The National Fire Protection Association delayed considerationof new code proposals that would have revised 90A, Standard for theInstallation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems. Theconsensus proposals would have clarified and simplified existingrequirements that the use of any product exposed to the air flow inconcealed ceiling plenums, including wire and cable, must have highfire performance characteristics or be protected.

The Cable Fire Research Association expressed disappointmentwith the NFPA's action. Given the fire hazards caused by theuncontrolled build-up of combustible communication cabling inconcealed ceiling spaces in office buildings, CFRA believes thatthe occupants who live and work in tall buildings and the emergencypersonnel who respond to fires would have been better served hadthe changes been adopted. Such cables have the potential to spreadand fuel fires throughout tall buildings and can generate eighttimes more smoke than wood, which could impair the visibility offire fighters or escaping office workers in the event of fires.