2011 Annual Revision Cycle Report on Proposals

A compilation of NFPA® Technical Committee Reports on Proposals for public review and comment

Public Comment Deadline: September 3, 2010

NOTE: The proposed NFPA documents addressed in this Report on Proposals (ROP) and in a follow-up Report on Comments (ROC) will only be presented for action when proper Amending Motions have been submitted to the NFPA by the deadline of April 8, 2011. The June 2011 NFPA Conference & Expo will be held June 12–16, 2011 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA. During the meeting, the Association Technical Meeting (Tech Session) will be held June 15–16, 2011. Documents that receive no motions will not be presented at the meeting and instead will be forwarded directly to the Standards Council for action on issuance. For more information on the rules and for up-to-date information on schedules and deadlines for processing NFPA documents, check the NFPA website (www. nfpa.org) or contact NFPA Standards Administration.

National Fire Protection Association® 1 BATTERYMARCH PARK, QUINCY, MA 02169-7471

ISSN 1079-5332 Copyright © 2010 All Rights Reserved NFPA and National Fire Protection Association are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02169. Information on NFPA Codes and Standards Development

I. Applicable Regulations. The primary rules governing the processing of NFPA documents (codes, standards, recommended practices, and guides) are the NFPA Regulations Governing Committee Projects (Regs). Other applicable rules include NFPA Bylaws, NFPA Technical Meeting Convention Rules, NFPA Guide for the Conduct of Participants in the NFPA Standards Development Process, and the NFPA Regulations Governing Petitions to the Board of Directors from Decisions of the Standards Council. Most of these rules and regulations are contained in the NFPA Directory. For copies of the Directory, contact Codes and Standards Administration at NFPA Headquarters; all these documents are also available on the NFPA website at “www.nfpa.org.”

The following is general information on the NFPA process. All participants, however, should refer to the actual rules and regulations for a full understanding of this process and for the criteria that govern participation.

II. Technical Committee Report. The Technical Committee Report is defined as “the Report of the Technical Committee and Technical Correlating Committee (if any) on a document. A Technical Committee Report consists of the Report on Proposals (ROP), as modified by the Report on Comments (ROC), published by the Association.”

III. Step 1: Report on Proposals (ROP). The ROP is defined as “a report to the Association on the actions taken by Technical Committees and/or Technical Correlating Committees, accompanied by a ballot statement and one or more proposals on text for a new document or to amend an existing document.” Any objection to an action in the ROP must be raised through the filing of an appropriate Comment for consideration in the ROC or the objection will be considered resolved.

IV. Step 2: Report on Comments (ROC). The ROC is defined as “a report to the Association on the actions taken by Technical Committees and/or Technical Correlating Committees accompanied by a ballot statement and one or more comments resulting from public review of the Report on Proposals (ROP).” The ROP and the ROC together constitute the Technical Committee Report. Any outstanding objection following the ROC must be raised through an appropriate Amending Motion at the Association Technical Meeting or the objection will be considered resolved.

V. Step 3a: Action at Association Technical Meeting. Following the publication of the ROC, there is a period during which those wishing to make proper Amending Motions on the Technical Committee Reports must signal their intention by submitting a Notice of Intent to Make a Motion. Documents that receive notice of proper Amending Motions (Certified Amending Motions) will be presented for action at the annual June Association Technical Meeting. At the meeting, the NFPA membership can consider and act on these Certified Amending Motions as well as Follow-up Amending Motions, that is, motions that become necessary as a result of a previous successful Amending Motion. (See 4.6.2 through 4.6.9 of Regs for a summary of the available Amending Motions and who may make them.) Any outstanding objection following action at an Association Technical Meeting (and any further Technical Committee consideration following successful Amending Motions, see Regs at 4.7) must be raised through an appeal to the Standards Council or it will be considered to be resolved.

VI. Step 3b: Documents Forwarded Directly to the Council. Where no Notice of Intent to Make a Motion (NITMAM) is received and certified in accordance with the Technical Meeting Convention Rules, the document is forwarded directly to the Standards Council for action on issuance. Objections are deemed to be resolved for these documents.

VII. Step 4a: Council Appeals. Anyone can appeal to the Standards Council concerning procedural or substantive matters related to the development, content, or issuance of any document of the Association or on matters within the purview of the authority of the Council, as established by the Bylaws and as determined by the Board of Directors. Such appeals must be in written form and filed with the Secretary of the Standards Council (see 1.6 of Regs). Time constraints for filing an appeal must be in accordance with 1.6.2 of the Regs. Objections are deemed to be resolved if not pursued at this level.

VIII. Step 4b: Document Issuance. The Standards Council is the issuer of all documents (see Article 8 of Bylaws). The Council acts on the issuance of a document presented for action at an Association Technical Meeting within 75 days from the date of the recommendation from the Association Technical Meeting, unless this period is extended by the Council (see 4.8 of Regs). For documents forwarded directly to the Standards Council, the Council acts on the issuance of the document at its next scheduled meeting, or at such other meeting as the Council may determine (see 4.5.6 and 4.8 of Regs).

IX. Petitions to the Board of Directors. The Standards Council has been delegated the responsibility for the administration of the codes and standards development process and the issuance of documents. However, where extraordinary circumstances requiring the intervention of the Board of Directors exist, the Board of Directors may take any action necessary to fulfill its obligations to preserve the integrity of the codes and standards development process and to protect the interests of the Association. The rules for petitioning the Board of Directors can be found in the Regulations Governing Petitions to the Board of Directors from Decisions of the Standards Council and in 1.7 of the Regs.

X. For More Information. The program for the Association Technical Meeting (as well as the NFPA website as information becomes available) should be consulted for the date on which each report scheduled for consideration at the meeting will be presented. For copies of the ROP and ROC as well as more information on NFPA rules and for up-to-date information on schedules and deadlines for processing NFPA documents, check the NFPA website (www.nfpa.org) or contact NFPA Codes & Standards Administration at (617) 984-7246. 2011 Annual Revision Cycle ROP Contents

by NFPA Numerical Designation

Note: Documents appear in numerical order.

NFPA No. Type Action Title Page No.

1 P Fire Code ...... 1-1

3 N Recommended Practice on Commissioning and Integrated Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems ...... 3-1

15 P Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection ...... 15-1

30 P Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code ...... 30-1

30A P Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages ...... 30A-1

54 P National Fuel Gas Code ...... 54-1

59 P Utility LP-Gas Plant Code ...... 59-1

70E® P Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®...... 70E-1

80A P Recommended Practice for Protection of Buildings from Exterior Fire Exposures ...... 80A-1

90A P Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems ...... 90A-1

90B P Standard for the Installation of Warm Air Heating and Air-Conditioning Systems ...... 90B-1

92 N Standard for Smoke Management Systems ...... 92-1

92A W Standard for Smoke-Control Systems Utilizing Barriers and Pressure Differences ...... 92A-1

92B W Standard for Smoke Management Systems in Malls, Atria, and Large Spaces ...... 92B-1

99 P Standard for Health Care Facilities ...... 99-1 (will be redesignated as NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code)

101® P Life Safety Code® ...... 101-1

220 P Standard on Types on Building Construction ...... 220-1

221 P Standard for High Challenge Fire Walls, Fire Walls, and Fire Barrier Walls ...... 221-1

232 P Standard for the Protection of Records ...... 232-1

318 P Standard for the Protection of Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities ...... 318-1

407 P Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing ...... 407-1

414 P Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting Vehicles ...... 414-1

484 C Standard for Combustible Metals ...... 484-1

664 P Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities ...... 664-1

703 P Standard for Fire-Retardant Treated Wood and Fire-Retardant Coatings for Building Materials ...... 703-1

704 P Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response ...... 704-1

720 P Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment ...... 720-1

790 N Standard for Competency of Third-Party Field Evaluation Bodies ...... 790-1

791 N Recommended Practice and Procedures for Unlabeled Electrical Equipment Evaluation ...... 791-1

820 P Standard for Fire Protection in Wastewater Treatment and Collection Facilities ...... 820-1

i 1081 P Standard for Industrial Fire Brigade Member Professional Qualifications ...... 1081-1

1125 P Code for the Manufacture of Model Rocket and High Power Rocket Motors ...... 1125-1

1141 P Standard for Fire Protection Infrastructure for Land Development in Suburban and Rural Areas ...... 1141-1 (will be redesignated as NFPA 1141, Standard for Fire Protection Infrastructure for Land Development in Wildland, Rural, and Suburban Areas)

1142 P Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting ...... 1142-1

2112 P Standard on Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire ...... 2112-1

2113 P Standard on Selection, Care, Use, and Maintenance of Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire ...... 2113-1 (will be redesignated as NFPA 2113, Standard on Selection, Care, Use, and Maintenance of Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel)

5000® P Building Construction and Safety Code® ...... 5000-1

TYPES OF ACTION

P Partial Revision C Complete Revision N New Document R Reconfirmation W Withdrawal

ii 2011 Annual Revision Cycle ROP Committees Reporting Type Action Page No.

