UL Standard for Safety Fire Test of Upholstered Furniture, 1995 A.3.4.1.1 A.3.3.1.5 Technical Support Area. These areas may be contiguous
2000. with the telecommunication equipment area or are usually separated from
Substantiation: Update to current standard. the telecommunication equipment area equipment space by unrated glass or
Committee Meeting Action: Accept solid partitions. Limited furniture and equipment such as and have one or two
computer workstations allow where technicians to program or test the signal
________________________________________________________________ processing switching equipment or perform other administrative functions such
76-12 Log #8 Final Action: Accept as database and record updating. These areas are more often not occupied on a
( 2.3.4 ) full-time basis.
________________________________________________________________ 3.4.12* Telecommunications Equipment Area. The areas in a central office
Submitter: Bob Eugene, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. in which the telecommunications equipment is located, including hazard areas
Recommendation: UL 1666, UL Standard for Safety Test for Flame such as a switching equipment area; cable entrance facility (CEF) area; power
Propagation Height of Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables Installed Vertically area (including batteries); main distribution frame (MDF) area; standby engine
in Shafts, 1997 2002. area; and technical support areas contiguous to the above hazard areas.
Substantiation: Revised date notes the most recently ANSI approved edition. 3.4.12* Telecommunications Equipment Area. The area or enclosed room
Committee Meeting Action: Accept of a telecommunications facility that contains telecommunications equipment.
This includes hazard areas such as a signal processing equipment area, cable
________________________________________________________________ entrance facility (CEF) area, power area (including batteries); main distribution
76-13 Log #49 Final Action: Accept frame (MDF) area, standby engine area, and technical support areas contiguous
( Chapter 3 ) to the above hazard areas and non contiguous technical support areas.
________________________________________________________________ A.3.4.12 Telecommunication Equipment Area. The following tree assists in
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada understanding the space/area and equipment hierarchy in telecommunication
Recommendation: Add new text as follows: facilities
3.3.X Building Automation System. An automated system used to control Telecommunication facility
building functions such as HVAC control, lighting, smoke management, etc. 1. Telecommunications Equipment Area
Substantiation: NFPA 76, Section 6.5.4.6 refers to a facility management a. Cable Entrance Facility (CEF) Area CEF
system. These are more commonly known as building automation systems and a1. Cable Entrance Facility (CEF) Equipment
this term is used by TG 4 in their proposed changes. Definition is required b. Power Area
under general definition section, number accordingly. b1. Power Equipment
Committee Meeting Action: Accept b1.1 Technical Support Area (contiguous with above area)
c. Main distribution frame (MDF) Area MDF
________________________________________________________________ c.1 Main Distribution Frame (MDF) Equipment
76-14 Log #CP85 TEL-AAA Final Action: Accept c.1.1 Technical Support Area (contiguous with above area)
( 3.3 Definitions (GOT) ) d. Standby Engine Area
________________________________________________________________ d.1Standby Engine Equipment
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications e. Signal Processing Telecommunication Equipment Area
Recommendation: Adopt the preferred definitions from the NFPA Glossary of e.1 Switching Equipment Area
Terms for the following terms: e.1.1 Technical Support Area (contiguous with above area)
Contractor. (preferred) NFPA 5000, 2002 ed. e.2 Transport/Access Equipment Are
One who contracts on predetermined terms to provide labor and materials and e.2.1 Technical Support Area (contiguous with above area)
who is responsible for performance of a construction job in accordance with e.3 Video Headend
construction documents. e.3.1 Contiguous Technical Support Area (contiguous with above area)
Fire Model. (preferred) NFPA 805, 2001 ed. f. Technical Support Area
Mathematical prediction of fire growth, environmental conditions, and 2. Non-Telecommunication Equipment Area
potential effects on structures, systems, or components based on the a. Office Area
conservation equations or empirical data. b. Building Services and Support Area
Fire Scenario. (preferred) NFPA 101, 2000 ed. 3.6.1 Building Services Equipment. Building mechanical, electrical, lighting,
A set of conditions that defines the development of fire, the spread of and power systems not related to telecommunications equipment operations.
combustion products throughout a building or portion of a building, the 3.6.1 Building Services Equipment. Building mechanical, electrical, lighting,
reactions of people to fire, and the effects of combustion products. and power systems that are found in typical office buildings.
Sensitivity Analysis. (preferred) NFPA 5000, 2002 ed. 3.6.3 Co-Located Telecommunications Equipment. Telecommunications
An analysis performed to determine the degree to which a predicted output equipment that is owned or leased and operated by other service providers (i.e.,
will vary given a specified change in an input parameter, usually in relation to competitive local or long distance telephone service providers, internet service
models. providers, or cable service providers) that is placed in a telecommunications
Uncertainty Analysis. (preferred) NFPA 5000 2002 ed. equipment facility owned by a different telecommunications company.
An analysis performed to determine the degree to which a predicted value will 3.6.3 Co-Located Telecommunications Equipment. Telecommunications
vary. equipment that is owned or leased and operated by other service providers (i.e.,
Substantiation: Adoption of preferred definitions will assist the user by competitive local or long distance telephone service providers, internet service
providing consistent meaning of defined terms throughout the National Fire providers, or cable service providers) that is placed in a telecommunications
Codes. facility owned by a different service provider.
3.6.8 Telecommunications Equipment. The cabling and electronic equipment
Committee Meeting Action: Accept including signal processing equipment, cable entrance equipment, electrical
power distribution equipment, batteries, main distribution frame equipment,
________________________________________________________________ and standby engine.
76-15 Log #35 Final Action: Accept in Principle 3.6.8 Telecommunications Equipment. The wire, cable and electrical/
( 3.4.2 ) electronic equipment including signal processing equipment, cable entrance
________________________________________________________________ equipment, power equipment, main distribution frame equipment, and standby
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada engine equipment. (CP 40)
Recommendation:Revise text to read as follows: Substantiation: Editorial renumbering to place area definitions followed by
3.4.2 Building Services and Support Areas. These areas or rooms typically equipment definition in one common section. This is preferable to proposed
include utility spaces, mechanical equipment spaces, maintenance shops, 3.4 area definitions and 3.6 equipment definitions split by 3.5 definitions for
loading docks, and associated storage areas. detection systems. Alternatively arrange area definitions as 3.4 followed by
3.4.7 Non-Telecommunications Equipment Area. area within a central office equipment definitions 3.5 and detection system definitions 3.6.
that is not defined as equipment space, that includes hazard areas such as Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
administrative areas and building service and support areas. Accept the recommended text with the following revision:
3.4.7 Non-telecommunications Equipment Area. An area within a 3.4.11* Technical Support Area. The area or space within a
telecommunication facility that is not defined as a telecommunication telecommunications facility that does not contain telecommunications
equipment area. It includes hazard areas such as administrative areas and equipment but contains limited furniture or office type equipment or both
building service and support areas. which directly supports the telecommunication equipment area.
3.4.11* Technical Support Area. The area or space within a Committee Statement: Editorial.
76-4
Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA
________________________________________________________________
76-16 Log #38 Final Action: Accept
( 3.4.3 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
3.4.3 Cable Entrance Facility (CEF) Area. The area or enclosed room of a
central office where cables from the outside enter the central office and are
spliced to cables that extend to termination points in the main distribution
frame.
3.4.3 Cable Entrance Facility (CEF) Area. The area or enclosed room of a
telecommunication facility that contains cables entrance facility equipment.
(CP 40)
3.4.4 Cable Vault. Another term for a cable entrance facility.
3.6.2 Cable Entrance Facility (CEF) Equipment. Cabling and wiring in the
cable entrance facility. Large cables from the outside are spliced to smaller
cables that run to the main distribution frame.
3.6.2 Cable Entrance facility (CEF) Equipment. The wire and cable in the
cable entrance facility. Large cables from the outside are spliced to smaller
cables or wires that run to the main distribution frame or signal processing
equipment.
Substantiation: Editorial renumbering to place area definitions followed by
equipment definition in one common section. This is preferable to proposed
3.4 area definitions and 3.6 equipment definitions split by 3.5 definitions for
detection systems. Alternatively arrange area definitions as 3.4 followed by
equipment definitions 3.5 and detection system definitions 3.6.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-17 Log #41 Final Action: Accept
( 3.4.6, 3.6.4 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
3.4.6 Main distribution Frame (MDF) Area. The area or enclosed room of a
central office where a wiring arrangement connects the telephone lines coming
from the cable entrance facility to the internal telephone lines that run to the
switching equipment.
3.4.6 Main Distribution Frame (MDF) Area. The area or enclosed room of
a telecommunication facility that contains Main Distribution Frame (MDF)
equipment,
3.6.4 Main Distribution Frame (MDF) Equipment. Rack-mounted
termination blocks and electrical protection devices, cabling, wiring. The
wiring arrangement connects the telephone lines coming from the cable
entrance facility to the internal telephone lines that run to the switching
equipment. Equipment could also include protective devices as well as
functions for a central testing point.
3.6.4 Main Distribution Frame (MDF) Equipment. Rack-mounted
termination blocks and electrical protection devices, cabling, wiring, and
auxiliary equipment. The MDF wiring arrangement connects the wire and cable
coming from the cable entrance facility to the wire and cable running to the
signal processing equipment and secondary cross connect frames. Auxiliary
equipment could include central testing equipment used to determine the
electrical characteristics of the circuits. (CP 40)
Editorial renumbering to place area definitions followed by equipment
definition in one common section. This is preferable to proposed 3.4 area
definitions and 3.6 equipment definitions split by 3.5 definitions for detection
systems. Alternatively arrange area definitions as 3.4 followed by equipment
definitions 3.5 and detection system definitions 3.6.
Substantiation: See Log# CP 40. Replace definition of MDF area. Revised
text is for editorial clarification.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-18 Log #40 Final Action: Accept
( 3.4.8 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
3.4.8 Power Area. The area or enclosed room of a central office that houses
the electrical equipment required to power the switching equipment.
3.4.8* Power Area. The area or enclosed room of a telecommunication
facility that contains power equipment.
A.3.4.8 A.3.3.1.4 Power Area. Examples of electrical equipment usually
found in a power area/room includes rectifiers, inverters, and batteries.
3.6.5 Power Equipment. Power equipment includes, but is not limited to
batteries, rectifiers, inverters, distribution cabinets, bus bars, and cabling. This
equipment gives power to the switching equipment.
3.6.5 Power Equipment. Power equipment includes, but is not limited to
batteries, rectifiers, inverters, distribution cabinets, bus bars, and cabling. This
equipment gives power to the signal processing equipment.
76-5
NFPA 76
Substantiation: Editorial renumbering to place area definitions followed by
equipment definition in one common section. This is preferable to proposed
3.4 area definitions and 3.6 equipment definitions split by 3.5 definitions for
detection systems. Alternatively arrange area definitions as 3.4 followed by
equipment definitions 3.5 and detection system definitions 3.6.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-19 Log #36 Final Action: Accept
( 3.4.9, 3.6.6 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Revise text as follows:
3.4.9 Signal Processing Equipment Area. The area or enclosed room in a
central office in which the signal processing equipment is located.
3.4.9 Signal Processing Equipment Area. The area or enclosed room in a
telecommunication facility that contains signal processing equipment.
3.6.6 Signal Processing Equipment. The electronic equipment that performs
the switch or transport operations for audio, video, and data.
3.6.6* Signal Processing Equipment. The electronic equipment that performs
the signal processing operations such as switch or transport for audio, video,
and data signals. (CP40)
Substantiation: Editorial renumbering to place area definitions followed by
equipment definition in one common section. This is preferable to proposed
3.4 area definitions and 3.6 equipment definitions split by 3.5 definitions for
detection systems. Alternatively arrange area definitions as 3.4 followed by
equipment definitions 3.5 and detection system definitions 3.6.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-20 Log #37 Final Action: Accept
( 3.4.10, 3.6.7, A.3.6.7 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
3.4.10* Standby Engine Area. The area or enclosed room of a central office
where the standby power system resides.
3.4.10* Standby Engine Area. The area or enclosed room of a
telecommunication facility that contains standby engine equipment.
3.6.7 Standby Engine Equipment. Standby engine equipment includes, but
is not limited to a reciprocating engine or turbine, a generator, starter batteries,
and associated cabling. This equipment offers standby power to switching
equipment if the electrical utilityʼs power is shut off.
3.6.7* Standby Engine Equipment. Standby engine equipment includes, but
is not limited to a reciprocating engine or turbine, a generator, starter batteries,
and associated cabling. This equipment offers standby power to the signal
processing equipment and potentially the entire telecommunication facility if
the electrical utilityʼs power is shut off.
A.3.6.7 A.3.3.19 Standby Engine Equipment Room. The standby power
system is an apparatus consisting of either a gas turbine or a diesel powered
internal combustion engine and a generator, capable of providing the
appropriate amount of ac power to run the telecommunications equipment of a
central office in the event of a commercial power failure. (CP 40)
Substantiation: Editorial renumbering to place area definitions followed by
equipment definitions in one common section. This is preferable to proposed
3.4 area definitions and 3.6 equipment definitions split by 3.5 definitions for
detection systems. Alternatively arrange area definitions as 3.4 followed by
equipment definitions 3.5 and detection system definitions 3.6.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-21 Log #34 Final Action: Accept
( 3.7.13 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows;
3.7.13 3.3.10 Utility. An organization, either designated by or recognized
by public service commissions or public utility commissions, or recognized
as such under Federal, State or local law, that installs, operates, and maintains
electric supply or communication systems such as, but not limited to,
telephone, CATV, internet, satellite, or data service.
