The National Fire Protection Association delayed consideration of new code proposals that would have revised 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems. The consensus proposals would have clarified and simplified existing requirements that the use of any product exposed to the air flow in concealed ceiling plenums, including wire and cable, must have high fire performance characteristics or be protected.
The Cable Fire Research Association expressed disappointment with the NFPA's action. Given the fire hazards caused by the uncontrolled build-up of combustible communication cabling in concealed ceiling spaces in office buildings, CFRA believes that the occupants who live and work in tall buildings and the emergency personnel who respond to fires would have been better served had the changes been adopted. Such cables have the potential to spread and fuel fires throughout tall buildings and can generate eight times more smoke than wood, which could impair the visibility of fire fighters or escaping office workers in the event of fires.
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