CHAPTER 8 - COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

8.0 COMMUNICATION CIRCUITS

8.0.2 Wires and Cables Outside of the Building (Clearance)

A) On Poles and In-Span–Communication wires and cables and electric light and power conductors
aresupported by the same pole or are run parallel to each other in-span.

1) Relative Location: Communication wires and cables shall be located BELOW the electric light
and power conductor.

2) Attachment to Cross-Arms: SHALL NOT BE ATTACHED TO CROSS-ARMS that carries electric

light and power conductor.

3) Climbing Space: In accordance to Chapter 2.25.1.14(D)

4) Clearance: Supply service drops of 0-750 volts running above and parallel to communications
service drops shall have a minimum separation of 300 mm at any point in the
span, including the point of and at their attachment to the building, provided that
the ungrounded conductors are insulated and that a clearance of not less than
1000 mmis maintained between the two services at the pole.

B) Above Roofs - Shall have a vertical clearance of NOT LESS THAN 2500 mm from all points of the roof
which they pass.

E.1) Communication wires and cables SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED to have a vertical clearance of
not less than 2500 mm above auxiliary buildings, such as garages and the like.

E.2) A reduction clearance above only the overhanging portion of the roof to NOT LESS THAN
450 mm shall be permitted if:

A) NOT MORE THAN 1200 mm of communications service-drop conductors pass above

the roof overhang

B) they are TERMINATED at a through- or above the-roof raceway or approved support

E.3) When roof has a SLOPE OF NOT LESS THAN 100 mm in 300 mm, a reduction in clearance to
NOT LESS THAN 900 mm shall be PERMITTED.

8.0.2.7 Circuits Requiring Primary Protectors

(A) Insulation, Wires and Cables - Communication wires and cables without metallic shield, running
from the last outdoor support to the primary protector shall be listed in accordance with 8.0.6.4

(B) On Buildings – Communication wires and cables shall be separated at least 100 mm from electric
light or power conductor not in a raceway or cable or be permanently separated from conductors of the
other systems by a continuous or firmly fixed nonconductor in addition to the insulation.

8.0.3 Protection

8.0.3.1 Protective Devices

(A) Application

(1) Fuseless Primary Protectors

(2) Fused Primary Protectors – consists of an arrester

8.0.4 Grounding Methods

(A) Bonding Conductor or Grounding Electrode Conductor

(1) Insulation. Bonding/Grounding electrode conductor shall be insulated, covered or bare.
(2) Material.Shall be copper or other corrosion-resistant material, stranded or solid.
(3) Size.Conductor shall not be smaller than 2.0 mm2and not to exceed 14 mm2.
(4) Length.Shall be as short as practicable, not to exceed 6000 mm.
(5) Run in Straight Line.Conductor shall be run in as straight a line as possible.
(6) Physical Protection.Conductors shall be protected where exposed to physical damage,
installed in a metal raceway where both ends of the raceway shall be bonded to the
 contained conductor or to the same terminal or electrode to which the bonding conductor
or grounding conductor is connected.
(B) Electrode
(C) Electrode Connection
(D) Bonding of Electrodes. Bonding jumper not smaller than 14 mm2 or equivalent shall be connected
between the communications grounding electrode and power grounding electrode system at the
building or structure served where separate electrodes are used.

8.0.5 Installation Methods Within Buildings

(A) Types of Raceways.

(1) Raceways recognized in Chapter 3.
(2) Communications Raceways.
(3) Innerduct for Communications Wires and Cables

(B) Raceway Fill for Communications Wires and Cables. Raceway fill requirement of Chapter 3 & 9
SHALL NOT APPLY to communication wires and cables.

(C) Cable Routing Assemblies.

(1) Horizontal Support. Support where run horizontally at intervals not to exceed 900 mm. In no
case shall the distance between supports exceed 3000 mm.
(2) Vertical Support. Intervals shall not to exceed 1200 mm.