Substantiation: This definition may be included in NFPA 70 and in basically
the same wording. Move to general definitions in Section 3.3 as this definition,
better location.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA
________________________________________________________________
76-22 Log #CP51 Final Action: Accept
( 4.2 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Replace existing 4.2 with the following:
4.2 Service Continuity Risks. In assessing and evaluating the damage and
interruption potential of the loss of communication operations, attention shall
be given to the impact of the loss of data, voice, and video communications
links. The complexity and scope of signal processing operations can make it
necessary to provide internal redundancy, alternative routing, and in some cases
dual access terminal in order to prevent communication outages.
4.2.1 Risk Management Considerations
4.2.1.1* The following factors shall be considered in a risk management
analysis:
a) Life safety
b) Size and value of the facility
c) Restoration plans
d) Availability of readily deployable replacement telecommunications
infrastructure
e) Response time to an alarm
f) Local fire fighting capabilities
g) Redundant telecommunications infrastructure
Substantiation: The Committee refined the risk control approach to protecting
telecommunications service continuity from the threats of fire by revisions
to Chapters 1,4, 6 and a complete rewrite of Chapter 7 to cover the range
of available methods to protect of service continuity from fire, including
protection of facilities in place and protection service continuity through
redundant or replacement facilities. Paragraph 4.2.1.2 is covered by proposal
log #CP97.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-23 Log #CP97 Final Action: Accept
( 4.2.1.2 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: 4.2.1.2 A fire protection program shall be developed in
conjunction with the considerations in 4.2.1 resulting in one or more of the
following strategies for areas within the telecommunication facility:
(a) with performance-based approaches in accordance with Chapter 5
(b) with the prescriptive approach in accordance with Chapter 6
(c) with redundant facilities or plan for rapid replacement in accordance with
Chapter 7.
Substantiation: The Committee refined the risk control approach to protecting
telecommunications service continuity from the threats of fire by revisions
to Chapters 1,4, 6 and a complete rewrite of Chapter 7 to cover the range
of available methods to protect of service continuity from fire, including
protection of facilities in place and protection service continuity through
redundant or replacement facilities.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-24 Log #19 Final Action: Accept in Principle
( 4.3 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Thomas G. McCarty, FM Global
Recommendation: Add text to read as follows:
4.3.X Standby Engine Areas for Multiple-Tenant buildings should comply
with the requirements of Section 6.9. Fuel handling for the standby engines
should be in acordance with NFPA 30, except that the volume requirements for
tank location and fuel protection should apply to the total aggregated volume in
the tank storage area.
Substantiation: Often in multi-tenanted buildings, each tenant is required
to provide their own standby generator capability. The fuel associated
with the diesel engines can be concentrated in spaces within the building.
Containment, vault construction and area protection is inadequate when
the aggregation of fuel volumes is considered. These deficiencies put
the individual tenant at risk from the resultant thermal and non-thermal
hazards. The current Recommended Practice does not clearly indicate that
the aggregation of fuel is the hazard that must be considered in the individual
tenantʼs risk analysis.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
Add annex material to read as follows:
A.6.9.9 Standby Engine Areas for Multiple-Tenant buildings should comply
with the requirements of Section 6.9. Fuel handling for the standby engines
should be in acordance with NFPA 30, except that the volume requirements for
tank location and fuel protection should apply to the total aggregated volume in
the tank storage area.
Committee Statement: The Committee felt that this is a clarification of their
original intent.
76-6
NFPA 76
________________________________________________________________
76-25 Log #25 Final Action: Accept in Principle
( 5.3.1.2, 6.4.1 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
5.3.1.2 For purposes of application of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code,
prescriptive requirements, telecommunications equipment areas spaces,
including technical support areas, should be considered special purpose
industrial occupancies.
6.4.1 For purposes of application of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code,
prescriptive requirements, telecommunications equipment areas spaces,
including technical support areas, should be considered special purpose
industrial occupancies.
Substantiation: Consistency.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
1. Delete 5.3.1.2.
2. Add industrial low occupancy to 5.3.1.1 item 2.
3. Add “requirements for industrial low occupancy” to 6.4.
Committee Statement: Since NFPA 101 has been updated to include
performance based criteria and the special purpose industrial occupancy
designation has been clarified in the scope of 1.1 (Proposal 76-3 (Log #CP31),
these paragraphs are no longer needed. Item 2 and 3 are clarificaitons to the
original intent. Proposal 76-6 (Log #CP95) deleted paragraph 6.4.1.
________________________________________________________________
76-26 Log #CP16 Final Action: Accept
( 5.4.8.1 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications, Ron Marts
Recommendation: Change wording in paragraph as follows:
5.4.8.1 Telecommuncations Signal Processing Equipment Areas. A signal
processing telecommunications equipment area is a space in which the signal
processing telecommunications equipment is located, extending to fire safe
compartmentation (either fire-rated walls or exterior walls of the facility in
small facilities). Signal processing Telecommunications equipment areas could
contain associated power, main distribution frame, communications cables, and
related support equipment. Signal processing Telecommunications equipment
areas, if occupied, are normally only occupied by employees directly
supporting the equipment. The occupants are assumed to be trained, alert, and
capable of self-rescue. The occupant occupancy load is assumed to be low
from an egress standpoint. These spaces have a low probability of fire ignition
and sustainability because of the limited quantity of combustible products. If a
fire does start, the items in the space that could burn include cables that when
burning will produce highly corrosive products of combustion.
Substantiation: The committee has changed several definitions to clarify
the meaning of some of telecommunications more unique terminologies.
“Telecommunications equipment space” has been changed to “signal
processing equipment area”.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-27 Log #13 Final Action: Reject
( Chapter 6 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Paul H. Dobson, FM Global
Recommendation: Add text to read as follows:
6.X Large telecommunications facilities that are not redundant or cannot
be replaced within 24 hrs should be protected in accordance with one of the
protection options in Section 8.6.2 or 8.7.
Substantiation: The fire protection currently recommended in NFPA 76 “Fire
Protection of Telecommunications Facilities” is optional with the exception of
portable extinguishers.
Most facilities are not occupied. Response times of telecommunications on-
call personnel can be up to one hour. Telecommunication and Internet facilities
are important enough to warrant protection to protect the 911 option as well
as companies that depend on the telephone and Internet for business reasons.
Companies such as Amazon.com, Direct-TV, would be seriously impacted
without telephone service.
Committee Meeting Action: Reject
Committee Statement:The Committee feels that the recommended text is
restrictive and does not allow for the performance based option outlined in
4.2.1.2 item. This is just one method that would be permitted under 4.2.1.2.
The submitter did not provide justification for the 24 hour time limit.
Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA
________________________________________________________________
76-28 Log #CP30 Final Action: Accept
( 6.5, 7.5 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications, Task Group #3 on
Power Interruption
Recommendation: New 6.5, renumber existing 6.5 etc.
6.5* Means for Depowering (See Annex E)
6.5.1* A depowering procedure shall be required for selective disconnect
of portions of the facility electrical systems to provide orderly shutdown
of power to increase safety of fire fighters and operating personnel and to
minimize disruption of communications services to the community served.
(Committee: This is similar to text in NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 685 for
orderly shutdown).
6.5.2 * Means to disconnect power from building service equipment, power
and lighting circuits, and telecommunications equipment shall be identified for
incident intervention.
6.5.3 The means shall be permitted to use normal power disconnect
equipment with appropriate marking.
6.5.4* Disconnecting power to portions of the electrical systems shall be
performed only after investigation and evaluation indicates:
(1) That emergency communications services have already failed due to the
fire incident,
(2) That removal of a circuit pack or power to an overloaded circuit will
terminate the event, or
(3) Where determined that intervention will mitigate the event.
New A.6.5
A.6.5 Means to Depower (See Annex E)
The intent is to provide a procedure and any necessary marking of disconnect
equipment to remove all sources of power from specific equipment or building
areas that may be electrically overloaded or involved in a fire incident. The
intent is not to provide an emergency power off capability as required in NFPA
70 Article 645 and NFPA 75, since the use of telecommunications equipment
and the consequences of disconnecting power are more severe than for the IT
equipment covered by the requirements of NFPA 70 and NFPA 75. The means
to disconnect power should not be readily available to a casual occupant of the
facility. It is permitted to require special knowledge of the power systems to
operate the disconnecting means.
A.6.5.1 The depowering procedure is permitted to require special marking of
otherwise standard power disconnect equipment. The depowering procedure is
permitted to be progressive depending upon the severity of the incident, from
circuit pack to equipment bay to area of a central office.
A.6.5.4 It is the intent that power should not be disconnected from
telecommunications equipment until the need to do so is firmly established as
a result of investigation of a true and growing incident of electrical overload or
fire involving the equipment.
Substantiation: The Committeeʼs Task Group on Powering concluded that
a stronger statement advocating depowering in the event of a growing fire
emergency is required in NFPA 76, while providing guidance on restraint in
interrupting power to central office equipment before the need is confirmed.
Section 7.5 “means for depowering” is covered by proposal Log CP50.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-29 Log #44 Final Action: Accept
( 6.5.2.2.2 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
6.5.2.2.2 Access sections or panels should be provided in raised floors so that
all the space beneath is accessible. Floor puller(s) should be provided to gain
access beneath the raised floor.
6.5.2.2.3 Floor puller(s) should be provided to gain access beneath the raised
floor. Floor pullers should be located in break open boxes located at every fire
fighting access route to raised floor areas.
Renumber balance.
Substantiation: Locating floor pullers is critical during emergency
operations.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
Revise text to read as follows:
6.6.2.2.2 Access sections or panels should be provided in raised floors so that
all the space beneath is accessible. Floor puller(s) should be provided to gain
access beneath the raised floor.
6.6.2.2.3 Dedicated floor puller(s) should be provided to gain access beneath
the raised floor and located at every fire fighting access route to raised floor
areas.
A.6.6.2.2.3 Floor pullers should be located in break open boxes .
Renumber balance.
Committee Statement: Second sentence of 6.6.2.2.2 is more appropriate as
annex material.
76-7
NFPA 76
________________________________________________________________
76-30 Log #CP57 Final Action: Accept
( 6.5.4 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
6.5.4 Building Service Equipment. Building services should be provided in
accordance with the requirements of the applicable mechanical and electrical
codes.
6.5.4.1 Where a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is
provided for the telecommunications equipment spaces, it should comply with
one of the following:
(1) An HVAC system that is dedicated for telecommunications equipment use
and is separate from other building/hazard areas
(2) An HVAC system that serves other hazard areas and serves the
telecommunications equipment spaces where the air ducts are provided with
automatic smoke and fire dampers
6.5.4.2 Dampers in HVAC systems serving compartmented
telecommunications equipment spaces should operate upon activation of smoke
detectors, unless the HVAC system is part of the smoke management system
(see Section 8.7).
6.5.4.3* HVAC ducts and air transfer openings serving non
telecommunications equipment areas should have smoke dampers or
combination fire/smoke dampers installed in the ducts or air transfer openings
where they penetrate the wall to the telecommunications equipment area. The
dampers should be installed in accordance with NFPA 90A, Standard for the
Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.
6.5.4.4 Pipe insulation and coverings, duct coverings, duct linings, vapor
retarder facings, adhesives, fasteners, tapes, and supplementary materials added
to air ducts, plenums, panels, and duct silencers used in duct systems should
comply with NFPA 90A. Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and
Ventilating Systems.
6.5.4.5 Air filters for use in air-conditioning systems should be limited
combustible and installed in accordance with manufacturerʼs instructions.
6.5.4.6* HVAC systems should be provided with either automatic shutdown
or manual shutdown or both. The automatic shutdown of the HVAC
system should be accomplished through the fire alarm system or the facility
management system. Automatic shutdown of HVAC should not take place
prior to confirmation of the presence of smoke.
6.5.4.6.1 HVAC components that make up part of the automatic smoke
management system should not be arranged to shut down upon detection of
smoke. (See Section 8.7.)
6.5.4.6.2 When the affected compartment is smoke isolated from the balance
of the facility, the system design should be reviewed to determine if the balance
of the HVAC system should continue to operate.
6.5.4.6.3 HVAC systems in individual unaffected spaces should be permitted
to continue to operate.
6.5.4.6.4* HVAC systems in individual affected spaces should be permitted
to continue to operate until confirmation of circulation of smoke. HVAC units
should be permitted to be shut down on an individual basis.
6.5 Building Service Equipment.
6.5.1* Where a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is
provided , it should comply with one of the following:
(1) An independent HVAC system that is dedicated for a single hazard area,
or
(2) An HVAC system that serves multiple hazard areas should have automatic
smoke dampers or combination fire / smoke dampers where they penetrate the
compartment walls for signal processing equipment space, power area or main
distribution frame hazard areas, or
(3) An HVAC system that serves a hazard area for which smoke control is
installed should have smoke or combination fire / smoke dampers where they
penetrate the compartment walls for which smoke control is installed.
6.5.1.1 Smoke or combination fire / smoke dampers should operate upon
activation of smoke detectors, unless the HVAC system is part of the smoke
management system. (See Section 8.7).
6.5.2 Smoke dampers or combination fire/smoke dampers installed in the
ducts or air transfer openings shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 90A.
Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.
