United States National Electrical Code (NEC)

Cirm Optronic, Cirmfo Fiber Optic Division, complies with the requirements of the 1996 National Electrical Code (NEC) for Optical Fiber Cables - Article 770.

The 1996 National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that Optical fiber cables meet one of the four levels of the safety, general purples, riser or plenum, and be listed accordingly (OFN, OFNR, OFNP).  Optical fiber cables may be conductive by containing a steel central strength member or metallic armoring (OFC, OFCR, OFCP).

TYPE  OFN / OFC:

These cables are listed as being suitable for general purpose use with the exception of riser, plenums and other space used for environmental air and are also listed as being resistant to the spread of fire and passed the ANSI/UL 1581 Vertical Flame Test.

TYPE OFNG / OFCR:

These cables general purpose optical fiber cables listed as being suitable for general purpose use, with the exception of risers and plenums and are also listed as being resistant to the spread of fine. They pass CSA C22.2N°0.3-M1985.

TYPE OFNR / OFCR:

These cables are listed as being suitable for use in a vertical run in a shaft or from floor-to-floor and shall also be listed as having fire resistant characteristics capable of preventing the carrying of fire from floor-to-floor.  These cables passed the ANSI / UL 1666-1991 Test for Flame Propagation Height of Electrical and Optical Fiber Cable Installed Vertically in Shafts.

TYPE OFNP / OFCP:

These cables are listed as being suitable for use in ducts, plenums and other space used for environmental air and also are listed as having adequate fire resistance and low smoke producing characteristics.  These cables must pass the NFPA 262-1994 which is identical to the UL910 Test.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Substitutions for optical fiber cable types are permitted.  Refer to the chart below for permissible cable substitutions.