Air Conditioning 90A Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems P 90A-1 90B Standard for the Installation of Warm Air Heating and Air-Conditioning Systems P 90B-1

Aircraft Fuel Servicing 407 Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing P 407-1

Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting 414 Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting Vehicles P 414-1

Automotive and Marine Service Stations 30A Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages P 30A-1

Building Code 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code® P 5000-1 Building Construction 220 Standard on Types of Building Construction P 220-1 221 Standard for High Challenge Fire Walls, Fire Walls, and Fire Barrier Walls P 221-1 Structures, Construction, and Materials 703 Standard for Fire-Retardant Treated Wood and Fire-Retardant Coatings for Building Materials P 703-1

Classification and Properties of Hazardous Chemical Data 704 Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response P 704-1

Cleanrooms 318 Standard for the Protection of Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities P 318-1

Combustible Metals and Metal Dusts 484 Standard for Combustible Metals C 484-1

Commissioning Fire Protection Systems 3 Recommended Practice on Commissioning and Integrated Testing of Fire Protection and N 3-1 Life Safety Systems

Electrical Equipment Evaluation 790 Standard for Competency of Third-Party Field Evaluation Bodies N 790-1 791 Recommended Practice and Procedures for Unlabeled Electrical Equipment Evaluation N 791-1

Electrical Safety in the Workplace 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace® P 70E-1

Exposure Fire Protection 80A Recommended Practice for Protection of Buildings from Exterior Fire Exposures P 80A-1

Fire Code 1 Fire Code P 1-1

Flammable and Combustible Liquids 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code P 30-1

Flash Fire Protective Garments 2112 Standard on Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire P 2112-1 2113 Standard on Selection, Care, Use, and Maintenance of Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire P 2113-1

Forest and Rural Fire Protection 1141 Standard for Fire Protection Infrastructure for Land Development in Suburban and Rural Areas P 1141-1 1142 Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting P 1142-1

Health Care Facilities 99 Standard for Health Care Facilities P 99-1

iii

LP-Gases at Utility Gas Plants 59 Utility LP-Gas Plant Code P 59-1

National Fuel Gas Code 54 National Fuel Gas Code P 54-1

Professional Qualifications Industrial Fire Brigades Professional Qualifications 1081 Standard for Industrial Fire Brigade Member Professional Qualifications P 1081-1

Pyrotechnics 1125 Code for the Manufacture of Model Rocket and High Power Rocket Motors P 1125-1

Record Protection 232 Standard for the Protection of Records P 232-1

Safety to Life 101® Life Safety Code® P 101-1

Signaling Systems for the Protection of Life and Property Carbon Monoxide Detection 720 Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment P 720-1

Smoke Management Systems 92 Standard for Smoke Management Systems N 92-1 92A Standard for Smoke-Control Systems Utilizing Barriers and Pressure Differences W 92A-1 92B Standard for Smoke Management Systems in Malls, Atria, and Large Spaces W 92B-1

Wastewater Treatment Plants 820 Standard for Fire Protection in Wastewater Treatment and Collection Facilities P 820-1

Water Spray Fixed Systems 15 Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection P 15-1

Wood and Cellulosic Materials Processing 664 Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Woodworking P 77-1 Facilities

iv

COMMITTEE MEMBER CLASSIFICATIONS1,2,3,4

The following classifications apply to Committee members and represent their principal interest in the activity of the Committee.

1. M Manufacturer: A representative of a maker or marketer of a product, assembly, or system, or portion thereof, that is affected by the standard.

2. U User: A representative of an entity that is subject to the provisions of the standard or that voluntarily uses the standard.

3. IM Installer/Maintainer: A representative of an entity that is in the business of installing or maintaining a product, assembly, or system affected by the standard.

4. L Labor: A labor representative or employee concerned with safety in the workplace.

5. RT Applied Research/Testing Laboratory: A representative of an independent testing laboratory or independent applied research organization that promulgates and/or enforces standards.

6. E Enforcing Authority: A representative of an agency or an organization that promulgates and/or enforces standards.

7. I Insurance: A representative of an insurance company, broker, agent, bureau, or inspection agency.

8. C Consumer: A person who is or represents the ultimate purchaser of a product, system, or service affected by the standard, but who is not included in (2).

9. SE Special Expert: A person not representing (1) through (8) and who has special expertise in the scope of the standard or portion thereof.

NOTE 1: “Standard” connotes code, standard, recommended practice, or guide.

NOTE 2: A representative includes an employee.

NOTE 3: While these classifications will be used by the Standards Council to achieve a balance for Technical Committees, the Standards Council may determine that new classifications of member or unique interests need representation in order to foster the best possible Committee deliberations on any project. In this connection, the Standards Council may make such appointments as it deems appropriate in the public interest, such as the classification of “Utilities” in the National Electrical Code Committee.

NOTE 4: Representatives of subsidiaries of any group are generally considered to have the same classification as the parent organization.

v FORM FOR COMMENT ON NFPA REPORT ON PROPOSALS 2011 ANNUAL REVISION CYCLE FINAL DATE FOR RECEIPT OF COMMENTS: 5:00 pm EDST, September 3, 2010 FOR OFFICE USE ONLY For further information on the standards-making process, please contact the Codes and Standards Administration at 617-984-7249 or visit www.nfpa.org/codes. Log #: For technical assistance, please call NFPA at 1-800-344-3555. Date Rec’d:

Please indicate in which format you wish to receive your ROP/ROC electronic paper download (Note: If choosing the download option, you must view the ROP/ROC from our website; no copy will be sent to you.)

Date 8/1/200X Name John B. Smith Tel. No. 253-555-1234 Company Email Street Address 9 Seattle St. City Tacoma State WA Zip 98402 ***If you wish to receive a hard copy, a street address MUST be provided. Deliveries cannot be made to PO boxes. Please indicate organization represented (if any) Fire Marshals Assn. of North America 1. (a) NFPA Document Title National Fire Alarm Code NFPA No. & Year NFPA 72, 200X ed. (b) Section/Paragraph 4.4.1.1 2. Comment on Proposal No. (from ROP): 72-7

3. Comment Recommends (check one): new text revised text deleted text 4. Comment (include proposed new or revised wording, or identification of wording to be deleted): [Note: Proposed text should be in legislative format; i.e., use underscore to denote wording to be inserted (inserted wording) and strike-through to denote wording to be deleted (deleted wording).]

Delete exception.

5. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Comment: (Note: State the problem that would be resolved by your recommendation; give the specific reason for your Comment, including copies of tests, research papers, fire experience, etc. If more than 200 words, it may be abstracted for publication.)

A properly installed and maintained system should be free of ground faults. The occurrence of one or more ground faults should be required to cause a ‘trouble’ signal because it indicates a condition that could contribute to future malfunction of the system. Ground fault protection has been widely available on these systems for years and its cost is negligible. Requiring it on all systems will promote better installations, maintenance and reliability.

6. Copyright Assignment (a) I am the author of the text or other material (such as illustrations, graphs) proposed in the Comment. (b) Some or all of the text or other material proposed in this Comment was not authored by me. Its source is as follows: (please identify which material and provide complete information on its source)

I hereby grant and assign to the NFPA all and full rights in copyright in this Comment and understand that I acquire no rights in any publication of NFPA in which this Comment in this or another similar or analogous form is used. Except to the extent that I do not have authority to make an assignment in materials that I have identified in (b) above, I hereby warrant that I am the author of this Comment and that I have full power and authority to enter into this assignment. Signature (Required)

PLEASE USE SEPARATE FORM FOR EACH COMMENT

Mail to: Secretary, Standards Council ∙ National Fire Protection Association 1 Batterymarch Park ∙ Quincy, MA 02169-7471 OR Fax to: (617) 770-3500 OR Email to: [email protected] 5/14/2010 FORM FOR COMMENT ON NFPA REPORT ON PROPOSALS 2011 ANNUAL REVISION CYCLE FINAL DATE FOR RECEIPT OF COMMENTS: 5:00 pm EDST, September 3, 2010 FOR OFFICE USE ONLY For further information on the standards-making process, please contact the Codes and Standards Administration at 617-984-7249 or visit www.nfpa.org/codes. Log #: For technical assistance, please call NFPA at 1-800-344-3555. Date Rec’d:

Please indicate in which format you wish to receive your ROP/ROC electronic paper download (Note: If choosing the download option, you must view the ROP/ROC from our website; no copy will be sent to you.)

Date Name Tel. No. Company Email Street Address City State Zip ***If you wish to receive a hard copy, a street address MUST be provided. Deliveries cannot be made to PO boxes. Please indicate organization represented (if any) 1. (a) NFPA Document Title NFPA No. & Year (b) Section/Paragraph 2. Comment on Proposal No. (from ROP):

3. Comment Recommends (check one): new text revised text deleted text 4. Comment (include proposed new or revised wording, or identification of wording to be deleted): [Note: Proposed text should be in legislative format; i.e., use underscore to denote wording to be inserted (inserted wording) and strike-through to denote wording to be deleted (deleted wording).]

5. Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Comment: (Note: State the problem that would be resolved by your recommendation; give the specific reason for your Comment, including copies of tests, research papers, fire experience, etc. If more than 200 words, it may be abstracted for publication.)