6.5.3 Pipe insulation and coverings, duct coverings, duct linings, vapor
retarder facings, adhesives, fasteners, tapes, and supplementary materials added
to air ducts, plenums, panels, and duct silencers used in duct systems should
comply with NFPA 90A. Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and
Ventilating Systems
6.5.4 Air filters for use in HVAC systems should be rated either as Class 1
or Class 2 in accordance with UL 900, Standard for Safety Air Filter Units and
NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating
Systems.
6.5.5* HVAC systems should be provided with either automatic shutdown
or manual shutdown or both. The automatic shutdown of the HVAC system
should be accomplished through the fire alarm system or the Building
Automation System. Automatic shutdown of HVAC should not take place
prior to confirmation of the presence of smoke.
6.5.6 When the affected compartment is smoke isolated from the balance of
the facility, the system design should be reviewed to determine if the balance
of the HVAC system should continue to operate.
Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA
6.5.7 HVAC systems in individual unaffected spaces should be permitted to
continue to operate.
6.5.8* HVAC systems in individual affected spaces should be permitted to
continue to operate until confirmation of circulation of smoke. HVAC units
should be permitted to be shut down on an individual basis.
A.6.5.4.3 A.6.5.1 HVAC ducts serving non-telecommunications equipment
areas should not pass through telecommunications equipment areas.
A.6.5.4.6 A.6.5.5 The confirmation of the presence of smoke can be
accomplished by the following:
(1) Cross-zoning
(2) Time/smoke density factors
(3) Activation of multiple detectors
(4) Manual pull stations in combination with detection strategy
(5) Heat Detection
(6) Automatic suppression system activation.
Renumber A.6.5.4.6.4 as A.6.5.8.
Substantiation: HVAC details should be provided for all hazard areas.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-31 Log #14 Final Action: Accept in Principle
( 6.5.4 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Paul H. Dobson, FM Global
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
6.5.4 Building Service Equipment. Buuilding services should be provided in
accordance with the requirements of the applicable mechanical and electrical
codes.
HVAC Equipment should comply with the following recommendations:
Substantiation: Editorial. There is no mention of mechanical or electrical
codes that should be complied with. All of the recommendations, except
one, deal with the HVAC system and what should be done to prevent smoke
movement to another area. The emergency lighting recommendation is
covered in NFPA 101.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
Committee Statement: See 76-30 (Log #CP57).
________________________________________________________________
76-32 Log #CP54 Final Action: Accept
( 6.5.4, 6.5.4.1 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Add text to read as follows and renumber accordingly:
(A.6.5.4.1) Central building service equipment i.e. chillers, pumps, main
air handlers, boilers, should not be located in telecommunications equipment
areas. Self contained air conditioning units should be located outside of the
telecommunications equipment areas unless there is a need to place them
within the telecommunications equipment areas.
Substantiation: HVAC requirements are proposed to be moved to a common
section, identified as 6.5, however renumber as required, for the entire facility.
New text is the application to this hazard area. The text for 6.5.4 and 6.5.4.1 is
coverd by Log #26.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-33 Log #CP59 Final Action: Accept
( 6.5.4.7 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
6.5.4.7 Emergency lighting should be provided in the signal processing
telecommunications equipment areas in
accordance with NFPA 101, Life Safety Code.
6.7. Emergency lighting should be provided in the telecommunications
facility in accordance with NFPA 101, Life Safety Code.
6.7.1* Emergency lighting system should be permitted to be powered by the
telecommunication facility battery system.
6.7.1.1* Where the telecommunication facility battery system is utilized to
power the emergency lighting system, it shall have adequate reserves to meet
the loads of the telecommunication equipment and the emergency lighting load
connected for the minimum time required in accordance with NFPA 101 Life
Safety Code.
A.6.7.1 The telecommunication facility normally has a battery system to
operate the telecommunication equipment during power failure. This enables
the public to use the communication network during power failures or planned
outages for equipment servicing. This battery system is hence sufficiently
reliable as a source for emergency lighting systems as required by NFPA 101,
Life Safety Code.
A.6.7.1.1 The telecommunication facility battery system is normally designed
for a three hour battery reserve when the facility has an auto start backup
generator. Longer battery reserves may be supplied when the facility is served
by a portable or manual start backup generator.
76-8
NFPA 76
Substantiation: Emergency lighting should be required in all areas of the
telecommunication facility, not just in the telecommunication equipment areas
as per the NFPA 76 2002 Edition. The battery system used for the signal
processing equipment should be permitted to supply power to the emergency
lighting system.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-34 Log #15 Final Action: Accept in Principle
( 6.5.4.7 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Paul H. Dobson, FM Global
Recommendation: Delete the following text:
6.5.4.7 Emergency lighting should be provided in the telecommunications
equipment spaces in accordance with NFPA 101, Life Safety Code.
Substantiation: Not needed. New construction must comply with NFPA 101.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
Committee Statement: See 76-33 (Log #CP59).
________________________________________________________________
76-35 Log #CP60 Final Action: Accept
( 6.5.5.1 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
6.5.5.1 All additional wire, cables and signal processing telecommunication
equipment installed after January 1, 2003, whether owned or co-located, should
meet the recommendations in shall be in accordance with Section 8.8.
Substantiation: Correction for date.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-36 Log #33 Final Action: Reject
( 6.5.6 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Revise text as follows:
6.5.6 Fire Detection.
6.5.6.1 General. Signal processing Telecommunications equipment areas
spaces should be provided with a very early warning fire detection (VEWFD)
system for detection and alarm processing in accordance with Chapter 8.
6.6.6.1.1 Raised floor areas that do not have a common airflow with the
above floor area and contain combustibles should be provided with an early
warning fire detection (EWFD) system.
6.6.6.1.2 Where raised floor areas share common airflow with the above
floor area, the VEWFD provided above should be considered adequate to
protect the area below the raised floor.
6.9.5.1.1 Raised floor areas that do not have a common airflow with the
above floor and or contain combustibles should be provided with VEWFD in
the plenum.
6.9.5.1.2 Raised floor areas that share common airflow with the above floor
area and contain combustibles should be provided with VEWFD in the plenum.
6.9.5.1.3 Where raised floor areas share common airflow with the above
floor area and the raised floor underfloor does not contain combustibles, the
VEWFD provided above should be considered adequate to protect the area
below the raised floor.
Substantiation: Correction for combinations not considered. Also proper
response to a fire with a compartment or part of a compartment will require
proper detection strategies.
Committee Meeting Action: Reject
Committee Statement: Testing has confirmed the validity of the existing text.
________________________________________________________________
76-37 Log #20 Final Action: Accept in Principle
( 6.5.7.1, 6.5.7.1.1, 6.5.7.1.2, 6.7.6.1, 6.7.6.1.1, 6.8.6.1, 6.8.6.1.1, 6.9.6.1,
6.9.1.1, 6.9.6.1.2, 6.10.7.1, 6.10.7.1.1, 6.12.4.2.1, 6.12.4.2.1.1, 6.13.4.2.1,
6.13.4.2.1.1, 8.6.3.1.1, 8.6.3.1.2 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
6.5.7.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Signal processing equipment
Telecommunications equipment spaces areas should be provided with listed
portable fire extinguishers suitable for use on electronic signal processing
equipment in accordance with Section 8.6.
6.5.7.1.1 The selection, placement, and maintenance of portable fire
extinguishers should be in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for
Portable Fire Extinguishers.
6.5.7.1.2 Because of the sensitive nature of the electronic signal processing
equipment, dry chemical and corrosive liquid agent portable fire extinguishers
should not be used.
6.7.6.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Cable entrance facility areas facilities
should be provided with listed portable extinguishers suitable for use on
energized cable and ordinary combustible fires electronic equipment in
accordance with Section 8.6. The selection, placement, and maintenance of
Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA
portable fire extinguishers should be in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for
Portable Fire Extinguishers.
6.7.6.1.1 The selection, placement, and maintenance of portable fire
extinguishers should be in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for
Portable Fire Extinguishers.
6.8.6.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Power areas should be provided with
listed portable extinguishers suitable for use on energized and electronic
equipment in accordance with Section 8.6. The selection, placement, and
maintenance of portable fire extinguishers should be in accordance with NFPA
10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers.
6.8.6.1.1 The selection, placement and maintenance of portable fire
extinguishers should be in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for
Portable Fire Extinguishers.
6.9.6.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Main distribution frame areas spaces
should be provided with listed portable fire extinguishers suitable for use on
energized electronic equipment in accordance with Section 8.6.
6.9.6.1.1 The selection, placement and maintenance of portable fire
extinguishers should be in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for
Portable Fire Extinguishers.
6.9.6.1.2 Because of the sensitive nature of the electronic equipment
exposed wiring contacts, dry chemical and corrosive liquid agent portable fire
extinguishers should not be used.
6.10.7.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Standby engine areas spaces should be
provided with listed portable extinguishers suitable for use on both energized
electronic equipment and expected liquid or gaseous fuel fires in accordance
with Section 8.6.
6.10.7.1.1 The selection, placement and maintenance of portable fire
extinguishers should be in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for
Portable Fire Extinguishers.
6.12.4.2.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Administrative areas should be
provided with listed portable extinguishers suitable for use in accordance with
Section 8.6.
6.12.4.2.1.1 The selection, placement and maintenance of portable fire
extinguishers should be in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for
Portable Fire Extinguishers.
6.13.4.2.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Building service and support areas
should be provided with listed portable extinguishers suitable for use in
accordance with Section 8.6.
6.13.4.2.1.1 The selection, placement and maintenance of portable fire
extinguishers should be in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for
Portable Fire Extinguishers.
8.6.3.1.1 Where recommended, listed portable extinguishers suitable for use
on energized telecommunications equipment should be provided. They should
be installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for Portable
Fire Extinguishers.
8.6.3.1.2* Portable fire extinguishers containing dry chemical or corrosive
liquid agents should not be installed for the protection of telecommunications
equipment areas.
8.6.3.1.1 Where recommended or provided the selection, placement and
maintenance of portable fire extinguishers should be in accordance with NFPA
10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers.
8.6.3.1.2 Because of the sensitive nature of the electronic equipment found in
signal processing equipment areas, MDF areas, and power areas, dry chemical
and corrosive liquid agent portable fire extinguishers should not be used.
Substantiation: Consistency, clarity and to eliminate conflict. Fire
extinguisher selection for administrative areas and other areas could be
improperly influenced by need for clean agent portable fire extinguishers in
second 8.6. Note: Bold text could be deleted as it is repetitive.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
1. Acept the proposed wording without the bold text.
2. Revise 8.6.3.1.1 to read as follows:
The selection, placement, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers
shall be in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire
Extinguishers
3. Renumber 8.6.3.1.1. as 8.6.3.1.2 and delete the existing 8.6.3.1.2.
Committee Statement: Clarification.
________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________
76-38 Log #3 Final Action: Reject
( 6.5.7.2 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Eddie Phillips, Southern Fire Code Development Committee
Recommendation: Revise to read:
6.5.7.2 Automatic Fire Suppression. Automatic fire suppression should
be provided in accordance with Section 8.6. Careful consideration should
be made to recognize the impact the agent could have on the energized
telecommunications equipment.
6.5.7.2.1. Within telecommunications facilities, automatic fire suppression These ducts may collect combustible gases and liquids and direct them towards
can be omitted on floors or spaces within floors containing telecommunications the telecommunication facility. The cable penetrations should be sealed to
equipment provided the floor or space containing the telecommunications
equipment is equipped with:
1. A very early warning fire detection system (VEWFD) transmitting an
alarm to a remote, proprietary or central station alarm at a constantly manned and non-telecommunication equipment areas spaces by a minimum of
location; and,
2. Telecommunications spaces, in which automatic fire suppression is to be
76-9
NFPA 76
omitted, are provided with a smoke control system shall be designed to control
the migration of products of combustion. Upon detection of a fire, the system
should shut down the air supply to the fire floor and the return air from all non-
fire floors. The system should exhaust products of combustion to the exterior
of the building. Any other approved design which will achieve the same level
of smoke control as described in this section may be used in lieu of these
requirements; and,
3. Telecommunications spaces, in which automatic fire suppression are
omitted, should be separated from the remainder of the floor by one hour fire
resistant partitions extending from the floor to the underside of the floor or roof
above: and,
4. Telecommunications spaces, in which automatic fire suppression
is omitted, should be separated from other floors by two hour fire rated
construction: and,
5. All other portions of the building not included within the
telecommunications equipment space should be provided with automatic fire
suppression.
Substantiation: The proposed language provides guidance on the omission
of fire protection systems in these occupancies. Although fires in these type
of occupancies are rare, the consequences are severe when they do occur.
Telecommunications facilities can frequently be placed in buildings of other
occupancies, this language will ensure a reasonable level of protection is
provided to both the facility and the adjacent uses.
Committee Meeting Action: Reject
Committee Statement: The committee felt that the concerns that the
submitter raised are already addressed by fire protection elements outlined in
the document.