8.0.6.10 Communication Wires and Cables.

(A) Type CMP (Communications Plenum Cable)
(B) Type CMR (Communications Riser Cable)
(C) Type CMG (Communications General-Purpose Cable)
(D) Type CM (Communications General-Purpose Cable)
(E) Type CMX (Communications Cable, limited use)
(F) Type CMUC Undercarpet Wires and Cables
(G) Circuit Integrity (CI) Cable or Electrical Circuit Protective System
(1) Circuit Integrity (CI) Cable
(2) Fire-Resistive Cables
(H) Communications Wires
(I) Hybrid Power and Communications Cables

8.10 RADIO AND TELEVISION EQUIPMENT

8.10.2 Receiving Equipment – Antenna Systems

8.10.2.1 Material. Antenna and lead-in conductors shall be made of hard-drawn copper, aluminum
alloy, copper-clad steel or other high-strength, corrosion-resistant material.

Exception: It is also permitted to use the soft-drawn or medium-drawn copper where the maximum span
between points of support is less than 11 m.

8.10.2.3 Avoidance of Contacts with Conductors of Other Systems.

Where proximity to open electric light or power service conductor of less than 250 volts between
conductors cannot be avoided, the installation shall be such as to provide a clearance of at least 600
mm.

8.10.2.5 Grounding. Mast and Metal structures supporting antennas shall be grounded unless they are
within the zone of protection defined by a 46 m radius rolling sphere.

8.10.2.8 Clearances - Receiving Station

a) Outside of Buildings - Lead-in conductors attached to buildings shall be installed so that they cannot
swing closer than 600 mm to the conductors of circuits of 250V or less between conductors, or 3000
mm to the conductors of circuits of over 250V between conductors, except that in the case of circuits
not over 150V between conductors, where all conductors involved are supported so as to ensure
permanent separation, the clearance shall be permitted to be reduced but shall not be less than 100
mm.

b) From Lighting Rod Systems - The clearance shall not be less than 1800 mm
c) Underground Conductors - Shall be separated at least 300 mm from conductors of any light or power
circuits or Class 1 circuits.

d) Antennas and Lead-ins (Indoors) - Shall not be run nearer than 50 mm to conductors of other wiring
systems in the premises.

8.20 Community Antenna Television and Radio Distribution System

8.20.1.1 Scope. This article covers coaxial cable distribution of radio frequency signals typically
employed in community antenna television (CATV) systems.

8.20.1.15 Power Limitations. Coaxial cable shall be permitted to deliver power to equipment that is
directly associated with the radio frequency distribution system if the voltage is NOT OVER 60 VOLTS
and if the current is supplied by a transformer or other device that has POWER-LIMITING
CHARACTERISTICS.

8.20.2.1 Overhead (Aerial) Coaxial Cables.

(A) On Poles and In-Span.

(1) Relative Location. Coaxial cable shall be located BELOW ELECTRIC LIGHT OR POWER
CONDUCTORS.

(2) Attachment to Cross-Arms. Coaxial cables shall not be attached to cross-arms that carries electric
light or power conductor.

(3) Climbing Space. Climbing space shall comply of 2.25.2.14 (D)

(4) Clearance. Lead-in or overhead (aerial)-drop coaxial cables from a pole or other support, including
the point of initial attachment to a building or structure, SHALL BE KEPT AWAY FROM ELECTRIC LIGHT,
POWER, CLASS 1 OR NON-POWER-LIMITED FIRE ALARM CIRCUIT CONDUCTORS so as to avoid the
possibility of accidental contact.

Exception: where proximity to electric light, power, Class 1, or non-power-limited fire alarm circuit
conductors cannot be avoided, the installation shall provide clearances of not less than 300 mm. The
clearance requirement shall apply at all points along the drop, and it shall increase to 1000 mm at the
pole.

(B) Above Roofs. Coaxial cables shall have a vertical clearance of not less than 2500 mm from all points
of roofs above which they pass.

Exception 1: Vertical clearance requirements SHALL NOT APPLY TO AUXILIARY BUILDINGS such as
garages and the like.

Exception 2: A reduction in clearance above only the overhanging portion of the roof to not less than 450
mm shall be permitted if

(1) NOT MORE THAN 1200 mm of communications service drop conductors pass above the roof
overhang
(2) They are TERMINATED at a raceway mast or other approved support.