6. Copyright Assignment (a) I am the author of the text or other material (such as illustrations, graphs) proposed in the Comment. (b) Some or all of the text or other material proposed in this Comment was not authored by me. Its source is as follows: (please identify which material and provide complete information on its source)

I hereby grant and assign to the NFPA all and full rights in copyright in this Comment and understand that I acquire no rights in any publication of NFPA in which this Comment in this or another similar or analogous form is used. Except to the extent that I do not have authority to make an assignment in materials that I have identified in (b) above, I hereby warrant that I am the author of this Comment and that I have full power and authority to enter into this assignment.

Signature (Required)

PLEASE USE SEPARATE FORM FOR EACH COMMENT

Mail to: Secretary, Standards Council ∙ National Fire Protection Association 1 Batterymarch Park ∙ Quincy, MA 02169-7471 OR Fax to: (617) 770-3500 OR Email to: [email protected] 5/14/2010

Sequence of Events Leading to Issuance of an NFPA Committee Document

Step 1 Call for Proposals

▼ Proposed new document or new edition of an existing document is entered into one of two yearly revision cycles, and a Call for Proposals is published.

Step 2 Report on Proposals (ROP)

▼ Committee meets to act on Proposals, to develop its own Proposals, and to prepare its Report.

▼ Committee votes by written ballot on Proposals. If two-thirds approve, Report goes forward. Lacking two- thirds approval, Report returns to Committee.

▼ Report on Proposals (ROP) is published for public review and comment.

Step 3 Report on Comments (ROC)

▼ Committee meets to act on Public Comments to develop its own Comments, and to prepare its report.

▼ Committee votes by written ballot on Comments. If two-thirds approve, Report goes forward. Lacking two- thirds approval, Report returns to Committee.

▼ Report on Comments (ROC) is published for public review.

Step 4 Association Technical Meeting

▼ “Notices of intent to make a motion” are filed, are reviewed, and valid motions are certified for presentation at the Association Technical Meeting. (“Consent Documents” that have no certified motions bypass the Association Technical Meeting and proceed to the Standards Council for issuance.)

▼ NFPA membership meets each June at the Association Technical Meeting and acts on Technical Committee Reports (ROP and ROC) for documents with “certified amending motions.”

▼ Committee(s) vote on any amendments to Report approved at NFPA Annual Membership Meeting.

Step 5 Standards Council Issuance

▼ Notification of intent to file an appeal to the Standards Council on Association action must be filed within 20 days of the NFPA Annual Membership Meeting.

▼ Standards Council decides, based on all evidence, whether or not to issue document or to take other action, including hearing any appeals.

The Association Technical Meeting

The process of public input and review does not end with the publication of the ROP and ROC. Following the completion of the Proposal and Comment periods, there is yet a further opportunity for debate and discussion through the Association Technical Meeting that takes place at the NFPA Annual Meeting.

The Association Technical Meeting provides an opportunity for the final Technical Committee Report (i.e., the ROP and ROC) on each proposed new or revised code or standard to be presented to the NFPA membership for the debate and consideration of motions to amend the Report. The specific rules for the types of motions that can be made and who can make them are set forth in NFPA’s rules, which should always be consulted by those wishing to bring an issue before the membership at an Association Technical Meeting. The following presents some of the main features of how a Report is handled.

The Filing of a Notice of Intent to Make a Motion. Before making an allowable motion at an Association Technical Meeting, the intended maker of the motion must file, in advance of the session, and within the published deadline, a Notice of Intent to Make a Motion. A Motions Committee appointed by the Standards Council then reviews all notices and certifies all amending motions that are proper. The Motions Committee can also, in consultation with the makers of the motions, clarify the intent of the motions and, in certain circumstances, combine motions that are dependent on each other together so that they can be made in one single motion. A Motions Committee report is then made available in advance of the meeting listing all certified motions. Only these Certified Amending Motions, together with certain allowable Follow-Up Motions (that is, motions that have become necessary as a result of previous successful amending motions) will be allowed at the Association Technical Meeting.

Consent Documents. Often there are codes and standards up for consideration by the membership that will be noncontroversial and no proper Notices of Intent to Make a Motion will be filed. These “Consent Documents” will bypass the Association Technical Meeting and head straight to the Standards Council for issuance. The remaining documents are then forwarded to the Association Technical Meeting for consideration of the NFPA membership.

What Amending Motions Are Allowed. The Technical Committee Reports contain many Proposals and Comments that the Technical Committee has rejected or revised in whole or in part. Actions of the Technical Committee published in the ROP may also eventually be rejected or revised by the Technical Committee during the development of its ROC. The motions allowed by NFPA rules provide the opportunity to propose amendments to the text of a proposed code or standard based on these published Proposals, Comments, and Committee actions. Thus, the list of allowable motions include motions to accept Proposals and Comments in whole or in part as submitted or as modified by a Technical Committee action. Motions are also available to reject an accepted Comment in whole or part. In addition, Motions can be made to return an entire Technical Committee Report or a portion of the Report to the Technical Committee for further study.

The NFPA Annual Meeting, also known as the NFPA Conference & Expo, takes place in June of each year. A second Fall membership meeting was discontinued in 2004, so the NFPA Technical Committee Report Session now runs once each year at the Annual Meeting in June.

Who Can Make Amending Motions. NFPA rules also define those authorized to make amending motions. In many cases, the maker of the motion is limited by NFPA rules to the original submitter of the Proposal or Comment or his or her duly authorized representative. In other cases, such as a Motion to Reject an accepted Comment, or to Return a Technical Committee Report or a portion of a Technical Committee Report for Further Study, anyone can make these motions. For a complete explanation, the NFPA Regs should be consulted.

Action on Motions at the Association Technical Meeting. In order to actually make a Certified Amending Motion at the Association Technical Meeting, the maker of the motion must sign in at least an hour before the session begins. In this way a final list of motions can be set in advance of the session. At the session, each proposed document up for consideration is presented by a motion to adopt the Technical Committee Report on the document. Following each such motion, the presiding officer in charge of the session opens the floor to motions on the document from the final list of Certified Amending Motions followed by any permissible Follow-Up Motions. Debate and voting on each motion proceeds in accordance with NFPA rules. NFPA membership is not required in order to make or speak to a motion, but voting is limited to NFPA members who have joined at least 180 days prior to the Association Technical Meeting and have registered for the meeting. At the close of debate on each motion, voting takes place, and the motion requires a majority vote to carry. In order to amend a Technical Committee Report, successful amending motions must be confirmed by the responsible Technical Committee, which conducts a written ballot on all successful amending motions following the meeting and prior to the document being forwarded to the Standards Council for issuance.

Standards Council Issuance

One of the primary responsibilities of the NFPA Standards Council, as the overseer of the NFPA codes and standards development process, is to act as the official issuer of all NFPA codes and standards. When it convenes to issue NFPA documents, it also hears any appeals related to the document. Appeals are an important part of assuring that all NFPA rules have been followed and that due process and fairness have been upheld throughout the codes and standards development process. The Council considers appeals both in writing and through the conduct of hearings at which all interested parties can participate. It decides appeals based on the entire record of the process as well as all submissions on the appeal. After deciding all appeals related to a document before it, the Council, if appropriate, proceeds to issue the document as an official NFPA code or standard. Subject only to limited review by the NFPA Board of Directors, the decision of the Standards Council is final, and the new NFPA code or standard becomes effective twenty days after Standards Council issuance.

Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A Report of the Committee on Eli P. Howard, III, Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors Natl. Assn., VA [IM] Air Conditioning (Voting Alt. to SMACNA Rep.) Ralph A. Koerber, ATCO Rubber Products, Inc., TX [M] David P. Demers, Chair (Alt. to Marvin A. Koerber) Demers Associates Inc., MA [SE] Vijay Kotian, Albermarle Corporation, LA [M] (Alt. to Marcelo M. Hirschler) Charles E. Altizer, Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office, VA [E] Randall K. Laymon, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., IL [RT] Rep. International Fire Marshals Association (Alt. to Dwayne E. Sloan) Jesse J. Beitel, Hughes Associates, Inc., MD [SE] Harold C. Ohde, IBEW-NECA Technical Institute, IL [L] James S. Buckley, Jacobs, TX [IM] (Alt. to James T. Dollard, Jr.) Rep. American Society for Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Brian J. Papagni, The RJA Group, Inc., GA [SE] Engineers Inc. (Alt. to Randolph W. Tucker) Merton W. Bunker, Jr., US Department of State, VA [U] Isaac I. Papier, Honeywell, Inc., IL [M] Laurence W. Caraway, Jr., Kitchen Klean Inc., NH [IM] (Alt. to George A. Straniero) Rep. National Air Duct Cleaners Association Michael J. Rzeznik, Aon/Schirmer Engineering Corporation, NY [I] Michael Earl Dillon, Dillon Consulting Engineers, Inc., CA [SE] (Voting Alt. to Aon/Schirmer Rep.) James T. Dollard, Jr., IBEW Local Union 98, PA [L] Robert Van Becelaere, Ruskin Manufacturing, MO [M] Rep. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (Alt. to Timothy J. Orris) Douglas S. Erickson, American Society for Healthcare Engineering, VI [U] Robert J. Wills, American Iron and Steel Institute, AL [M] Thomas P. Hammerberg, Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc., GA [M] (Alt. to Richard E. Loyd) J. C. Harrington, FM Global, MA [I] Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International, CA [M] Staff Liaison: Allan Fraser Rep. American Fire Safety Council/Plenum Cable Assn. Charles C. Holt, National Energy Management Institute, PA [L] Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for Rep. Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association documents on the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of Michael J. Jontry, Illinois Department of Public Health, IL [E] systems for air conditioning, warm air heating, and ventilating including filters, Stanley D. Kahn, Tri-City Electric Company, Inc., CA [IM] ducts, and related equipment to protect life and property from fire, smoke, and Rep. National Electrical Contractors Association gases resulting from fire or from conditions having manifestations similar to Marvin A. Koerber, ATCO Rubber Products Inc., SC [M] fire. Rep. Air Diffusion Council William E. Koffel, Koffel Associates, Inc., MD [M] This list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on Rep. Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. the text of this edition. Since that time, changes in the membership may have Richard E. Loyd, R & N Associates, AZ [M] occurred. A key to classifications is found at the front of this book. Rep. American Iron and Steel Institute Timothy J. Orris, AMCA International, Inc., IL [M] The Technical Committee on Air Conditioning is presenting two Reports Rep. Air Movement & Control Association for adoption, as follows: Richard P. Owen, Oakdale, MN [E] Rep. National Electrical Code Correlating Committee Report I: The Technical Committee proposes for adoption amendments Thomas E. Ponder, CertainTeed Corporation, PA [M] to NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Rep. North American Insulation Manufacturers Association Ventilating Systems, 2009 edition. NFPA 90A-2009 is published in Volume 7 Suresh K. Shah, US Department of Health & Human Services, TX [U] of the 2010 National Fire Codes and in separate pamphlet form. Dwayne E. Sloan, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., NC [RT] George A. Straniero, Tyco/AFC Cable Systems, Inc., NJ [M] () The report on NFPA 90A has been submitted to letter ballot of the Technical Rep. National Electrical Manufacturers Association Committee on Air Conditioning, which consists of 28 voting members. The Randolph W. Tucker, The RJA Group, Inc., TX [SE] results of the balloting, after circulation of any negative votes, can be found in Robert A. Wessel, Gypsum Association, MD [M] the report.