________________________________________________________________
76-39 Log #31 Final Action: Accept in Principle
( 6.5.8.2 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
6.5.8.2 Small work spaces, directly related to the support of the signal
processing telecommunications equipment, should be permitted within the
signal processing equipment area if the following conditions are met:
(1) Case furniture, including desks, should be constructed of noncombustible
material (e.g., metal). The construction can include a high pressure laminate
veneer on desk top
(2) Any paper records, manuals, and drawings should be stored in fully
enclosed noncombustible cabinets or cases
(3) Space dividers and system furniture panels and chairs Chairs with
upholstered assemblies seats and backs should comply with one of the
following:
(a) NFPA 266, Standard Method of Test for Fire Characteristics of
Upholstered Furniture Exposed to a Flaming Ignition Source, or ASTM E
1537, Standard Method for Fire Testing of Upholstered Furniture Items, or
UL 1056, UL Standard for Safety Fire Text of Upholstered Furniture, with a
maximum rate of heat release of 80 kW (76 Btu/s) and a maximum total heat
released, within the first 10 minutes of the test, of 25 mJ (23,700 Btu)
(b) California Technical Bulletin 133, State of California Department of
Consumer Affairs bureau of Home Furnishings, and Thermal Insulation
Technical Bulletin 133, Flammability Test Procedure for Seating Furniture
for Use in Public Occupancies, or UL 1056, UL Standard for Safety Fire Test
of Upholstered Furniture, and noncombustible containers are provided for
combustible material.
Substantiation: Space dividers and system furniture panels are common.
Their vertical orientation would support rapid fire growth without fire retardant
protection.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
6.5.8.2 Technical support areas in accordance with 6.11 shall be permitted.
Committee Statement: See Committee Statement on 76-62 (Log #CP94).
________________________________________________________________
76-40 Log #24 Final Action: Accept in Principle
( 6.6 )
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
6.6 Cable Entrance Facility Area Facilities.
6.6.1* General. Cable entrance facility area facilities should be arranged
to minimize the intrusion of gas and liquid into the building, to limit the fuel
load, to prevent the spread of fire and smoke to other areas, and to prevent the
intrusion of unwanted electrical sheath currents in accordance with NFPA 70,
National Electrical Code.
A.6.6.1 Large cables enter a telecommunication facility in underground ducts.
prevent gas and liquid intrusion into the building.
6.6.2 Compartmentation. Cable entrance facility areas facilities
should be separated from adjacent telecommunications equipment areas
2-hour fire-resistance-rated construction in accordance with Section
8.2. Telecommunication facilities containing less than 2500 sq ft of
Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA
telecommunications equipment areas shall not be required to comply with this
requirement.
6.6.2.1 The recommended fire resistance should be permitted to be reduced
to 1 hour, if the cable entrance facility area is protected throughout by an
automatic fire suppression system.
Telecommunication facilities containing less than 2500 sq ft of
telecommunications equipment area shall not be required to comply with this
requirement.
6.6.2.2 Compartmentation is not necessary where the cable entrance
terminates directly within the main distribution frame area.
6.6.3 Building Service Equipment. Building service equipment should be
limited to that needed to support the space.
6.6.4 Telecommunications Equipment. All cables and telecommunications
equipment that extend from the cable entrance facility to other spaces within
the building installed in cable entrance facilities after January 1, 2003, whether
owned or co-located, should be in accordance with Section 8.8 as appropriate
for the type of cable or telecommunications equipment.
6.6.4 Telecommunications Equipment. All additional wire, cables and
equipment installed in the power cable entrance facility area, whether owned or
co-located, shall be in accordance with Section 8.8 as appropriate for the type
of wire, cable and equipment. (ROP CP55).
6.6.4.1* Wire, cable and equipment shall be industry standard compliant and
shall be installed and used in configurations and uses for which it has been
tested (ROP CP55).
6.6.5 Fire Detection.
6.6.5.1 General. Cable entrance facility areas facilities should be provided
with EWFD system in accordance with Chapter 8 for detection and alarm
processing.
6.6.5.1.1 Where ambient conditions prohibit installation of automatic smoke
detection, other appropriate automatic fire detection should be considered.
6.6.5.2 Installation. All fire alarm, detection, and alarm notification
equipment should be installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 72,
National Fire Alarm Code.
6.6.6 Fire Suppression.
6.6.6.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Cable entrance facilities should be
provided with listed portable extinguishers suitable for use on electronic
equipment in accordance with Section 8.6. The selection, placement, and
maintenance of portable fire extinguishers should be in accordance with NFPA
10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers.
6.6.6.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Cable entrance facility areas facilities
should be provided with listed portable extinguishers suitable for use on
energized cable and ordinary combustible fires electronic equipment in
accordance with Section 8.6. The selection, placement, and maintenance of
portable fire extinguishers should be in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for
Portable fire Extinguishers.
6.6.6.1.1 The selection, placement, and maintenance of portable fire
extinguishers should be in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for Portable
Fire Extinguishers.
6.6.6.2 Automatic Fire Suppression. Where automatic fire suppression
systems are provided, they should be in accordance with Section 8.6.
6.6.7 Limitation of Combustibles. Cable entrance facility areas facilities
should not be used for the storage of combustible materials or other equipment
not related to the cable entrance facility operations.
6.6.8 Special Hazards. Cable entrance facility areas facilities should be
vented with either gravity vents or with positive venting in order to minimize
the buildup of methane gas.
6.6.9 Smoke Management Systems. Where smoke management systems are
provided, they shall comply with Section 8.7. (ROP CP64)
Substantiation: Consistency and completeness.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
1. Revise the text as submitted without 6.6.6.1.1.
2. In 6.6.2 and 6.6.2.1 change “telecommunications equipment” to “signal
processing area”.
3. Paragraph 6.6.9 is covered by Log CP 64 and no additional changes are
being made.
Committee Statement: The topic of 6.6.6.1.1 is covered in Chapter 6 (see
76-37 (Log #20)). The Committee felt that 6.6.2 and 6.6.2.1 should only cover
signal processing areas. Paragraph 6.6.9 is covered by 76-43 (Log #CP64).
See 76-42 (Log #CP55) for annex material for 6.6.4.
________________________________________________________________
76-41 Log #26 Final Action: Accept in Principle
( 6.6.4, 6.8.3, 6.9.3 (New) )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Add text to read as follows:
6.8.3* Building Service Equipment. building service equipment shall be
provided in accordance with Section 6.5. (ROP CP61)
Telecommunication facilities containing less than 232 m2 (2500 ft2) of
telecommunications equipment area shall not be required to comply with the
requirements of this paragraph.
6.8.3.1* Building service equipment shall be limited to that needed to
support the space and adjacent telecommunications equipment areas excluding
the standby engine area. (ROP CP61)
6.9.3* Building Service Equipment. Building service equipment shall be
provided in accordance with Section 6.5. (ROP CP62)
76-10
NFPA 76
Telecommunication facilities containing less than 232 m2 (2500 ft2) of
telecommunications equipment area shall not be required to comply with the
requirements of this paragraph.
6.9.3.1* Building service equipment shall be limited to that needed to
support the space and adjacent telecommunications equipment areas excluding
the standby engine area. (ROP CP62)
6.6.4* Building Service Equipment. Building service equipment shall be
provided in accordance with Section 6.5. (ROP CP54)
Telecommunication facilities containing less than 232 m2 (2500 ft2) of
telecommunications equipment area shall not be required to comply with the
requirements of this paragraph.
6.6.4.1* Building service equipment shall be limited to that needed to
support the space and adjacent telecommunications equipment areas excluding
the standby engine area. (ROP CP54)
Substantiation: Text to be adjusted for CP 50 taking into account the reduced
requirements for small buildings.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
Accept the recommended text and change “telecommunications equipment” to
“signal processing equipment areas”
Committee Statement: Editorial modification. The Committee recognized
that the submitterʼs paragraph numbering reflects the new rewrite draft.
________________________________________________________________
76-42 Log #CP55 Final Action: Accept
( 6.6.4, A.6.6.4 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Add text to read as follows:
(A.6.6.4) Cable entering the cable entrance facility from outside normally
does not have any fire resistive properties since it is buried and not exposed to
fire. This incoming cable is then spliced to cable, which complies with Section
8.8, in order to connect to equipment elsewhere in the facility.
Substantiation: Equipment cannot extend from the cable vault because it
does not in reality and cannot in practicality since the wall is fire rated. Cable
penetrations in the fire rated separations can be fire stopped. Changes to
paragraph 6.6.4 are covered by Log #24.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-43 Log #CP64 Final Action: Accept
( 6.6.9 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Add text to read as follows:
6.6.9 Smoke Management Systems. Where smoke management systems are
provided, they shall comply with Section 8.7.
Substantiation: Cable vaults are usually in a basement and smoke venting to
the outside is difficult. If smoke management is provided for this hazard area
the criteria should be referenced.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-44 Log #28 Final Action: Reject
( 6.7 (New) )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: 6.7.4.2 Wire, cables and telecommunication equipment
that do not comply with the fire safety requirements of standards referenced in
Section 8.8 should be separated from the remainder of the telecommunications
equipment area by either of the following:
(1) Sufficient spatial separation and smoke management to prevent fire and
smoke damage to equipment other than the equipment of fire origin
(2) A rated fire separation with a minimum fire resistance of 1 hour
6.7.4.2.1 Where major telecommunication equipment, wire, or cable do not
comply with Section 8.8, appropriate automatic fire suppression should be
provided.
Substantiation: The required treatment for equipment not compliant with
standards are not provided in NFPA 76 2002 Edition.
Committee Meeting Action: Reject
Committee Statement: NFPA 1 chapter 52 allows power equipment to be in
the same space that it supports.
________________________________________________________________
76-45 Log #16 Final Action: Accept in Principle
( 6.7.3 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Paul H. Dobson, FM Global
Recommendation: Delete the following text:
6.7.3 Building Service Equipment. Building services should be provided in
accordance with the requriements of the applicable and mechanical electrical
codes.
Substantiation: Editorial. There is no mention of mechanical or electrical
codes that should be complied with.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
Committee Statement: See 76-46 (Log #CP61).
Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA
_______________________________________________________________
76-46 Log #CP61 Final Action: Accept
( 6.7.3, 6.7.3.1 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Add text to read as follows:
A.6.7.3.1 (A.6.8.3.1) Central building service equipment i.e. chillers, pumps,
main air handlers, boilers, should not be located in telecommunications
equipment areas. Self contained air conditioning units should be located
outside of the telecommunications equipment areas unless there is a need to
place them within the telecommunications equipment areas.
Substantiation: HVAC requirements are proposed to be moved to a common
section, identified as 6.5, however renumber as required, for the entire facility.
New text is the application to this hazard area. The text for 6.7.3 and
6.7.3.1 is covered by Log #26.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-46a Log #CP56 Final Action: Accept
( 6.7.4, 6.7.4.1 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows and renumber accordingly:
6.7.4. (6.8.4)Telecommunications Equipment. All additional wire, cables
and power equipment installed in the power area after January 1, 2003, whether
owned or co-located, shall be in accordance with Section 8.8 as appropriate for
the type of wire, cable and equipment .
6.7.4.1* (6.8.4.1*) Wire, cable and equipment shall be industry standard
compliant and shall be installed and used in configurations and uses for which
it has been tested.
A.6.7.4.1 (A.6.8.4.1) A provision of wire, cable, and equipment that is
resistant to ignition and subsequent fire spread has a direct impact on the
frequency and severity of fires in telecommunications facilities.
Substantiation: Correction for date.
Added 6.7.4.1 to match signal processing equipment hazard area
requirements. Editorially revised to match Log 23.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-47 Log #9 Final Action: Accept in Principle
( 6.7.8 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Chuck Slagle Overland Park, KS
Recommendation: Proposed NFPA 76 Addition for Chapter 6, large facilities.
6.7.8.1 Safety Venting. Lead acid batteries should be provided with safety
venting caps.
6.7.8.2 Spill control and Neutralization. An approved method and
appropriate materials for the control and neutralization of a spill of electrolyte
should be provided in power areas.
6.7.8.2.1 The method and materials should be capable of controlling and
neutralizing a spill from the largest battery cell to a pH of between 7.0 and 9.0.
6.7.8.2.2 Acid Absorbent pillows used in telecommunications facilities shall
have the fabric pass a linear fire test that is in accordance with ASTM E648.
Substantiation: In a fire at Sprint in May 2003, the investigation revealed that
the fire originated in the battery rack and the flame spread was promoted by the
flammability of the fabric covering on the acid spill containment bags. Based
on vendor discussions, it was determined that there was no requirement for
vendors selling these bags to have the covering of acid spill containment bags
tested for flammability. Since NFPA 76 is seeking to reduce ignition sources
in telecommunications offices by performance and prescriptive standards, it
is proposed that the committee charged with re-writing the large and small
building sections of the recommended practice, consider the above wording in
the late April re-write.
The ASTME 648 standard reference was obtained from tests conducted by
UL for Enviroguard. According to the UL document, this is the standard
that UL used for the test. It is my understanding that UL is in the process of
developing acid spill containment bag fabric tests based on this standard.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
Committee Statement: See Committee Action on 76-48 (Log #CP90).
________________________________________________________________
76-48 Log #CP90 Final Action: Accept in Principle
( 6.7.8, 6.7.8.1, 6.7.8.2, 6.7.8.2.1, 6.7.8.3, 6.7.8.4, 6.7.8.5, 6.7.8.6 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Add text to read as follows:
6.7.8 Special Hazards. See NFPA 1/UFC for requirements for stationary
lead acid batteries.
6.7.8.1 Safety Venting. Lead acid batteries should be provided with safety
venting caps.
6.7.8.2 Spill Control and Neutralization. An approved method and
appropriate materials for the control and neutralization of a spill of electrolyte
should be provided in power areas.
6.7.8.2.1 The method and materials should be capable of controlling and
neutralizing a spill from the largest battery cell to a pH of between 7.0 and 9.0.