Exception 3: Where the roof has a slope of NOT LESS THAN 100 mm in 300 mm, a reduction in clearance
to not less than 900 mm shall be permitted.

(C) On Mast. Overhead coaxial cable shall be permitted to be attached to an above-the-roof raceway
mast that does not enclose or support conductors of electric light or power circuits.
(D) Between Buildings. Shall be identified and shall have sufficient strength to withstand the loads to
which they might be subjected.
(E) On Buildings. Where attached to buildings, coaxial cables shall be securely fastened in such a
manner that they will be separated from other conductors in accordance with the following:
(1) Electric Light or Power. Coaxial cable shall have a separation of at least 100 mm from electric
light, power, Class 1, or non-power-limited fire alarm circuits conductors not in raceway or
cable, or shall be permanently separated from conductors of the other system by a continuous
and firmly fixed non-conductor in addition to the insulation on the wires.
(2) Other Communications Systems.
(3) Lightning Conductors. A separation of at least 1800 mm shall be maintained between any
coaxial cable and lightning conductors.
 8.20.2.4 Underground Coaxial Cables Entering Buildings.

(A) Underground Systems with Electric Light, Power, Class 1, or Non-Power-Limited Fire Alarm Circuit
Conductors. Underground coaxial cables in a duct, pedestal, handhole enclosure or manhole that
contains the above mentioned conductors shall be in a section permanently separated from such
conductors by means of suitable barriers.

(B) Direct-Buried Cables and Raceways. Direct-buried cables shall be separated at least 300 mm from
conductors of any light or power, non-power-limited fire alarm circuit conductor, or Class 1 circuit.

Exception 1: Separation are not required if the conductors and cables are installed in raceways or
have a metal cable armor.

Exception 2: Separation is not required if the conductors and cables are installed in a raceway or
in metal-sheathed, metal clad or Type UF or Type USE cables, or the coaxial cables have metal cable
armor or are installed in a raceway.

8.30 Network-Powered Broadband Communication Systems

8.30.1.1 Scope. This article covers network-powered broadband communications systems that provide
any combination of voice, audio, video, data and interactive services through a network interface unit.

Fault Protection Device. An electronic device that is intended for the protection of personnel and
functions under fault conditions, such as network-powered broadband communications cable short or
open circuit, to limit the current or voltage, or both, for a low power network powered broadband
communication circuit and provide acceptable protection from electric shock.

Network Interface Unit (NIU). A device that converts a broadband signal into component voice, audio,
video, data and interactive services signals and provides isolation between the network power and the
premises signal circuits. These devices often contain primary and secondary protectors.

8.30.2.5 Overhead (Aerial) Cables.

(A) On Poles and In-Span.

(1) Relative Location. Network-powered broadband communications cables shall be

located BELOW ELECTRIC LIGHT OR POWER CONDUCTORS
(2) Attachment to Cross-Arms. Network-powered broadband communications cables shall
not be attached to cross-arms that carries electric light or power conductor.

(3) Climbing Space. Climbing space shall comply of 2.25.2.14 (D)

(4) Clearance. Lead-in or overhead (aerial)-drop coaxial cables from a pole or other support,
including the point of initial attachment to a building or structure, SHALL BE KEPT AWAY
FROM ELECTRIC LIGHT, POWER, CLASS 1 OR NON-POWER-LIMITED FIRE ALARM
CIRCUIT CONDUCTORS so as to avoid the possibility of accidental contact.
(B) Above Roofs. Network-powered broadband communications cables shall have a vertical clearance of
not less than 2500 mm from all points of roofs above which they pass.
Exception 1: Vertical clearance requirements SHALL NOT APPLY TO AUXILIARY BUILDINGS such as
garages and the like.

Exception 2: A reduction in clearance above only the overhanging portion of the roof to not less than 450
mm shall be permitted if

(1) NOT MORE THAN 1200 mm of broadband communications drop cables pass above the roof
overhang
(2) They are TERMINATED at a through-the-roof raceway or support.