Alternates Report II: The Technical Committee proposes for adoption, amendments to NFPA 90B, Standard for the Installation of Warm Air Heating and Air- Diane B. Copeland, Dillon Consulting Engineers, Inc., CA [SE] Conditioning Systems, 2009 edition. NFPA 90B-2009 is published in Volume (Alt. to Michael Earl Dillon) 7 of the 2010 National Fire Codes and in separate pamphlet form. Charles C. Cottrell, North American Insulation Manufacturers Assn., VA [M] (Alt. to Thomas E. Ponder) The report on NFPA 90B has been submitted to letter ballot of the Technical Kimball E. Ferguson, Inova Health System, VA [U] Committee on Air Conditioning, which consists of 28 voting members. The (Alt. to Douglas S. Erickson) results of the balloting, after circulation of any negative votes, can be found in David L. Hall, Air Products and Controls Inc., MI [M] the report. (Alt. to Thomas P. Hammerberg)

90A-1 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A ______ducts, plenums, panels, and duct silencers used in duct systems, unless other- 90A-1 Log #30 Final Action: Reject wise provided for in 4.3.3.1.1 or 4.3.3.1.2, shall have, in the form in which they (Entire Document) are used, a maximum flame spread index of 25 without evidence of continued ______progressive combustion and a maximum smoke developed index of 50 when Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire tested in accordance with ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Safety Council Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or with ANSI/UL 723, Standard Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. Pipe Replace “air duct” with “duct” throughout the document, as follows: and duct insulation and coverings, duct linings and their adhesives, and tapes 1.2 Purpose. shall use the specimen preparation and mounting procedures of ASTM E 2231, This standard shall prescribe minimum requirements for safety to life and Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct property from fire. These requirements shall be intended to accomplish the fol- Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics. lowing: 4.3.3.1.1 The flame spread index and smoke developed index requirements of (1) Restrict the spread of smoke through air duct systems within a building or 4.3.3.1 shall not apply to air duct weatherproof coverings where they are locat- into a building from the outside ed entirely outside of a building, do not penetrate a wall or roof, and do not (2) Restrict the spread of fire through air duct systems from the area of fire create an exposure hazard. origin, whether located within the building or outside 4.3.3.2 Closure systems for use with rigid and flexible air ducts tested in (3) Maintain the fire-resistive integrity of building components and elements accordance with ANSI/UL 181, Standard for Safety Factory-Made Air Ducts such as floors, partitions, roofs, walls, and floor- or roof-ceiling assemblies and Air Connectors, shall have been tested, listed, and used in accordance with affected by the installation of air duct systems the conditions of their listings, in accordance with one of the following: (4) Minimize the ignition sources and combustibility of the elements of the (1) ANSI/UL 181A, Standard for Safety Closure Systems for Use with air duct systems Rigid Air Ducts (5) Permit the air duct systems in a building to be used for the additional (2) ANSI/UL 181B, Standard for Safety Closure Systems for Use with purpose of emergency smoke control Flexible Air Ducts and Air Connectors 3.3.3* Air Connector. A conduit for transferring air between an air duct or 4.3.3.3 Coverings and linings for air ducts, pipes, plenums, and panels, plenum and an air terminal unit or an air inlet or air outlet. including all pipe and duct insulation materials, shall not flame, glow, smolder, 3.3.4 Air Distribution System. A continuous passageway for the transmission or smoke when tested in accordance with ASTM C 411, Standard Test Method of air that, in addition to air ducts, can include air connectors, air duct fittings, for Hot-Surface Performance of High-Temperature Thermal Insulation, at the dampers, plenums, fans, and accessory air-handling equipment but that does temperature to which they are exposed in service. In no case shall the test tem- not include conditioned spaces. perature be below 121°C (250°F). 3.3.5 Air Duct. A conduit or passageway for conveying air to or from heat- 4.3.3.4 Air duct Duct coverings shall not extend through walls or floors that ing, cooling, air conditioning, or ventilating equipment, but not including the are required to be fire stopped or required to have a fire resistance rating, plenum. unless such coverings meet the requirements of NFPA 80, Standard for Fire 3.3.6 Air Duct Covering. A material such as an adhesive, insulation, banding, Doors and Other Opening Protectives. a coating(s), film, or a jacket used to cover the outside surface of an air duct, 4.3.3.5* Air duct Duct linings shall be interrupted at fire dampers to prevent fan casing, or duct plenum. interference with the operation of devices. 3.3.7 Air Duct Lining. A material such as an adhesive, insulation, a 4.3.3.6 Air duct Duct coverings shall not be installed so as to conceal or pre- coating(s), or film used to line the inside surface of an air duct, fan casing, or vent the use of any service opening. duct plenum. 4.3.4.1* Wiring shall not be installed in air ducts, except as permitted in 3.3.22* Plenum. A compartment or chamber to which one or more air ducts 4.3.4.2 through 4.3.4.4. are connected and that forms part of the air distribution system. 4.3.4.2 Wiring shall be permitted to be installed in air ducts, only if the wiring 4.2.4.2.2 Unlisted solar energy air distribution system components shall be is directly associated with the air distribution system and does not exceed 1.22 accompanied by supportive information demonstrating that the components m (4 ft). have flame spread and smoke developed indexes that are not in excess of those 4.3.5 Air Duct Access and Inspection. of the air duct system permitted by this standard. 4.3.5.1 A service opening shall be provided in air ducts adjacent to each fire 4.2.4.3.1 Mechanical refrigeration used with air duct systems shall be damper, smoke damper, and any smoke detectors that need access for installa- installed in accordance with recognized safety practices. tion, cleaning, maintenance, inspection, and testing. 4.2.4.4.1 Oil-burning heating furnaces combined with cooling units in the 4.3.5.3 Horizontal air ducts and plenums shall be provided with service open- same air duct system shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 31, Standard ings to facilitate the removal of accumulations of dust and combustible materi- for the Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment. als. 4.2.4.4.2 Gas-burning heating furnaces combined with cooling units in the 4.3.5.3.1 Service openings shall be located at approximately 6.1 m (20 ft) same air duct system shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 54, National intervals along the air duct and at the base of each vertical riser, unless other- Fuel Gas Code. wise permitted in 4.3.5.3.2 through 4.3.5.3.4. 4.2.4.5.1 Where electrical resistance or fuel-burning heaters are installed in air 4.3.5.4 Inspection windows shall be permitted in air ducts, provided they are ducts, the air duct coverings and their installation shall comply with the provi- glazed with wired glass. sions of 4.3.5.3. 4.3.5.5 Openings in walls or ceilings shall be provided so that service open- 4.3.1 Air Ducts. ings in air ducts are accessible for maintenance and inspection needs. 4.3.1.1 Air Ducts shall be constructed of iron, steel, aluminum, copper, con- 4.3.5.6 Where a service opening is necessary in an air duct located above the crete, masonry, or clay tile, except as otherwise permitted in 4.3.1.2 or 4.3.1.3. ceiling of a floor- or roof-ceiling assembly that has been tested and assigned a 4.3.1.2 Class 0 or Class 1 rigid or flexible air ducts tested in accordance with fire resistance rating in accordance with NFPA 251, Standard Methods of Tests ANSI/UL 181, Standard for Safety Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air of Fire Resistance of Building Construction and Materials, access shall be pro- Connectors, and installed in conformance with the conditions of listing shall be vided in the ceiling. permitted to be used for ducts when air temperature in the ducts does not 4.3.6 Air Duct Integrity. exceed 121°C (250°F) or when used as vertical ducts serving not more than 4.3.6.1 Air ducts Ducts shall be located where they are not subject to damage two adjacent stories in height. or rupture, or they shall be protected to maintain their integrity. 4.3.1.3 Gypsum Board Air Ducts. 4.3.6.2 Where an air duct is located outdoors, the air duct, together with its 4.3.1.3.2 The air temperature limits of 4.3.1.3.1 shall not apply when gypsum covering or lining, shall be protected from harmful elements. board material is used for emergency smoke exhaust air ducts. 4.3.6.3 Where electrical, fossil fuel, or solar energy collection heat sources are 4.3.1.4 All air duct materials shall be suitable for continuous exposure to the installed in air ducts, the installation shall avoid the creation of a fire hazard. temperature and humidity conditions of the environmental air in the air duct. 4.3.6.3.1 For air ducts rated as Class 1 in accordance with ANSI/UL 181, 4.3.1.5.1 Air ducts Ducts shall be considered to be in compliance with this Standard for Safety Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors, air duct cov- requirement where constructed and installed in accordance with the ASHRAE erings and linings shall be interrupted at the immediate area of operation of Handbook — HVAC Systems and Equipment, and with one of the following as such heat sources in 4.3.5.3 in order to meet the clearances specified as a con- applicable: dition of the equipment listing, unless otherwise permitted in 4.3.5.3.2 or (1) NAIMA Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standard 4.3.5.3.3. (2) SMACNA Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standard 4.3.11.2.6.8 Air ducts Ducts complying with 4.3.1.2 and air connectors com- (3) SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards — Metal and Flexible plying with 4.3.2 shall be permitted. (4) SMACNA HVAC Air Duct Leakage Test Manual 4.3.11.3.2 Fabricated plenum and apparatus casing shall be constructed of 4.3.1.6 Where no standard exists for the construction of air ducts, the ducts materials and by methods specified in 4.3.1 and in accordance with the follow- shall be constructed to withstand both the maximum positive and negative pres- ing: sures of the system at fan shutoff. (1) The casing and plenum construction standards in SMACNA HVAC Duct 4.3.2.1 Air connectors are limited-use, flexible air ducts that shall not be Construction Standards — Metal and Flexible required to conform to the provisions for air ducts where they meet the require- (2) ASHRAE Handbook — HVAC Systems and Equipment ments of 4.3.2.1.1 through 4.3.2.1.5. (3) Subsection 4.3.3 for all air duct coverings, duct lining, acoustical liner/ 4.3.3.1* Pipe and duct insulation and coverings, duct linings, vapor retarder cells, and miscellaneous materials facings, adhesives, fasteners, tapes, and supplementary materials added to air 90A-2 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A 4.3.11.5.5.7 Air ducts Ducts complying with 4.3.1.2 and air connectors com- 5.4.6.2 Dampers required to close in airflow shall have the calculated airflow plying with 4.3.2 shall be permitted. at their location shown on the drawings of the air duct system. 