76-11
NFPA 76
6.7.8.3* Thermal Runaway. The potential of thermal runaway of valve
regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries should be reduced by a proper battery
management program.
6.7.8.4 Ventilation. When a separate room is provided for the DC power
plant, the room should be provided with mechanical exhaust ventilation to limit
the maximum concentration of hydrogen to 1.0 percent of the total volume of
the room, or continuous ventilation should be provided at the rate of not less
than 0.3 m3/min/m2 (1 ft3/min/ft2) of floor area of the room.
6.7.8.5 Signs. When a separate room is provided for the direct current (dc)
power plant, doors into the room should be provided with signs indicating the
use of the room.
6.7.8.6 Seismic Protection. The battery systems should be seismically braced
in seismic zones that need such bracing.
Substantiation: Scoping. Cites appropriate reference in fire code.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
Delete the text as recommended and revise 6.7.8 to read as follows:
6.7.8 Special Hazards. Stationary lead acid battery areas shall comply with
NFPA 1 UFC.
Committee Statement: Editorial change to submitted text.
________________________________________________________________
76-49 Log #10 Final Action: Reject
( 6.7.8.3 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Stephen W. McCluer, American Power Conversion Corp
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
Thermal Runaway. The potential for thermal runaway of in valve regulated
lead acid (VRLA) batteries should shall be reduced by a proper an approved
battery management program.
Substantiation: Thermal runaway is the most severe failure condition for
VRLA batteries. It produces extreme heat and potentially dangerous gases,
and it can occur within a few hours. Technology to prevent thermal runaway
is readily available from most (if not all) manufacturers of telecom power
equipment and should be mandatory. The AHJ can judge its suitability.
Committee Meeting Action: Reject
Committee Statement: See Committee Action on 76-48 (Log #CP90).
________________________________________________________________
76-50 Log #23 Final Action: Accept in Principle
( 6.8 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
6.8 Power Areas.
6.8.1* General. Power areas should be arranged to provide protection against
fire and smoke in adjacent areas spaces, to provide protection against fire and
smoke spread to adjacent telecommunications equipment, and to provide for
the capability to disconnect power supplies to telecommunication from signal
processing telecommunications equipment to facilitate emergency intervention.
6.8.4 Telecommunications Equipment. All additional wire, cables and power
equipment installed, whether owned or co-located, should be in accordance
with Section 8.8 (ROP CP56)
6.8.4.1 Wire, cable and equipment should be used in configurations and uses
for which it has been tested. (ROP CP56)
6.8.7.1 Combustible construction and maintenance materials for work that
directly supports telecommunication telecommunications signal processing
equipment should be limited in accordance with Section 9.4.
6.8.8.4* Ventilation. When a separate room is provided for the DC power
plant, the room The power area should be provided with mechanical exhaust
ventilation to limit the maximum concentration of hydrogen to 1.0 percent of
the total volume of the room, or continuous ventilation should be provided at
the rate of not less than 0.3 m3/min/m2 (1 ft3/min/ft2) of floor area of the room.
A.6.8.8.4 The charging of batteries can generate hydrogen gas. The
hydrogen gas concentration must be maintained at 25 percent of the lower
explosive limit, or 1 percent of the total room volume containing the batteries
by mechanical ventilation.
Substantiation: 6.8.1 A comprehensive de-power plan should require the de-
powering capability of the power supply to all equipment not just a selection of
equipment. The existing wording implies that no disconnection capabilities are
required for the power equipment that is used to supply the power to the signal
processing equipment.
6.8.4 Clarification to CP56.
6.8.7.1 Telecommunication equipment is more correct than the narrow scope
of signal processing equipment. In fact the text does not permit material
required for the construction and maintenance of power equipment.
6.8.8.4 Ventilation of hydrogen is required regardless, if the battery area is
enclosed or is part of a larger room.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
Revise the text as submitted except do not change 6.8.8.4 and A.6.8.8.4.
Paragraph 6.8.8.4 was deleted by 76-48 (Log #CP90). Make no additional
changes to paragraphs 6.8.4 and 6.8.4.1 as they were changed by 76-46a (Log
#CP56).
Committee Statement: 76-48 (Log #CP90) deleted 6.8.8.4. Paragraphs
6.8.4 and 6.8.4.1 were changed by 76-46a (Log #CP56). Submittal numbering
reflects rewrite draft.
Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA
________________________________________________________________
76-51 Log #45 Final Action: Accept in Principle
( 6.8, 6.7 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Add new text as follows:
6.8.2 Construction.
6.8.2.1 Floor/Ceiling Assemblies. Floor/ceiling assemblies over main
distribution frame areas should be constructed to protect against the penetration
of water from the roof or occupied spaces above.
6.8.2.2 Raised Floors.
6.8.2.2.1 Structural supporting members and decking for raised floors should
be of noncombustible material.
6.8.2.2.2 Access sections or panels should be provided in raised floors so that
all the space beneath is accessible.
6.8.2.2.3 Floor puller(s) should be provided to gain access beneath the raised
floor. Floor pullers should be located in break open boxes located at every fire
fighting access route to raised floor areas.
6.8.2.2.3 Electric cable openings in floors should be made smooth or should
be otherwise protected to preclude the possibility of damage to the cables.
6.8.2.2.4 The space beneath any raised floors should not be used for storage.
6.8.2.2.5 Abandoned wire and cables should not be allowed to accumulate.
Wire and cables not identified for future use should be removed.
Renumber 6.8.2 Compartmentation to follow this proposal.
Same text proposed for Power area hazard area.
Substantiation: For consistency. Current edition refers to smoke detection
recommendations for a main distribution frame area with a raised floor yet
does not recommend any criteria for a raised floor. Similar requirements as per
existing signal processing equipment area construction. Also for power area.
The proposed text can be made generic for the facility and referenced in the
hazard areas requirements or recommendations.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
Revise the text as submitted with the changes accepted on proposal Log #44.
The last sentence of the proposal was not accepted by the committee.
Add new text as follows:
6.8.2 Construction.
6.8.2.1 Floor/Ceiling Assemblies. Floor/ceiling assemblies over main
distribution frame areas should be constructed to protect against the penetration
of water from the roof or occupied spaces above.
6.8.2.2 Raised Floors.
6.8.2.2.1 Structural supporting members and decking for raised floors should
be of noncombustible material.
6.8.2.2.2 Access sections or panels should be provided in raised floors so that
all the space beneath is accessible. Floor puller(s) should be provided to gain
access beneath the raised floor.
6.8.2.2.3 Dedicated floor puller(s) should be provided to gain access beneath
the raised floor and located at every fire fighting access route to raised floor
areas. .
6.8.2.2.3 Electric cable openings in floors should be made smooth or should
be otherwise protected to preclude the possibility of damage to the cables.
6.8.2.2.4 The space beneath any raised floors should not be used for storage.
A.6.8.2.2.3 Floor pullers should be located in break open boxes
Renumber 6.8.2 Compartmentation to follow this proposal.
Committee Statement: See Committee Statement on 76-29 (Log #44).
________________________________________________________________
76-52 Log #1 Final Action: Reject
( 6.8.2.1 )
________________________________________________________________
This Proposal appears as Comment 76-23Log # 20) which was held from
the F2001 ROC on Propsoal 76-540
Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
6.8.2.1 Wire, fiber, and cable contained within equipment assemblies should
comply with the flammability requirements in ANSI T1.307, Fire Resistance
Criteria - Ignitability Requirements for Equipment Assemblies and Fire
Spread Requirements for Wire and Cable and the test methods referred therein
including smoke generation tests, where available. Wire, fiber and cable,
including communications cable, optical fiber cable and power wire and cable,
external to equipment assemblies should comply with the flammability and
smoke generation requirements of 6.8.2.1.1 through 6.8.2.1.3, as applicable.
Cables meeting the requirements of 6.8.2.1.1. through 6.8.2.1.3 should also be
permitted to be used for interconnect wire within equipment assemblies.
6.8.2.1.1 Cables should be listed as meeting (a) the flame propagation
requirements of the vertical tray flame test in UL 1581, Reference Standard
for Electrical Wires, Cables, and Flexible Cords, Section 1160 (with the
cable not spreading flame to the top of the tray), or (b) the flame propagation
requirements of IEEE 1202, Standard for Flame Testing of Cables for Use
in Cable Tray in Industrial and Commercial Occupancies, or of the FT4 test
in CSA “Vertical Flame Test - Cables in Cable Trays,” in Test Methods for
Electrical Wires and Cables, CSA C22.2 No. 0.3-1996, with damage (char
length) not exceeding 1.5 m, or (c) the limited smoke requirements of UL
1685, Vertical-tray Fire Propagation and Smoke Release Test for Electrical and
Optical Fiber Cables (in either test configuration). Cables listed as riser cables,
per 6.8.2.1.2, or as plenum cables, per 6.8.2.1.3, should be considered to satisfy
76-12
NFPA 76
the requirements of this section.
6.8.2.1.2 Cables in riser shafts should be listed as riser cables by meeting
the requirements of UL 1666, Standard Test for Flame Propagation Height of
Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables Installed Vertically in Shafts, (with the
cable being capable of preventing the carrying of fire from floor to floor).
Cables listed as plenum cables, per 6.8.2.1.3, should be considered to satisfy
the requirements of this section.
6.8.2.1.3 Cables in ducts, plenums, or other spaces used for environmental
air, should either (a) be listed as plenum cables by meeting the requirements
of NFPA 262, Standard Method for Test for Fire and Smoke Characteristics of
Wires and Cables, (with the cable having a maximum flame spread of 1.52 m,
a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 and a maximum average optical density
of 0.15) or (b) comply with the requirements of Article 300-22 of the National
Electrical Code, NFPA 70. Power cables should not be installed in plenums
unless they are enclosed in a raceway as required by Article.300-22 of the
National Electrical Code, NFPA 70.
Substantiation: T1.307 is slightly confusing in that it would appear that
communications cables are not permitted to be used when installed in non
combustible raceways, when that is not the case. Moreover, T1.307 does
not describe the test method to be used within UL 1581 or within CSA 0.3.
Moreover, T1.307 also addresses a test being withdrawn by IEEE as obsolete,
IEEE 383, which is much less well defined than the other tests. Moreover, it
does not explain that UL 1685 is a smoke and flame propagation test, and thus
different from the other vertical cable tray tests. Finally, it does not address
the substitution, as the NEC permits, of cables tested to more severe tests for
cables inside equipment meeting only the VW-1 test.
Committee Meeting Action: Reject
Committee Statement: The Committee understands that the changes
proposed to the new edition of T1.307 embrace the submitterʼs intent and the
Committee references that document. Therefore, no change is required in this
document.
________________________________________________________________
76-53 Log #CP62 Final Action: Accept
( 6.8.3, 6.8.3.1 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: 1. Delete the following:
6.8.3 Building Service Equipment. Building service equipment should be
limited to that needed to support the space.
2. Add text to read as follows:
A.6.8.3.1 (A.6.9.3.1) Central building service equipment i.e. chillers, pumps,
main air handlers, boilers, should not be located in telecommunications
equipment areas. Self contained air conditioning units should be located
outside of the telecommunications equipment areas unless there is a need to
place them within the telecommunications equipment areas.
Substantiation: HVAC requirements are proposed to be moved to a common
section, identified as 6.5, however renumber as required, for the entire facility.
New text is the application to this hazard area. Paragraphs 6.8.3 and 6.8.3.1
are covered by Log 26
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-54 Log #CP52 Final Action: Accept
( 6.8.4, 6.8.4.1 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
6.8.4 (6.9.4)Telecommunications Equipment. All additional wire, cables
and equipment installed after January 1, 2003, whether owned or co-located,
should be in accordance with Section 8.8.
New (6.9.4.1) Wire, cable and equipment should be used in configurations
and uses for which it has been tested.
Substantiation: Correction for date.
Added 6.8.4.1 to match signal processing equipment hazard area
requirements.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-55 Log #39 Final Action: Reject
( 6.8.5.1 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
6.8.5.1 General. Main distribution frame areas spaces should be provided
with very early warning fire detection, VEWFD, system in accordance with
Chapter 8 for detection and alarm processing.
6.8.5.1.1 Raised floor areas that do not have a common airflow with the
above floor area and contain combustibles should be provided with EWFD.
6.8.5.1.2 Where raised floor areas share common airflow with the above
floor area, the VEWFD provided above should be considered adequate to
protect the area below the raised floor.
6.9.5.1.1 Raised floor areas that do not have a common airflow with the
above floor area and or contain combustibles should be provided with VEWFD
in the plenum.
Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA
6.9.5.1.4 Raised floor areas that share common airflow with the above floor
area and contain combustibles should be provided with VEWFD in the plenum.
6.9.5.1.5 Where raised floor areas share common airflow with the above
floor area and the raised floor underfloor does not contain combustibles, the
VEWFD provided above should be considered adequate to protect the area
below the raised floor.
Substantiation: MDF areas normally have very limited cooling requirements.
The performance of VEWFD is questionable without frequent air turns. The
environment for MDF is very different than for signal processing equipment
areas.
Committee Meeting Action: Reject
Committee Statement: The submittal lacks technical justification to support
it.