Exception 3: Where the roof has a slope of NOT LESS THAN 100 mm in 300 mm, a reduction in clearance
to not less than 900 mm shall be permitted.

(C) Clearance from Ground.

(1) 2900 mm – above finished grade, sidewalks, or from any platform or projection from
which they might be reached and accessible to pedestrians.
(2) 3500 mm – over residential property and driveways and those commercial areas not
subject to truck traffic
(3) 4700 mm – over public streets, alleys, roads, parking areas subject to truck traffic,
driveways on other than residential property, and other land traversed by vehicles such
as cultivated, grazing, forest, and orchard.
(D) Over Pools.
(E) Final Spans. Final spans without outer jacket shall be permitted to be attached to the building but
they shall be kept NOT LESS THAN 900 mm from windows that are designed to be opened, doors,
porches, balconies, ladders, stairs, fire escapes or similar locations.

Exception: Conductors run above the top level of a window shall be permitted to be LESS THAN 900
mm requirement.
(F) Between Buildings. Shall be identified as suitable for outdoor aerial applications and shall have
sufficient strength to withstand the loads to which they may be subjected.
(G) On Buildings. Shall be securely fastened in these following manner:
(1) Electric Light or Power. Network powered broadband communication cable shall have a
separation of at least 100 mm from electric light, power, Class 1, or non-power-limited
fire alarm circuits conductors not in raceway or cable, or shall be permanently separated
from conductors of the other system by a continuous and firmly fixed non-conductor in
addition to the insulation on the wires.
(2) Other Communication Systems
(3) Lightning Conductors. A separation of at least 1800 mm shall be maintained between
any network-powered broadband communication cable and lightning conductors
(4) Protection from Damage. These cables attached to buildings or structures and located
within 2500 mm of finished grade shall be protected by enclosures, raceways, or other
approved means.
(5)
8.40 Premises-Powered Broadband Communications Systems

8.40.1.1 Scope. This article covers premises-powered communication systems.

Network Terminal - A device that converts network-provided signals (optical, electrical, wireless) into
components signals, including voice, audio, video, data, wireless, optical, and interactive services and
considered a network device on the premises that is connected to a communication service provided
and is powered at the premises.

Premises Communications Circuit - The circuit that extends voice, audio, video, data and outside wiring
for fire alarm and burglar alarm from the service provider’s network terminal to the customer’s
communications equipment up to and including terminal equipment such as telephone, a fax machine
or an answering machine.

Premises Community Antenna Television (CATV) - the circuit that extends community antenna
television (CATV) systems for audio, video, data, and interactive services from the service provider’s
ONT to the appropriate customer equipment.

8.40.2.1 Overhead (Aerial) Optical Fiber Cables.

(A) On Poles and In-Span.

(1) Relative Location. Outside plant optical cables shall be located BELOW ELECTRIC LIGHT
OR POWER CONDUCTORS
(2) Attachment to Cross-Arms. Outside plant optical cables shall not be attached to cross-
arms that carries electric light or power conductor.
(3) Climbing Space. Climbing space shall comply of 2.25.2.14 (D)
(4) Clearance. Supply service drops and sets of overhead service conductors of 0 to 750 volts
running above and parallel to broadband communication service drops shall have a
minimum separation of 300 mm at any point in the span, including the point of and at their
attachment to the building. Clearance off not less than 1000 mm shall be maintained
between the two services at the pole.
(B) Above Roofs. Network-powered broadband communications cables shall have a vertical clearance of
not less than 2500 mm from all points of roofs above which they pass.
Exception 1: Vertical clearance requirements SHALL NOT APPLY TO AUXILIARY BUILDINGS such as
garages and the like.

Exception 2: A reduction in clearance above only the overhanging portion of the roof to not less than
450 mm shall be permitted if
(A) NOT MORE THAN 1200 mm of premises-powered broadband communications drop cables pass
above the roof overhang
(B) They are TERMINATED at a through-the-roof raceway or support.
Exception 3: Where the roof has a slope of NOT LESS THAN 100 mm in 300 mm, a reduction in
clearance to not less than 900 mm shall be permitted.