5.1.1 General. Air-handling equipment rooms shall be classified into the fol- 6.4.4.3 Where smoke detectors required by Section 6.4 are installed in a lowing three categories: building not equipped with an approved fire alarm system as specified by (1) Those used as air plenums (usually return air) 6.4.4.2, the following shall occur: (2) Those with air ducts that open directly into a shaft (1) Smoke detector activation required by Section 6.4 shall cause a visual (3) Other air-handling unit rooms signal and an audible signal in a normally occupied area. 5.1.3 Air-Handling Equipment Rooms That Have Air Ducts That Open (2) Smoke detector trouble conditions shall be indicated visually or audibly Directly into a Shaft. in a normally occupied area and shall be identified as air duct detector trouble. 5.2.1 Air Duct Clearance. A.1.1 An air duct system has the potential to convey smoke, hot gases, and 5.2.1.1 The clearance from metal air ducts used for heating to assemblies flame from area to area and to supply air to aid combustion in the fire area. For constructed of combustible materials, including plaster on wood lath, shall be these reasons, fire protection of an air duct system is essential to safety to life not less than 12.7 mm (½ in.), or the combustible material shall be protected and the protection of property. However, an air duct system’s fire integrity also with minimum 6.35 mm (¼ in.)–thick approved insulating material. enables it to be used as part of a building’s fire protection system. 5.2.2 Structural Members. The installation of air ducts, including the hangers, Guidance for the design of smoke-control systems is provided in NFPA 92A, shall not reduce the fire resistance rating of structural members. Standard for Smoke-Control Systems Utilizing Barriers and Pressure 5.2.3 Ceiling Assemblies. Where the installation of the hangers for the compo- Differences. nents of an air duct system penetrates an existing ceiling of a fire-resistive A.3.3.3 Air Connector. Some such devices are listed in UL Heating, Cooling, floor- or roof-ceiling assembly and necessitates removal of a portion of that Ventilating and Cooking Equipment Directory under the category “Connectors ceiling, the replacement material shall be identical to that which was removed, (ALNR).” These devices, since they do not meet all the requirements for air or shall be approved as equivalent to that which was removed. ducts, have limitations on their use, length, and location. (For limitations on the 5.2.4 As an alternative to repairing the existing ceiling, a new ceiling shall be use of air connectors, see 4.3.2.1.) permitted to be installed below the air duct system, provided the fire resistance A.6.3 The dampers should close as quickly as practicable, subject to require- rating of the floor- or roof-ceiling design is not reduced. ments of the system fan and air duct characteristics. The designer should evalu- 5.3.1.1* Approved fire dampers shall be provided where air ducts penetrate ate whether the smoke dampers normally should be open or closed and should or terminate at openings in walls or partitions required to have a fire resistance consider the fail-safe position of the dampers during an event such as a power rating of 2 hours or more. failure. 5.3.2.1 Where air ducts extend through only one floor and serve only two adja- A.6.3.2 Within the scope of this document, smoke dampers reduce the possi- cent stories, the air ducts shall be enclosed (see 5.3.4.1), or fire dampers shall bility of smoke transfer within ductwork or through wall openings. Activation be installed at each point where the floor is penetrated. of smoke dampers can be by area detectors that are installed in the related 5.3.3.1 Where air ducts and openings for air ducts are used in a floor- or smoke compartment or by detectors that are installed in the air duct systems. roof-ceiling assembly that is required to have a fire resistance rating, all the See NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. materials and the construction of the assembly, including the air duct materials A.6.4 The use of smoke detectors in relationship to HVAC systems and high and the size and protection of the openings, shall conform with the design of air movement areas and the details regarding their optimum installation are the fire-resistive assembly, as tested in accordance with NFPA 251, Standard covered in Section 5.7 of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. Methods of Tests of Fire Resistance of Building Construction and Materials. Protection provided by the installation of smoke detectors and related 5.3.4.1 Air ducts Ducts that pass through the floors of buildings that require requirements is intended to prevent the distribution of smoke through the sup- the protection of vertical openings shall be enclosed with partitions or walls ply air duct system and, preferably, to exhaust a significant quantity of smoke constructed of materials as permitted by the building code of the authority hav- to the outside. Neither function, however, guarantees either the early detection ing jurisdiction, as indicated in 5.3.4.2 or 5.3.4.3, unless otherwise permitted by of fire or the detection of smoke concentrations prior to dangerous smoke con- 5.3.4.3.1. ditions where smoke movement is other than through the supply air system. 5.3.4.2 The shaft enclosure shall have a minimum fire resistance rating Where smoke-control protection for a facility is determined to be needed, see (based on possible fire exposure from either side of the partition or wall) of 1 NFPA 92A, Standard for Smoke-Control Systems Utilizing Barriers and hour where such air ducts are located in a building less than four stories in Pressure Differences. height. A.6.4.2 The summation of the capacities of individual supply-air fans should 5.3.4.3 The shaft enclosure shall have a minimum fire resistance rating be made where such fans are connected to a common supply air duct system (based on possible fire exposure from either side of the partition or wall) of 2 (i.e., all fans connected to a common air duct supply system should be consid- hours where such air ducts are located in a building four stories or more in ered as constituting a single system with respect to the applicability of the height. Chapter 6 provisions that are dependent on system capacity). 5.3.4.3.1 Where an air duct penetrates only one floor, or one floor and an air- B.1.1 Owners should develop a greater awareness of the life and property handling equipment penthouse floor, and the air duct contains a fire damper protection abilities of air-conditioning systems and should establish a planned located where the duct penetrates the floor, an air duct enclosure shall not be maintenance schedule. Failure to maintain proper conditions of cleanliness in required. air duct systems and carelessness in connection with repair operations have 5.3.4.4 A fire-resistive enclosure used as an air duct shall conform with 4.3.1 been important contributing causes of several fires that have involved air-con- and 5.3.4.2 through 5.3.4.3. ditioning systems. The recommendations in this annex apply, in general, to the 5.3.4.5 Shafts that constitute air ducts or that enclose air ducts used for the period of operation of the system; systems operating only part of the year movement of environmental air shall not enclose the following: should be given a thorough general checkup before starting operation and again (1) Exhaust ducts used for the removal of smoke- and grease-laden vapors after a shutdown. from cooking equipment Substantiation: This brings consistency with the NEC, which talks about ducts (2) Ducts used for the removal of flammable vapors and plenums and not about air ducts. The entire standard addresses air distribu- (3) Ducts used for moving, conveying, or transporting stock, vapor, or dust tion systems. Moreover, there is inconsistency within the standard now because (4) Ducts used for the removal of nonflammable corrosive fumes and vapors some sections talk about ducts and some talk about air ducts but they mean the (5) Refuse and linen chutes same. (6) Piping, except for noncombustible piping conveying water or other non- Committee Meeting Action: Reject hazardous or nontoxic materials Committee Statement: The committee concludes that there is a need to have (7) Combustible storage the specific phrase “air duct(s)” to prevent any confusion of the term. 5.3.4.6.1 A fire damper shall not be required where an air duct system serv- Number Eligible to Vote: 28 ing only one story is used only for exhaust of air to the outside and is contained Ballot Results: Affirmative: 26 Negative: 1 within its own dedicated shaft. Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. 5.3.5.1 Smoke dampers shall be installed at or adjacent to the point where air Explanation of Negative: ducts pass through required smoke barriers, but in no case shall a smoke damp- HIRSCHLER, M.: It is important to get consistency in language with the er be installed more than 0.6 m (2 ft) from the barrier, or after the first air duct NEC and within NFPA 90A and the references to duct and air duct are incon- inlet or outlet, whichever is closer to the smoke barrier, unless otherwise per- sistent at present. mitted by 5.3.5.1.1 through 5.3.5.1.5. ______5.4.5.2.2.1* Where combination fire and smoke dampers are located within 90A-2 Log #CP10 Final Action: Accept air ducts that are part of an engineered smoke-control system, fusible links or (Entire Document) other approved heat-responsive devices shall have a temperature rating approx- ______imately 28°C (50°F) above the maximum smoke-control system designed oper- Submitter: Technical Committee on Air Conditioning, ating temperature. Recommendation: Review entire document to: 1) Update any extracted mate- 5.4.5.4* Dampers shall close against the maximum calculated airflow of that rial by preparing separate proposals to do so, and 2) review and update refer- portion of the air duct system in which they are installed. ences to other organizations documents, by preparing proposal(s) as required. 