________________________________________________________________
76-56 Log #32 Final Action: Accept in Principle
( 6.8.7 (New) )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Add text to read as follows:
6.8.7.2 Small work spaces, directly related to the support of the MDF
equipment, should be permitted within the MDF area if the following
conditions are met:
(1) Case furniture, including desks, should be constructed of noncombustible
material (e.g., metal). The construction can include a high pressure laminate
veneer on desk top
(2) Any paper records, manuals, and drawing should be stored in fully
enclosed noncombustible cabinets or cases
(3) Space dividers and system furniture panels and chairs with upholstered
assemblies should comply with one of the following:
(a) NFPA 266, Standard Method of Test for Fire Characteristics of
Upholstered Furniture Exposed to a Flaming Ignition Source, or ASTM E
1537, Standard Method of Fire Testing of Upholstered Furniture Items, or
UL 1056, UL Standard for Safety Fire Test of Upholstered Furniture, with a
maximum rate of heat release of 80 kW (76 Btuʼs) and a maximum total heat
released, within the first 10 minutes of the test, of 25 mJ (23,700 Btu)
(b) California Technical bulletin 133, State of California Department of
Consumer Affairs bureau of Home Furnishings, and Thermal Insulation
Technical Bulletin 133, Flammability Test Procedure for Seating Furniture
for Use in Public Occupancies, or UL 1056, UL Standard for Safety Fire Test
of Upholstered Furniture, and noncombustible containers are provided for
combustible material.
Substantiation: The MDF area is one of the areas that is typically more often
occupied by full time and part time technicians than any other hazard area in
the telecommunication equipment areas. Their administrative area should have
controls applied small work spaces to match those recommended for the signal
processing area.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
6.8.7 Technical support areas in accordance with 6.11 shall be permitted.
Committee Statement: See Committee Statement on 76-62 (Log #CP94).
________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________
76-57 Log #18 Final Action: Reject
( 6.9 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Thomas G. McCarty, FM Global
Recommendation: Add text to read as follows:
6.9.3.2X Fuel transport piping between the fuel storage area and the standby
engine room should be provided in a double wall or guardian pipe or in an
enclosure with a 3 hour fire resistive rating. Any pipe rupture or substantial
leakage in the fuel transport piping should cause the fuel pumps to the standby
engine room to shut down.
Substantiation: Standby engines can be located a considerable distance from
the fuel source supplying the day tank for the engine. Fuel transport piping
can expose the equipment spaces and building structure to damage in the event from adjacent spaces by a minimum of 2-hour fire resistance rated construction
of fuel transport piping rupture and ignition. Fuel pumps would continue to
run in this scenario with a potential to empty the entire contents of the fuel tank automatic fire suppression systems, the fire resistance rating of the enclosure
at the point of rupture unless there is a means to shut down the fuel supply.
Committee Meeting Action: Reject
Committee Statement: The Committee feels that there is no loss experience
to support the submittal. The Committee felt that a scenario involving a spill
with an ignition source is very unlikely.
________________________________________________________________ facilities containing less than 2500 sq ft of telecommunications equipment area
76-58 Log #21 Final Action: Accept
( 6.9 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
6.9 Main Distribution Frames Area.
6.9.1 General. Main distribution frame areas spaces should be arranged to
provide protection against fires in adjacent areas spaces, to protect against fire shall not be required to comply with this requirement. (ROP CP49)
spread to adjacent telecommunications equipment, to provide protection from
smoke and related nonthermal damage, and to increase the survivability of the
main distribution frame equipment.
76-13
NFPA 76
6.9.2.1 Main distribution frames equipment consisting of components that
do not meet the fire safety requirements of standards referenced in Section 8.8
should be separated from other telecommunications equipment areas by 1-hour
fire-resistance-rated construction, or the area should be protected throughout by
an automatic fire suppression system.
6.9.4 Telecommunications Equipment. All additional wire, cables and
equipment installed after January 1, 2003, whether owned or co-located, should
be in accordance with Section 8.8. (ROP CP52)
6.9.5 Fire Detection.
6.9.5.1 General. Main distribution frame areas spaces should be provided
with a VEWFD system in accordance with Chapter 8 for detection and alarm
processing. Telecommunication facilities containing 2500 sq ft or less of
telecommunications equipment area shall be provided with an early warning
fire detection (EWFD) system for detection and alarm processing in accordance
with Chapter 8. (ROP CP49)
Substantiation: Clarity and consistency.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
Accept the submitted material except revise 6.9.5.1 as follows:
6.9.5.1 General. Main distribution frame areas spaces should be provided
with a VEWFD system in accordance with Chapter 8 for detection and alarm
processing. Telecommunication facilities containing 2500 sq ft or less of
signal processing equipment area shall be provided with an early warning fire
detection (EWFD) system for detection and alarm processing in accordance
with Chapter 8. (ROP 76-7 (Log #CP49)
The proposed changes to 6.9.4 are covered by 76-54 (Log #CP52).
Committee Statement: Editorial. Submitter numbering reflects rewrite draft.
________________________________________________________________
76-59 Log #30 Final Action: Accept in Principle
( 6.9 (New) )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Add text to read as follows:
6.9.6 Seismic Protection. Seismic bracing shall be provided in seismic zones
that need such bracing for:
(1) The starter batteries for the standby engine.
(2) The cooling system for the standby engine.
(3) The fuel supply system for the standby engine.
Substantiation: Seismic protection is required to mitigate fire risks and ensure
that the standby engine does start following an earthquake. Complement to the
earthquake bracing required in the power room under Section 6.7.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
Add text to read as follows:
6.9.6 Seismic Protection. Seismic bracing shall be provided in seismic zones
in accordance with NFPA 110.
Committee Statement: The Committee feels the Committee Action text meets
the submitterʼs intent.
________________________________________________________________
76-60 Log #22 Final Action: Accept in Part
( 6.10, 6.11, 6.12 )
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
6.10 Standby Engine Areas.
6.10.1 General. Standby engine areas should be arranged to prevent the
spread of fire to adjacent areas spaces and to reduce the hazards associated
with the fuel supply for the generator. General standby engines should
be installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 110, Standard for
Emergency and Standby Power Systems.
6.10.2 Construction. Where used, soundproofing should be of
noncombustible or limited-combustible materials.
6.10.3 Compartmentation.
6.10.3.1 Standby Engine Areas. Standby engine areas should be separated
in accordance with Section 8.3, or for standby engine areas protected by
can be reduced to a minimum of 1 hour.
6.10.3.1 Standby Engine Areas. Standby engine areas should be separated
from adjacent areas spaces by a minimum of 2-hour fire-resistance-rated
construction in accordance with Section 8.3, or for standby engine areas
protected by automatic fire suppression systems, the fire resistance rating of
the enclosure can be reduced to a minimum of 1 hour. Telecommunication
shall have the standby engine area from other areas by a minimum of one hour
fire resistive rated construction in accordance with 8.3. (ROP CP49)
6.10.3.2* Fuel Control. To limit fire spread and flashback, fuel supplies to
standby engines should be controlled by appropriate containment, automatic
fuel cutoffs in lines supplying the standby engine and any tanks in the
compartment, and by appropriate control of effluent. Telecommunication
facilities containing less than 2500 sq ft of telecommunications equipment area
6.10.3.3* Fuel Control. To limit fire spread and flashback, fuel supplies to
standby engines should be controlled by appropriate containment, automatic
fuel cutoffs in lines supplying the standby engine and any tanks in the
Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA
compartment, and by appropriate control of effluent.
6.10.4 Building Service Equipment. Building service equipment shall be
provided in accordance with the requirements of the applicable mechanical and
electrical codes.
6.10.x Building Service Equipment. Building service equipment shall be
provided in accordance with Section 6.5. (ROP CP62)
6.10.x.1* Building service equipment shall be limited to that needed to
support the space.
A.6.10.x.1 Central building service equipment i.e., chillers, pumps, main
air handlers, boilers, should not be located in telecommunications equipment
areas. Self contained air conditioning units should be located outside of the
telecommunications equipment areas unless there is a need to place them
within the telecommunications equipment areas.
6.11 Technical Support Areas.
6.11.1 General. Technical support areas should be arranged to protect against
fire spread to adjacent telecommunications telecommunication equipment
areas.
6.11.1.1 Binders and other paperwork associated with the support of signal
processing telecommunications telecommunications equipment should be kept
to a minimum and should be stored in noncombustible cabinets.
6.12 Administrative Areas.
6.12.1 General. Administrative areas should be arranged to prevent the spread
of fire to adjacent telecommunications telecommunication equipment areas.
6.12.2 Construction. Soundproofing, if used, should be of noncombustible
or limited-combustible materials. Floor assemblies over telecommunications
telecommunication equipment areas spaces should be constructed to protect
against the penetration of water.
Substantiation: Consistency. Incorrect deletion of words based on definitions
but not based on use of words.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Part
Accept the revised text except the 6.11, 6.11.1 and 6.11.1.1 will not be
included and revise as follows:
6.10.3.1 Standby Engine Areas. Standby engine areas should be separated
from adjacent areas spaces by a minimum of 2-hour fire-resistance-rated
construction in accordance with Section 8.3, or for standby engine areas
protected by automatic fire suppression systems, the fire resistance rating of
the enclosure can be reduced to a minimum of 1 hour. Telecommunication
facilities containing less than 2500 sq ft of signal processing equipment area
shall have the standby engine area separated from other areas by a minimum of
one hour fire resistive rated construction in accordance with 8.3. (ROP CP49)
6.10.3.2* Fuel Control. To limit fire spread and flashback, fuel supplies to
standby engines should be controlled by containment, automatic fuel cutoffs in
lines supplying the standby engine and any tanks in the compartment, and by
control of effluent. Telecommunication facilities containing less than 2500 sq
ft of signal processing equipment area shall not be required to comply with this
requirement. (ROP CP49)
A.6.10.x.1 Central building service equipment i.e., chillers, pumps, main
air handlers, boilers, should not be located in standby engine equipment
areas. Self contained air conditioning units should be located outside of the
standby engine equipment areas unless there is a need to place them within the
telecommunications equipment areas.
Committee Statement: See 76-62 (Log #CP94). Other changes are editorial
in nature. Submitted numbering reflects rewrite draft.
________________________________________________________________
76-61 Log #29 Final Action: Accept
( 6.10.5 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
6.10.5 Telecommunications Equipment Standby Engine Installation. Standby
engine installations should comply with NFPA 37, Standard for the Installation
and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines.
Substantiation: This is a better match for the subsequent material.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
Committee Statement: Submitted numbering reflects rewrite draft.
______________________________________________________________
76-62 Log #CP94 Final Action: Accept
( 6.11.1, 6.11.1.1, 6.11.1.2. 6.11.1.3 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: 1. Revise 6.11.1 as follows:
6.11.1 General. Technical support areas shall be arranged to increase the
survivability of telecommunications equipment areas in accordance with
6.11.1.1 through 6.11.2.
2. Replace 6.11.1.1, 6.11.1.2 and 6.11.1.3 with the following and renumber
accordingly:
6.11.1.1 Technical Support Areas. Small work spaces, shall be permitted
within the signal processing and MDF areas if the following conditions are
met:
(1) Office furniture shall be constructed of metal. The construction shall be
permitted to include a high pressure laminate veneer on desk top.
(2) Metal frame chairs with integral seat cushions shall be permitted.
(3) Cabinets, cases, and vertical partitions (cubicles) shall be constructed of
metal.
76-14
NFPA 76
(4) Any paper records, manuals, and drawings shall be stored in fully
enclosed metal cabinets or cases. The amount of records within the area shall
be kept to the absolute minimum required for essential and efficient operation.
Only records that are essential to the operations shall be permitted to be kept in
the area.
3. Add a new 6.8.7.2 to read as follows:
6.8.7.2 Technical support areas in accordance with 6.11 shall be permitted.
Substantiation: Space dividers and system furniture panels are common.
Their vertical orientation would support rapid fire growth without fire retardant
protection.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-63 Log #CP50 Final Action: Accept
( Chapter 7 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Add a new Chapter 7 and renumber existing chapters
accordingly. The new Chapter 7 will read as follows:
Chapter 7 Redundant- or Replacement-Based Approaches
7.1* General.
7.1.1 Application. This chapter applies to telecommunications facilities for
which service continuity is provided by:
a) Redundancy on site. The telecommunication owner/operator shall be
permitted to provide complete functionally redundant equipment in the same
facility with manual or automatic transfer of service. To ensure on-site
service continuity when using the redundant on-site approach, the redundant
equipment systems shall be physically separated using one hour fire resistance
construction and a smoke management system shall be provided.
b) Redundancy off site. The telecommunication owner/operator shall be
permitted to provide complete functionally redundant equipment at a remote
facility with manual or automatic transfer of service.
c) Replacement. The telecommunication owner/operator shall be permitted
to protect telecommunications service with replacement telecommunications
equipment, or facilities, or both where service can be quickly restored.
7.1.2* Redundancy or Replacement Approach. Where the performance-based
approach of Chapter 5, or the prescriptive elements of Chapter 6 are not used
the requirements of this chapter shall apply.
7.1.3* Maintenance of Redundancy or Replacement Approach. In order for
the redundancy or replacement approach to continue to meet the performance
goals and objectives of this standard, the selected approach shall be maintained
for the life of the facility.
7.2* Construction. Where the replacement approach necessitates that the
building survive a fire, the building construction shall be in accordance with
Section 8.2.
7.3 Protection from Exposures. Exterior walls and openings shall be protected
as required by NFPA 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code.
A.7.3 Exposure protection should be provided in accordance with NFPA
80A, Recommended Practice for Protection of Buildings from Exterior Fire
Exposures.
7.4 Means of Egress. Means of egress shall be provided in accordance with
NFPA 101, Life Safety Code.
7.5* Means for Depowering. (See Annex A.6.5. and Annex E.)
7.5.1* A depowering procedure shall be required for selective disconnect of
portions of the facility electrical systems to provide orderly shutdown of power
to increase safety of fire fighters and operating personnel and to minimize
disruption of communications services to the community served.
7.5.2 * Means to disconnect power from building service equipment, power
and lighting circuits, and telecommunications equipment shall be identified for
incident intervention.
7.5.3 The means shall be permitted to use normal power disconnect
equipment with appropriate marking.
7.5.4* Disconnecting power to portions of the electrical systems shall be
performed only after investigation and evaluation indicates:
(1) That emergency communications services have already failed due to the
fire incident,
(2) That removal of a circuit pack or power to an overloaded circuit will
terminate the event, or
(3) Where determined that intervention will mitigate the event.
7.6 Telecommunications Equipment Areas.
7.6.1* General. The following shall pertain to telecommunications areas.
7.6.1.1 Emergency lighting shall be provided in the facility in accordance with
NFPA 101, Life Safety Code.
7.6.1.2* Emergency lighting system shall be permitted to be powered by the
telecommunication facility standby battery system.
7.6.1.1.3* The telecommunication facility standby battery system shall have
adequate reserves to meet the loads of the telecommunication equipment and
the emergency lighting load connected for the minimum time required in
accordance with NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.
7.6.2* Compartmentation. Where administrative, building service and support,
and standby engine areas are provided in telecommunications facility, they
shall be separated from telecommunications equipment spaces by 1-hour fire-
resistance-rated construction in accordance with Section 8.3.
7.6.3 Telecommunications Equipment.
7.6.3.1 All additional wire, cable, power and signal processing equipment
Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA
installed whether owned or co-located, shall be in accordance with Section 8.8.
7.6.3.2 Signal processing equipment should be industry-standard compliant
and shall be installed and used in configurations and uses for which it has been
tested.
7.6.3.3 Cables and equipment that do not comply with Section 8.8 shall be
separated from the remainder of the signal processing equipment area by either
of the following:
(1) Sufficient spatial separation and smoke management to prevent fire and
smoke damage to telecommunications equipment other than the equipment of
fire origin
(2) A rated fire separation with a minimum fire resistance of 1 hour
7.6.4 Fire Detection. Where the replacement approach is adopted, areas within
telecommunications facilities shall be provided with a standard fire detection
system for detection and alarm processing in accordance with Chapter 8.
Where the redundancy approach is used, a fire detection system shall be
provided for detection and alarm processing in accordance with Chapter 6 and
8.
7.6.4.1 Installation and maintenance shall be in accordance with NFPA 72,
National Fire Alarm Code.
7.6.5 Fire Suppression.
7.6.5.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Listed portable fire extinguishers suitable
for use on electronic equipment shall be provided in accordance with Section
8.6.
7.6.5.1.1 The selection, placement, and maintenance of portable fire
extinguishers shall be in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire
Extinguishers.
7.6.6 Limitation of Combustibles. Telecommunications equipment areas shall
not be utilized for the storage of combustible materials or other equipment not
related to the switching and transmission of voice, data, and video signals.
7.6.6.1 Temporary staging areas of construction and maintenance materials
shall be permitted for current work that directly supports telecommunications
equipment in accordance with Section 9.4.
7.6.7 Special Hazards. Hazardous operations, such as cutting and welding,
shall not be conducted without special permits.
7.6.7.1 Heat-producing appliances not related to the support of
telecommunications equipment shall not be permitted within the space.
7.6.8 Smoke Management. Where smoke management systems are used, they
shall comply with section 8.7.
7.7 Building Service Equipment. Building service equipment shall be
provided in accordance with Section 6.5.
7.7.1* Building service equipment shall be limited to that needed to support
the space and adjacent telecommunications equipment areas excluding the
standby engine area.
A.7.7.1 Central building service equipment i.e. chillers, pumps, main air
handlers, boilers, should not be located in telecommunications equipment
areas. Self contained air conditioning units should be located outside of the
telecommunications equipment areas unless there is a need to place them
within the telecommunications equipment areas.
7.8 Emergency lighting should be provided in the telecommunications facility
in accordance with NFPA 101, Life Safety Code.
7.8.1* Emergency lighting system shall be permitted to be powered by the
telecommunication facility battery system.
7.8.1.1* Where the telecommunication facility battery system is utilized to
power the emergency lighting sytem, it shall have adequate reserves to meet
the loads of the telecommunication equipment and the emergency lighting load
connected for the minimum time required in accordance with NFPA 101 Life
Safety Code.
A.7.8.1 The telecommunication facility normally has a battery system to
operate the telecommunication equipment during power failure. This enables
the public to use the communication network during power failures or planned
outages for equipment servicing. This battery system is hence sufficiently
reliable as a source for emergency lighting systems as required by NFPA 101,
Life Safety Code.
A.7.8.1.1 The telecommunication facility battery system is normally designed
for a three hour battery reserve when the facility has an auto start backup
generator. Longer battery reserves may be supplied when the facility is served
by a portable or manual start backup generator.
Substantiation:The Committee refined the risk control approach to protecting
telecommunications service continuity from the threats of fire by revisions
to Chapters 1,4, 6 and a complete rewrite of Chapter 7 to cover the range
of available methods to protect of service continuity from fire, including
protection of facilities in place and protection service continuity through
redundant or replacement facilities. Paragraph 7.4.1 was deleted by proposal
Log CP95.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-64 Log #CP98 Final Action: Accept
( 8.4.2.1.4, 8.4.2.1.5, 8.4.2.1.6, A.8.4.2.1.5 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Delete items (2), (3), and (4) from paragraph 8.4.2.1.4
and change wording in item (8). Add new paragraphs 8.4.2.1.5, A.8.4.2.1.5 and
8.4.2.1.6 and renumber subsequent paragraphs.
8.4.2.1.4 Supervisory signals should include, but not be limited to, the
following:
76-15
NFPA 76
(1) Alert signal (pre-alarm) from a VEWFD system
(2) Hydrogen gas (danger level)
(3) Methane gas (danger level)
(4) Battery room ventilation fan failure
(5) Fire alarm initiating devices, where designated as such (e.g., duct smoke
detector)
(6) Sprinkler valve supervisory switches
(7) Fire pump off-normal conditions
(8) Other abnormal fire safety related conditions systems
8.4.2.1.5* Hydrogen gas danger level, methane gas danger level, battery room
ventilation fan failure and similar off-normal condition of safety related items
shall be immediately transmitted to the supervising station described in 8.4.1.5
or network alarm monitoring center described in 8.4.1.4 and shall be permitted
to be displayed on the local fire alarm system as a supervisory signal.
A.8.4.2.1.5 Where hydrogen gas danger level, methane gas danger level,
battery room ventilation fan failure are not monitored by a Network Operating
Center (NOC) or other supervising station complying with 8.4.1.4, they should
be monitored by the fire alarm system as supervisory devices.
8.4.2.1.6 Where hydrogen gas danger level, methane gas danger level, battery
room ventilation fan failure, monitoring is provided, where their off-normal
condition represents a potential danger for on-site personnel, they shall cause a
local audible and visible warning signal to alert occupants of the danger.
Substantiation: Many operating companies are already monitoring these
safety devices by their NOCs (Network Operations Centers). It is important
to reliably monitor these devices, but it is not necessary to monitor them
from the fire alarm system if an approved supervising station monitors them
continuously. This proposal would allow non-fire alarm related safety devices
to be monitored by the fire alarm system, but does not mandate it. This
proposal recognizes that many operating companies have systems in place to
deal with the reliable monitoring of these devices.
Operating companies monitor status of these safety devices at their NOCs
(Network Operations centers) or other supervising stations. It is important
to alert on-site occupants as well as the supervising station of any imminent
danger.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-65 Log #12 Final Action: Accept in Principle
( 8.4.2.1.5 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Richard L. P. Custer, Arup Fire
Recommendation: Add additional wording:
Where detection of potential fire, explosion or health hazards is provided,
both visual and audible alarms shall be provided.
Substantiation: Occupants or occasional occupant of facilities need to be
warned of hazardous or potentially life threatening conditions.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
Committee Statement: See 76-64 (Log #CP98).
________________________________________________________________
76-66 Log #2 Final Action: Accept
( 8.5.1 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Robert G. Dittrich, Honeywell / Rep. NEMA
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
(1) VEWFD (view very early warning fire detection)
Substantiation: Editorial correction. VEWFD is correctly defined as very
early warning fire detection in Paragraphs 3.3.7.3 and 6.5.6.1.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-67 Log #48 Final Action: Accept in Principle
( 8.7 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Add new text as follows:
8.7.3 Power Supply. The power supply for the exhaust and supply fans,
control dampers and the system controlling the entire smoke management
system should be powered from a source protected against accidental de-
powering.
Substantiation: When smoke management is recommended, care must be
taken to coordinate with the de-power plan required elsewhere in NFPA 76.
Failure to properly integrate can result in the loss of smoke management during
fire emergencies.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle
Add new text as follows:
8.7.3 Power Supply. The smoke management system shall be powered from a
source protected against accidental de-powering.
Committee Statement: Clarification of submitterʼs intent.
Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA
________________________________________________________________
76-68 Log #CP79 Final Action: Accept
( 8.7, 8.7.1, A.8.7.1, 8.7.2, A.8.7.2 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: 8.7 Smoke Management Systems.
8.7.1 General. Where installed, smoke management systems shall comply
with 8.7.1 through 8.7.2.4. (See Annex D.)
A.8.7.1 Where properly designed, installed, tested, and maintained, smoke
management systems, including smoke control systems and smoke removal
systems, should be recognized as an effective means to prevent smoke from
spreading to noninvolved areas in low heat release rate fires, minimize damage,
and facilitate search, manual fire fighting, and cleanup operations.
8.7.2* Design and Installation. Where provided, smoke management systems
shall be designed, installed, and acceptance tested in accordance with accepted
engineering practice.
A.8.7.2 For guidance on smoke management systems, see NFPA 92A,
Recommended Practice for Smoke-Control Systems, and NFPA 92B, Guide
for Smoke Management Systems in Malls, Atria, and Large Areas, and NFPA
204, Guide for Smoke and Heat Venting.
Substantiation: Alignment with format of NFPA 76.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-69 Log #CP81 Final Action: Accept
( 8.7.2.x, A.8.2.x )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: 8.7.2.5 Operational Testing. All operational components
of the smoke management system shall be tested annually to verify their
operation. .
A.8.7.2.5 Periodic testing and maintenance is essential to ensure operation of
the smoke management systems. For guidance see NFPA 92A, Recommended
Practice for Smoke-Control Systems, and NFPA 92B, Guide for Smoke
Management Systems in Malls, Atria, and Large Areas, and NFPA 204, Guide
for Smoke and Heat Venting. Periodic testing frequency should be based on
criticality of the smoke management system to service continuity and life
safety.
Substantiation: Critical systems require frequent testing to ensure operational
readiness. Most smoke management systems are designed in such a way that
operational testing is the only means of system verification.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-70 Log #CP80 Final Action: Accept
( 8.7.2.1 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: 8.7.2.1 Operation of the smoke management system
installed in the signal processing telecommunications equipment area space,
cable entrance facility, power area, main distribution frame space, or standby
engine area should be automatically activated or manually activated from a
location outside of the space.
Substantiation: Editorial and to complete potential hazard areas with smoke
management protection.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-71 Log #CP65 Final Action: Accept
( 8.7.2.5 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Delete the following text:
8.7.2.5 HVAC systems for telecommunications equipment areas should
be provided in accordance with Section 8.1 of NFPA 75, Standard for the
Protection of Electronic Computer/Data Processing Equipment.
Substantiation: The committee felt that the previous requirement could have
been misinterpreted to imply that all of the requirements in NFPA 75 would
apply.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-72 Log #11 Final Action: Accept
( 8.7.3 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Richard L. P. Custer, Arup Fire
Recommendation: Add text to read as follows:
Insert New Paragraph 8.7.3* and renumber accordingly:
8.7.3* Provision shall be made for the removal or purging of smoke from
areas outside of smoke management zones.
A.8.7.3 In order to prevent smoke migration into telecommunication areas
during fire department over haul and to facilitate clean up means for smoke
removal should be provided. Examples are provisions of special openings for
use by fire department smoke ejectors. Access panels in walls and roof vents
for gravity venting.
76-16
NFPA 76
Substantiation: Smoke in other than telecom equipment areas can effect
telecom equipment during fire department operations.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-73 Log #CP82 Final Action: Accept
( 8.7.3, A.8.7.3, 8.7.3.1, 8.7.3.2 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: A.8.7.3 The design of the power supply and controls of
the smoke management system should preclude unintentional shut down of the
smoke management system (see 6.5).
8.7.3.1 Loss of Power or Control Signal. The loss of power or control signal
shall cause the closure of the smoke management system dampers.
8.7.3.2* Manual Override. A means of manual override of the smoke
management system shall be provided.
Substantiation: Design should be ʻfailsafeʼ. Also should consider manual
control in case of improper automatic operation.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
Committee Statement: Paragraph 8.7.3 is covered by 76-67 (Log #48).
________________________________________________________________
76-74 Log #4 Final Action: Accept
( 8.8.2.2(2) )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Bob Eugene, Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
Trays and conduit for wires, fibers, and cables installed in plenums should
comply with NFPA 262, Standard Method of Test for Flame Travel and
Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces, with a maximum
flame spread of 1.52 m (5 ft), a maximum peak optical density of 0.5, and a
maximum average optical density of 0.15 (as outlined in UL 910, UL Standard
for Safety Test for Flame Propagation and Smoke Density Values for Electrical
and Optical Fiber Cables Used in Spaces Transporting Environmental Air.).
Substantiation: UL 910 was withdrawn in favor of NFPA 262
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
Committee Statement: Also see Proposal 76-9 (Log #5).
________________________________________________________________
76-75 Log #CP14 Final Action: Accept
( 8.8.3.1 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications, Ron Marts
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
8.8.3.1* Major signal processing telecommunications equipment areas should
meet the fire resistance criteria specified in Telcordia CR-63 CORE, Network
Equipment Building System (NEBS) Requirements: Physical Protection,
following the methodologies specified in ANSI T1.307, Fire Resistance
Criteria-Ignitability Requirements for Equipment Assemblies, and Fire Spread
Requirements for Wire and Cable, and ANSI T1.319, Fire Propagation Hazard
Testing Procedure for Equipment. Other telecommunications equipment should
be permitted to be evaluated using appropriate standards referenced in Annex F.
Substantiation: The committee has changed several definitions to clarify
the meaning of some of telecommunications more unique terminologies.
“Telecommunications equipment” space has been changed to “signal
processing” equipment area.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-76 Log #27 Final Action: Accept
( 8.8.3.2 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
8.8.3.2 Where wire, cable and telecommunications equipment are not labeled
to indicate compliance with the requirements of 8.8.3.1, then documentation
regarding compliance with the fire resistance criteria specified in 8.8.3.1 should
be readily available.
Substantiation: It is not expected that wire would be labeled. Wire is the
main ʻcombustibleʼ in the MDF hazard area. Hence documentation is required
for this material.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-77 Log #CP84 Final Action: Accept
( 9.1.4 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications, Worksheet, Ron
Marts
Recommendation: Delete 9.1.6 and A.9.1.6.
Substantiation: Telecommunications facilities are not picnic areas, and this
section infers that picnics may be a prevalent pastime. These kinds of issues
are better served by the building and fire codes.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA
________________________________________________________________
76-78 Log #CP10 Final Action: Accept
( A.1.1 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications, Ron Marts
Recommendation: Add new paragraph to annex A.1.1:
“Telecommunications facilities are referred to as “Telephone Exchanges” in
NFPA 101 and NFPA 5000. The 2000 edition of NFPA 101 classifies telephone
exchanges as “Special Purpose Industrial Occupancies” and the 2002 edition of
NFPA 5000 classifies telephone exchanges as ʻIndustrial Lowʼ.”
Substantiation: Aligns with references in NFPA 101 and NFPA 5000.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-79 Log #CP24 Final Action: Accept
( A.3.6.6 Telecommunications Equipment )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications, Ron Marts
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
A.3.3.8.4 Signal Processing Telecommunications Equipment. This equipment
typically includes but is not limited to switch and transport/access equipment,
servers, routers, computers, and cable television equipment that establishes any
form of one- or two-way communications. The equipment is generally owned
or leased by a telecommunications company offering wired telephone, cellular,
cable television, or internet service.
Substantiation: The committee has changed several definitions to clarify
the meaning of some of telecommunications more unique terminologies.
“Telecommunications equipment” space has been changed to “signal
processing” equipment areas.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
Figure A.6.5.2(a) Typical central office power sources indicating selective disconnect points.
76-17
NFPA 76
________________________________________________________________
76-80 Log #46 Final Action: Accept
( Figure A.6.1 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Walter Schachtschneider, Bell Canada
Recommendation: Add Standby Engine Area suppressed with 1 hour rated
enclosure.
Revise table for new area designations such as telecommunication equipment
area and signal processing.
Substantiation: 6.9.3.1 Refers to a standby engine area protected by
automatic fire suppression and the fire resistance rating can be reduced to a
minimum of 1 hour. New hazard area designations and definitions.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-81 Log #CP1 Final Action: Accept
( Figure A.6.5.1 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Add the following decision tree as Figure A.6.5.1 as
shown on the following page.
Substantiation: Added a decision tree to provide guidance for depowering
decisions.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-82 Log #CP29 Final Action: Accept
( Figure A.6.5.2(a) )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Add Figure A.6.5.2(a) as shown below.
Substantiation: Added information for power source selective disconnects.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 76

Figure A.6.5.1 De-powering Decision

76-18
Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA
________________________________________________________________
76-83 Log #CP44 Final Action: Accept
( A.6.5.2(b) )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications, Task Group 6
Recommendation: Add Figure A.6.5.2(b) as shown below.
Substantiation: Added Figure A.6.5.2.b to provide an example of a typical
central office power supply indicating selective disconnect points.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-84 Log #CP99 Final Action: Accept
( A.6.6.1 (New) )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Add:
A.6.6.1 Signal processing equipment areas should be arranged to provide
protection against fires in adjacent spaces; to provide protection against fire
spread to adjacent equipment; to provide protection from fire, smoke, and
related thermal and nonthermal equipment damage.
Substantiation: Signal processing equipment areas should be arranged to
provide protection against fires in adjacent spaces; to provide protection against
fire spread to adjacent equipment; to provide protection from fire, smoke, and
related thermal and nonthermal equipment damage.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-85 Log #CP20 Final Action: Accept
( A.6.6.3 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications, Ron Marts
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
A.6.6.3 Compliance with compartmentation should be achieved in existing
signal processing telecommunications equipment areas provided rated
separations and listed penetrations are practicable.
Substantiation: The committee has changed several definitions to clarify
the meaning of some of telecommunications more unique terminologies.
“Telecommunications equipment space” has been changed to “signal
proccessing equipment areas”.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
76-19
NFPA 76
________________________________________________________________
76-86 Log #CP21 Final Action: Accept
( A.6.6.5.2 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications, Ron Marts
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
A.6.6.5.2 A provision of signal processing telecommunications equipment that
is resistant to ignition and subsequent fire spread has a direct impact on the
frequency and severity of fires in telecommunications facilities.
Substantiation: The committee has changed several definitions to clarify
the meaning of some of telecommunications more unique terminologies.
“Telecommunications equipment space” has been changed to “signal
proccessing equipment areas”.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-87 Log #CP100 Final Action: Accept
( A.6.7.1 (New) )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Add:
A.6.7.1 Cable entrance facilities should be arranged to enhance survivability
of the facilities for continuity of service and be arranged to minimize the
intrusion of liquids and gas into the building, to limit the fuel load, to prevent
the spread of fire and smoke to other areas, and to prevent the intrusion of
unwanted electrical sheath currents in accordance with NFPA 70, national
Electrical Code.
Substantiation: Cable entrance facilities should be arranged to enhance
survivability of the facilities for continuity of service and be arranged to
minimize the intrusion of liquids and gas into the building, to limit the fuel
load, to prevent the spread of fire and smoke to other areas, and to prevent the
intrusion of unwanted electrical sheath currents in accordance with NFPA 70,
national Electrical Code.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
Report on Proposals — Copyright, NFPA
________________________________________________________________
76-88 Log #CP96 Final Action: Accept
( A.6.7.8 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Add Annex A.6.7.8
6.7.8* Special Hazards.
A.6.7.8 Where spill containment systems are used, they should be evaluated
to address flammability. The assessment should take into consideration the
ignition resistance and propensity to propagate fire of the product assembly
with consideration of the contribution of the components (outer encasement,
absorbent materials, liners or other components).
In a previous loss investigation it was determined that the fire originated in
the battery rack and the flame spread was promoted by the flammability of the
fabric covering on the acid spill containment bags.
ASTM E648 can be used to determine the Critical Flux for propagation of
flames along spill containment systems when installed on a floor. The most
stringent requirement of model building or fire codes is Class 1 which has
critical flux of 0.45 w/cm2.
Substantiation: The committee added appropriate advisory material on spill
containment.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-89 Log #CP101 Final Action: Accept
( A.6.8.1 (New) )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Add:
A.6.8.1 Power areas should be arranged to enhance the survivability of power
equipment for continuity of service and be arranged to provide protection
against fire and smoke spread to adjacent spaces, to provide protection
against fire and smoke spread to adjacent telecommunications equipment,
and to provide for the capability to disconnect power from signal processing
telecommunications equipment to facilitate emergency intervention.
Substantiation: Power areas should be arranged to enhance the survivability
of power equipment for continuity of service and be arranged to provide
protection against fire and smoke spread to adjacent spaces, to provide
protection against fire and smoke spread to adjacent telecommunications
equipment, and to provide for the capability to disconnect power from signal
processing telecommunications equipment to facilitate emergency intervention.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-90 Log #CP102 Final Action: Accept
( A.6.9.1 (New) )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Add:
Main distribution frame areas should be arranged to provide protection
against fires in adjacent areas, to protect against fire spread to adjacent
telecommunications equipment, to provide protection from smoke and related
nonthermal damage, and to increase the survivability of the main distribution
frame equipment and adjacent signal processing equipment.
Substantiation: Main distribution frame areas should be arranged to provide
protection against fires in adjacent areas, to protect against fire spread to
adjacent telecommunications equipment, to provide protection from smoke
and related nonthermal damage, and to increase the survivability of the main
distribution frame equipment and adjacent signal processing equipment.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-91 Log #CP22 Final Action: Accept
( A.7.1 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications, Ron Marts
Recommendation: In Table A.7.1, change the term “telecommunications
equipment” to “signal processing equipment.”
Substantiation: The committee has changed several definitions to clarify
the meaning of some of telecommunications more unique terminologies.
“Telecommunications equipment space” has been changed to “signal
processing equipment area”.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-92 Log #CP83 Final Action: Accept
( A.8.5.1 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications
Recommendation: Add the following at the end of existing A.8.5.1
Where smoke or combination fire/smoke dampers are installed in separations
between hazard areas with varying smoke detection performance additional
review should be performed and or operational strategy provided to ensure that
the selected smoke control sequence is correct. While it is not recommended it
is possible that two compartment share an HVAC system. The more important
76-20
NFPA 76
area will have a smoke detection system with higher detection performance.
It is possible that smoke can drift between compartments from a fire in the
compartment with less sensitive smoke detection and be detected by the more
sensitive smoke detection in the adjacent compartment. This should result in
the dampers closing. The smoke exhaust system should only start when the
smoke condition is verified in the compartment experiencing fire conditions.
The improper smoke exhaust operation can result in unintended damage.
Substantiation: Coordination of HVAC design and smoke detection system
performance is critical to permit proper automatic sequence of operation.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-93 Log #CP19 Final Action: Accept
( A.8.5.3.1.2 )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications, Ron Marts
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
“Installation of sensors and ports should be determined on a case-by-case
basis for buildings and enclosures that are different from the typical building
bay design. In areas that have cable trays between the signal processing
telecommunications equipment and the ceiling, and the cable density is such
that the free flow of smoke will be inhibited to the ceiling, then sampling ports
or sensors should be located both at the ceiling level and below the cable trays
to overcome this stratification. (Ref to NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code.)
In general, where stratification could be a concern, one high and one low
sensor or port should be installed per building bay. See Figure A.8.5.3.1.2 for
clarification.”
Substantiation: The committee has changed several definitions to clarify
the meaning of some of telecommunications more unique terminologies.
“Telecommunications equipment space” has been changed to “signal
processing equipment area”.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-94 Log #CP28 Final Action: Accept
( C.1(7) )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Technical Committee on Telecommunications, Ron Marts
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
“Signal Processing Telecommunication Equipment Areas. Signal processing
Telecommunications equipment provides paths and switching for data, voice,
video, and broadband signals, packets, and streams. Circuit boards and wiring
insulation are combustible, but much of the telecommunications equipment
and cables in use in North America are designed and manufactured with
fire-resistant components and treatments. Many of the recommendations
of this recommended practice anticipate that the telecommunications
equipment and cable in use has fire resistance characteristics and ratings. The
telecommunications equipment could contain both ac and dc power circuits
from more than one source. The signal processing switching equipment is
very sensitive to products of combustion, including acid gases and soot, and
is sensitive to rapid changes in conditions including ambient temperature and
humidity. “
Substantiation: The committee has changed several definitions to clarify
the meaning of some of telecommunications more unique terminologies.
“Telecommunications equipment space” has been changed to “signal
processing equipment area”.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept
________________________________________________________________
76-95 Log #17 Final Action: Accept
( Annex E Pre-Fire Planning )
________________________________________________________________
Submitter: Paul H. Dobson, FM Global
Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows:
Top left hand column on pg 41: It is recognized that as the magnitude of
a fire within a facility increases, issues of depowering parts of the facility
become more of a concern to critical to controlling the fire and minimizing life
safety exposure concerns to the fire suppression officers.
Substantiation: Loss experience indicates this is needed to control a fire.
Also cable is not tested under exposures that simulate fault conditions.
Loss experience: Hindsale indicated that power shutdown is critical to
control a fire and reduce smoke damage to other equipment. The longer fire
fighters remain in an area with heavy smoke the higher the risk to life safety.
Fire Testing: ANSI and Telcordia fire testing of cable and
telecommunications equipment is not done with equipment energized. Exposed
to the 20 kW ignition source for cable testing is an order of magnitude less
than what the cable would be expected to see from a damaged DC power cable.
It is unlikely that smoke damage at Hinsdale would have been any different
using cable passing tests we are now recommending.
Committee Meeting Action: Accept