5.4.6.1 The locations and mounting arrangement of all fire dampers, smoke Substantiation: To conform to the NFPA Regulations Governing Committee dampers, ceiling dampers, and fire protection means of a similar nature Projects. required by this standard shall be shown on the drawings of the air duct sys- tems. 90A-3 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A Committee Meeting Action: Accept NFPA 5000®, Building Construction and Safety Code®, 2009 edition. Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Substantiation: The scope statement of NFPA 79, as shown below, would Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 seem to apply to the control systems for HVAC systems. Extract from NFPA Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. 79: ______1.1* Scope. 90A-3 Log #53 Final Action: Accept in Principle in Part 1.1.1 The provisions of this standard shall apply to the electrical/electronic (1.1 and A.1.1) equipment, apparatus, or systems of industrial machines operating from a nom- ______inal voltage of 600 volts or less, and commencing at the point of connection of Submitter: Joshua Elvove, U.S. General Services Administration the supply to the electrical equipment of the machine. Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: Many HVAC control systems are at least as complicated as industrial process Revise 1.1 as follows: control systems. This proposal is submitted to correlate with another proposal 1.1* Scope. APPA.ORG has submitted to this committee during this ROP cycle to reduce This standard shall cover construction, installation, operation, and maintenance electrical risk in HVAC control cabinets. Reference to NFPA 79 in NFPA 90A of systems for air conditioning and ventilating, including filters, ducts, and strengthens the interoperability of the entire suite of NFPA leading safety prac- related equipment, to protect life and property from fire, smoke, and gases tice documents. resulting from fire or from conditions having manifestations similar to fire. The Committee Meeting Action: Reject standard does not cover maintenance of fire dampers, ceiling dampers, smoke Committee Statement: The document is not referenced in NFPA 90A and is dampers and combination fire/smoke dampers. therefore not a proper reference. Add new text to A.1.1 as follows: Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Maintenance of fire dampers, ceiling dampers, smoke dampers and combina- Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 tion fire/smoke dampers requirements can be found in other NFPA standards. Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Substantiation: NFPA 80 is now responsible for inspection, testing and main- ______tenance of fire and ceiling dampers; NFPA 105 is now responsible for inspec- 90A-5 Log #33 Final Action: Accept tion, testing and maintenance of smoke dampers; and both NFPA 80 and NFPA (2.3.2) 105 address inspection, testing and maintenance of combination fire/smoke ______dampers. As such, any discussion of inspection, testing and maintenance of fire Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire damper, smoke dampers, or combination fire/smoke dampers should be referred Safety Council to the respective standard. Note: I recognize that Section 5.4.8 already address- Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: es this, but it would be better if the scope addressed at the beginning of this 2.3.2 ASTM International Publications. standard (in fact, Section 5.4.8 could even be deleted in favor of locating this ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West text in Section 1.1 and it’s annex. Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle in Part ASTM C 411, Standard Test Method for Hot-Surface Performance of High- Revise text to read as follows: Temperature Thermal Insulation, 1997 2005. Revise 1.1 as follows: ASTM D 93, Standard Test Methods for Flashpoint by Pensky-Martens 1.1* Scope. Closed Cup Tester, 2006 2008. This standard shall cover construction, installation, operation, and maintenance ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of of systems for air conditioning and ventilating, including filters, ducts, and Building Materials, 2006a 2009c. related equipment, to protect life and property from fire, smoke, and gases ASTM E 136, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical resulting from fire or from conditions having manifestations similar to fire. The Tube Furnace at 750°C, 2004 2009a. standard does not cover maintenance of fire dampers, ceiling dampers, smoke ASTM E 2231, Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of dampers and combination fire/smoke dampers. Pipe and Duct Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics, Add new text to A.1.1 as follows: 2007 2009. Maintenance of fire dampers, ceiling dampers, smoke dampers and combina- Substantiation: Standards update tion fire/smoke dampers requirements can be found in other NFPA 80 and Committee Meeting Action: Accept NFPA105 standards. Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Committee Statement: The committee concluded that the change to the annex Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 note is appropriate. Scope is what is covered. The proposal goes into what is Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. not covered and the committee does not want to to use a laundry list of what is ______not covered. If its not in the scope then it isn’t covered. 90A-6 Log #41 Final Action: Accept in Part Number Eligible to Vote: 28 (2.3.3 through 2.3.6) Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 ______Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire ______Safety Council 90A-4 Log #49 Final Action: Reject Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: (Chapter 2) 2.3.3 GA Publications. ______Gypsum Association, 810 First Street, NE, Suite 510, Washington, DC Submitter: David Handwork, Arkansas State University Facilities 20002 6525 Belcrest Road, Ste 480, Hyattsville, MD 20782. Management / Rep. APPA.ORG - Association of Education Facilities Fire Resistance Design Manual (GA 600), 18th edition, 2006 19th Edition Executives (2009). Recommendation: New text to read as follows: 2.3.4 NAIMA Publications. Add NFPA 79 to the list of referenced publications as shown below: North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, 44 Canal Center 2.2 NFPA Publications. National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Plaza, Suite 310, Alexandria, VA 22314. Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471. Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards, 5th edition, 2002. NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2008 edition. 2.3.5 SMACNA Publications. NFPA 31, Standard for the Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment, 2006 edi- Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association, 4201 tion. Lafayette Center Drive, Chantilly, VA 20151 22151-1209. NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, 2009 edition. Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards, 7th edition, 2003. NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code®, 2008 edition. HVAC Air Duct Leakage Test Manual, 1st edition, 1985. NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm Code®, 2007 edition. HVAC Duct Construction Standards — Metal and Flexible, 3rd edition, 2005 NFPA 75, Standard for the Protection of Information Technology Equipment, 2nd edition, 1995 with addendum #1, November 1997. 2009 edition. 2.3.6 UL Publications. NFPA 79, Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery. Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062- NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, 2007 edi- 2096. tion. ANSI/UL 181, Standard for Safety Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, 2009 edition. Connectors, 2005. NFPA 105, Standard for the Installation of Smoke Door Assemblies and Other ANSI/UL 181A, Standard for Safety Closure Systems for Use with Rigid Air Opening Protectives, 2007 edition. Ducts, 2005. NFPA 251, Standard Methods of Tests of Fire Resistance of Building ANSI/UL 181B, Standard for Safety Closure Systems for Use with Flexible Construction and Materials, 2006 edition. Air Ducts and Air Connectors, 2005. NFPA 259, Standard Test Method for Potential Heat of Building Materials, ANSI/UL 555, Standard for Safety Fire Dampers, 2006. 2008 edition. ANSI/UL 555C, Standard for Safety Ceiling Dampers, 2006. NFPA 262, Standard Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires ANSI/UL 555S, Standard for Safety Smoke Dampers, 1999 2006. and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces, 2007 edition. ANSI/UL 723, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Building Materials, 2008 2003. Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth, 2006 edition. ANSI/UL 867, Standard for Safety Electrostatic Air Cleaners, 2000 2004. 90A-4 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A ANSI/UL 900, Standard for Safety Air Filter Units, 2004. Substantiation: This definition is the preferred definition from the Glossary of ANSI/UL 1820, Standard for Safety Fire Test of Pneumatic Tubing for Flame Terms. Changing the secondary definition to the preferred definition complies and Smoke Characteristics, 2004. with the Glossary of Terms Project. ANSI/UL 1887, Standard for Safety Fire Test of Plastic Sprinkler Pipe for Committee Meeting Action: Reject Visible Flame and Smoke Characteristics, 2004. Committee Statement: The proposed definition add a requirement the com- ANSI/UL 1995, Standard for Safety Heating and Cooling Equipment, 2003, mittee concludes is too limiting. revised 2005. Number Eligible to Vote: 28 ANSI/UL 2024, Standard for Optical-Fiber and Communications Cable Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Raceway, 2004. Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. ANSI/UL 2043, Standard for Safety Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Comment on Affirmative: Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling BUNKER, JR., M.: I agree with the action to reject. This definition would be Spaces, 2008 1996, revised 2001. in direct conflict with the NEC. Further, the proposed definition would be near- Substantiation: Standards update ly useless. The proposed definition would seem to imply that removal of dry- Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Part wall or other fixed coverings would be covered by the definition of accessible. 2.3.3 GA Publications. HIRSCHLER, M.: The Air Conditioning Committee should request that the Gypsum Association, 810 First Street, NE, Suite 510, Washington, DC 20002 definition for this term in NFPA 90A be the primary definition, as it is more 6525 Belcrest Road, Ste 480, Hyattsville, MD 20782. generic than the one from NFPA 54, which is now the preferred one. This Fire Resistance Design Manual (GA 600), 18th edition, 2006 19th Edition should be done by writing to Standards Council. This advice was also recom- (2009). mended by the Glossary Advisory Committee. 2.3.4 NAIMA Publications. ______North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, 44 Canal Center 90A-9 Log #CP3 Final Action: Accept Plaza, Suite 310, Alexandria, VA 22314. (3.3.8 Air Filter) Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards, 5th edition, 2002. ______2.3.5 SMACNA Publications. Submitter: Technical Committee on Air Conditioning, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association, 4201 Recommendation: Adopt the preferred definition from the NFPA Glossary of Lafayette Center Drive, Chantilly, VA 20151 22151-1209. Terms as follows: Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards, 7th edition, 2003. 3.3.8 Air Filter. A device used to reduce or remove airborne solids from HVAC Air Duct Leakage Test Manual, 1st edition, 1985. heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems. (90B, 2009) HVAC Duct Construction Standards — Metal and Flexible, 3rd edition, 2005 Substantiation: This definition is the preferred definition from the Glossary of 2nd edition, 1995 with addendum #1, November 1997. Terms. Changing the secondary definition to the preferred definition complies Committee Statement: The committee handled the UL documents under with the Glossary of Terms Project. Proposal 90A-7 (Log #44). Committee Meeting Action: Accept Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. ______90A-7 Log #44 Final Action: Accept 90A-10 Log #36 Final Action: Accept in Principle (2.3.6) (3.3.X Continued Progressive Combustion (New)) ______Submitter: Bob Eugene, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: Safety Council 2.3.6 UL Publications. Recommendation: New text to read as follows: Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062- 3.3.x Continued progressive combustion. A flame front progressing more than 2096. 10.5 ft (3.2 m) beyond the centerline of the burners at some time during a 30 ANSI/UL 181, Standard for Safety Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air minute test in accordance with ASTM E 84 or ANSI/UL 723. Connectors, 2005, Revised 2008. Substantiation: The concept of “evidence of continued progressive combus- ANSI/UL 181A, Standard for Safety Closure Systems for Use with Rigid Air tion” has never been defined and is usually interpreted by labs as meaning that Ducts, 2005, Revised 2008. the flame front in the ASTM E 84 tunnel does not exceed 10.5 ft during the 30 ANSI/UL 181B, Standard for Safety Closure Systems for Use with Flexible minute test. This provides a definition. Air Ducts and Air Connectors, 2005, Revised 2008. NFPA 703 (and building codes) address the following: “a flame spread of 25 ANSI/UL 555, Standard for Safety Fire Dampers, 2006, Revised 2009. or less, and shows no evidence of significant progressive combustion when the ANSI/UL 555C, Standard for Safety Ceiling Dampers, 2006, Revised 2009. test is continued for an additional 20-minute period; nor does the flame front ANSI/UL 555S, Standard for Safety Smoke Dampers, 2006 1999, Revised progress more than 10.5 ft (3.2 m) beyond the centerline of the burners at any 2009. time during the test.” In fact, the “no evidence of significant progressive com- ANSI/UL 723, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of bustion”, which is undefined is simply taken to mean that the flame front does Building Materials, 2003 2008. not progress more than 10.5 ft during the 30 minute test. ANSI/UL 867, Standard for Safety Electrostatic Air Cleaners, 2004 2000, Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle Revised 2007. New text to read as follows: ANSI/UL 900, Standard for Safety Air Filter Units, 2004, Revised 2009. 3.3.x Continued progressive combustion. A flame front progressing more than ANSI/UL 1820, Standard for Safety Fire Test of Pneumatic Tubing for Flame 10.5 ft (3.2 m) beyond the centerline of the burners at some time during a 30 and Smoke Characteristics, 2004, Revised 2009. minute test during a test in accordance with ASTM E 84 or ANSI/UL 723. ANSI/UL 1887, Standard for Safety Fire Test of Plastic Sprinkler Pipe for Committee Statement: The committee clarified the language. Visible Flame and Smoke Characteristics, 2004, Revised 2009. Number Eligible to Vote: 28 ANSI/UL 1995, Standard for Safety Heating and Cooling Equipment, 2003, Ballot Results: Affirmative: 26 Negative: 1 revised 2005, Revised 2008. Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. ANSI/UL 2024, Standard for Optical-Fiber and Communications Cable Explanation of Negative: Raceway, 2004, Revised 2007. BEITEL, J.: I vote against this because the 10.5 ft is used only for fire-retar- ANSI/UL 2043, Standard for Safety Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke dant treated wood during a 30 minute test. The “continuous progressive com- Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling bustion” used in 3.3 applies to Limited-combustible material and not to FRTW. Spaces, 1996, revised 2001 2008. In this definition, the 10.5 ft limit is not applicable...no justification for use in Substantiation: Update referenced standards to most recent revisions. Add this definition. ANSI approval designation to UL 2043. Comment on Affirmative: Committee Meeting Action: Accept HIRSCHLER, M.: Note that there is a difference between “evidence of con- Number Eligible to Vote: 28 tinued progressive combustion”, which is used in the definition of limited com- Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 bustible and “evidence of significant progressive combustion” which is used Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. for the 30 minute ASTM E 84 test when dealing with fire retardant treated ______wood. 90A-8 Log #CP2 Final Action: Reject (3.3.1 Accessible) ______90A-11 Log #CP4 Final Action: Reject Submitter: Technical Committee on Air Conditioning, (3.3.11.1 Dedicated Smoke-Control System) Recommendation: Adopt the preferred definition from the NFPA Glossary of ______Terms as follows: Submitter: Technical Committee on Air Conditioning, 3.3.1 Accessible. Having access to but which first may requires the removal Recommendation: Adopt the preferred definition from the NFPA Glossary of of a panel, door, or similar covering of the item described. [54, 2009] Terms as follows: 90A-5 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A 3.3.11.1 Dedicated Smoke-Control System. A system that is intended for designed to close automatically upon detection of heat, to interrupt migratory the purpose of smoke control only, which are separate systems of air moving airflow, and to restrict the passage of flame. [221, 2009] Fire dampers are clas- and distribution equipment that do not function under normal building operat- sified for use in either static systems or for dynamic systems, where the damp- ing conditions. [1, 2009] ers are rated for closure under airflow. [80, 2009] Substantiation: This definition is the preferred definition from the Glossary of A.3.3.13.3 Fire Damper. Some such devices are listed in UL Heating, Cooling, Terms. Changing the secondary definition to the preferred definition complies Ventilating and Cooking Equipment Directory under the category of “Fire with the Glossary of Terms Project. Dampers for Fire Barrier and Smoke Applications (EMME).” Committee Meeting Action: Reject Substantiation: The definition for fire damper should be consistent between Committee Statement: The term is not used in the document. the standard that requires its installation (NFPA 90A) and the standard that Number Eligible to Vote: 28 requires its maintenance (NFPA 80), given it’s the same piece of equipment. Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 The proposed definition comes from NFPA 80 (which basically comes from Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. NFPA 221) and simply adds the second sentence from the definition of fire ______damper in NFPA 80. If the NFPA 90A committee has an issue with this defini- 90A-12 Log #CP5 Final Action: Accept in Principle tion, suggest they reconcile this with the NFPA 80 committee. (3.3.13.1 Ceiling Radiation Damper) Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle ______Revise definition of “Fire Damper” in 3.3.13.3 as follows: Submitter: Technical Committee on Air Conditioning, 3.3.13.3* Fire Damper. A device, installed in an air distribution system, Recommendation: Adopt the preferred definition from the NFPA Glossary of designed to close automatically upon detection of heat, to interrupt migratory Terms as follows: airflow, and to restrict the passage of flame. [221, 2009] 3.3.13.1 Ceiling Radiation Damper. A listed device installed in a ceiling Add to the end of annex note A3.3.13.3: Fire dampers are classified for use in membrane of a fire resistance-rated floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assembly to either static systems or for dynamic systems, where the dampers are rated for automatically limit the radiative heat transfer through an air inlet/outlet open- closure under airflow. [80, 2009] ing. [5000, 2009] Committee Statement: The committee removed the reference to NFPA 221, Substantiation: This definition is the preferred definition from the Glossary of Standard for High Challenge Fire Walls, Fire Walls, and Fire Barrier Walls, as Terms. Changing the secondary definition to the preferred definition complies the chosen definition does not match that in 221. The committee moved the with the Glossary of Terms Project. proposed last sentence to the Annex. Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Adopt the preferred definition from the NFPA Glossary of Terms as follows: Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 3.3.13.1 Ceiling Radiation Damper. A listed device installed in a ceiling Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. membrane of a fire resistance-rated floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assembly to ______automatically limit the radiative heat transfer through an air inlet/outlet open- 90A-15 Log #CP6 Final Action: Accept ing. (3.3.15 Fan) Committee Statement: See committee action and statement on Proposal 90A- ______13 (Log #56). Submitter: Technical Committee on Air Conditioning, Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Recommendation: Adopt the preferred definition from the NFPA Glossary of Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Terms as follows: Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. 3.3.15 Fan. A blower or exhauster assembly comprising blades or runners ______and housings or casings. [211, 2006] 90A-13 Log #56 Final Action: Accept in Principle Substantiation: This definition is the preferred definition from the Glossary of (3.3.13.1 Ceiling Radiation Damper and A.3.3.13.1) Terms. Changing the secondary definition to the preferred definition complies ______with the Glossary of Terms Project. Submitter: Joshua Elvove, U.S. General Services Administration Committee Meeting Action: Accept Recommendation: Revise the definition of “Ceiling Radiation Damper” in Number Eligible to Vote: 28 3.3.13.1 as follows: Ballot Results: Affirmative: 25 Negative: 2 3.3.13.1* Ceiling Radiation Damper. A listed device installed in a ceiling Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. membrane of a fire resistance-rated floor-ceiling or roof ceiling assembly to Explanation of Negative: automatically limit the radiant radiative heat transfer through an air outlet or air BUCKLEY, J.: The proposed fan definition does not cover the use of plug inlet/outlet opening. [5000, 2009] in the ceiling of a floor- or roof-ceiling fans (fans that do not have a housing around the fan). assembly having not less than a 1-hour fire resistance rating. Such a device is DILLON, M.: The proposed definition is technically in error and incompati- described in the construction details for some tested floor- or roof-ceiling ble with the industry-accepted definition of a fan, to wit: see “ASHRAE assemblies. Terminology of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration”, pg. A.3.3.13.1 Ceiling Radiation Damper. Some such devices are listed in UL 42 Fan ‘Device for moving air by two or more blades or vanes attached to a Fire Resistance Directory under the category of “Ceiling Damper (CABS).” rotating shaft. See also impeller.’ Please note in reviewing the more correct def- Substantiation: The definition for ceiling radiation damper should be consis- inition that there are several fans that do not include a housing, i.e. plug fans. tent between the standard that requires its installation (NFPA 90A) and the ______standard that requires its maintenance (NFPA 80), given it’s the same piece of 90A-16 Log #31 Final Action: Accept equipment. The proposed definition comes from NFPA 80 (which basically (3.3.16, 4.3.5.6 and 5.3.3.1) comes from NFPA 5000). If the NFPA 90A committee has an issue with this ______definition, suggest they reconcile this with the NFPA 80 committee. Note: the Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire NFPA manual of style doesn’t permit performance criteria within a definition, Safety Council hence, the language regarding “not less than 1 hour” should be stricken anyway Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: (performance criteria belongs in Chapter 5). 3.3.16* Fire Resistance Rating. The time, in minutes or hours, that materials Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle or assemblies have withstood a fire exposure as established in accordance with Revise the definition of “Ceiling Radiation Damper” in 3.3.13.1 as follows: the test procedures of NFPA 251, Standard Methods of Tests of Fire Resistance 3.3.13.1* Ceiling Radiation Damper. A listed device installed in a ceiling of Building Construction and Materials, ASTM E 119, Standard Test Methods membrane of a fire resistance-rated floor-ceiling or roof ceiling assembly to for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, or ANSI/UL 263, automatically limit the radiant radiative heat transfer through an air outlet or air Standard for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials . inlet/outlet opening. [5000, 2009] in the ceiling of a floor- or roof-ceiling 4.3.5.6 Where a service opening is necessary in an air duct located above the assembly having not less than a 1-hour fire resistance rating. Such a device is ceiling of a floor- or roof-ceiling assembly that has been tested and assigned a described in the construction details for some tested floor- or roof-ceiling fire resistance rating in accordance with NFPA 251, Standard Methods of Tests assemblies. of Fire Resistance of Building Construction and Materials, ASTM E 119, A.3.3.13.1 Ceiling Radiation Damper. Some such devices are listed in UL Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, Fire Resistance Directory under the category of “Ceiling Damper (CABS).” or ANSI/UL 263, Standard for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Committee Statement: The committee removed the word “radiation” to be Materials, access shall be provided in the ceiling. consistent with the text and the test standard. 5.3.3.1 Where air ducts and openings for air ducts are used in a floor- or Number Eligible to Vote: 28 roof-ceiling assembly that is required to have a fire resistance rating, all the Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 materials and the construction of the assembly, including the air duct materials Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. and the size and protection of the openings, shall conform with the design of ______the fire-resistive assembly, as tested in accordance with NFPA 251, Standard 90A-14 Log #57 Final Action: Accept in Principle Methods of Tests of Fire Resistance of Building Construction and Materials, (3.3.13.3 Fire Damper and A.3.3.13.3) ASTM E 119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction ______and Materials, or ANSI/UL 263, Standard for Fire Tests of Building Submitter: Joshua Elvove, U.S. General Services Administration Construction and Materials. Recommendation: Revise definition of “Fire Damper” in 3.3.13.3 as follows: 3.3.13.3* Fire Damper. A device, installed in an air distribution system, 90A-6 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A Also add ASTM E 119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building and of such composition that surfaces that would be exposed by cutting Construction and Materials and ANSI/UL 263, Standard for Fire Tests of through the material on any plane would have neither a flame spread index Building Construction and Material, into Chapter 2 on referenced standards greater than 25 and a flame front progressing no more than 10.5 ft (3.2 m) in a Substantiation: NFPA codes and standards, including NFPA 101, recognize 30 minute test nor evidence of continued progressive combustion, when tested ASTM E 119 and UL 263 as alternate acceptable tests for assessing fire resis- in accordance with ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method of Surface Burning tance rating. Characteristics of Building Materials, or ANSI/UL 723, Standard Test Method Committee Meeting Action: Accept for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Substantiation: The concept of “evidence of continued progressive combus- Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 tion” has never been defined and is usually interpreted by labs as meaning that Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. the flame front in the ASTM E 84 tunnel does not exceed 10.5 ft during the 30 ______minute test. 90A-17 Log #37 Final Action: Reject NFPA 703 (and building codes) address the following: “a flame spread of 25 (3.3.20 and others) or less, and shows no evidence of significant progressive combustion when the ______test is continued for an additional 20-minute period; nor does the flame front Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire progress more than 10.5 ft (3.2 m) beyond the centerline of the burners at any Safety Council time during the test.” In fact, the “no evidence of significant progressive com- Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: bustion”, which is undefined is simply taken to mean that the flame front does 3.3.20* Limited-Combustible (Material). Refers to a building construction not progress more than 10.5 ft during the 30 minute test. material not complying with the definition of noncombustible material that, in Committee Meeting Action: Reject the form in which it is used, has a potential heat value not exceeding 3500 Btu/ Committee Statement: This change is not needed based upon the action on lb (8141 kJ/kg), where tested in accordance with NFPA 259, Standard Test 90A-10 (Log #36). Method for Potential Heat of Building Materials, and includes either of the fol- Number Eligible to Vote: 28 lowing: (1) materials having a structural base of noncombustible material, with Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 a surfacing not exceeding a thickness of 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) that has a flame Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. spread index not greater than 50; and (2) materials, in the form and thickness ______used, having neither a flame spread index greater than 25 and a flame front 90A-18 Log #CP7 Final Action: Reject progressing no more than 10.5 ft (3.2 m) in a 30 minute test nor evidence of (3.3.20 Limited Combustible Material) continued progressive combustion, and of such composition that surfaces that ______would be exposed by cutting through the material on any plane would have Submitter: Technical Committee on Air Conditioning, neither a flame spread index greater than 25 nor a flame front progressing no Recommendation: Adopt the preferred definition from the NFPA Glossary of more than 10.5 ft (3.2 m) in a 30 minute test evidence of continued progressive Terms as follows: combustion, when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84, Standard Test 3.3.20 Limited Combustible Material. Refers to a building construction mate- Method of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or ANSI/UL rial not complying with the definition of noncombustible that, in the form in 723 Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building which it is used, has a potential heat value not exceeding 8141 kJ/kg (3500 Materials. Btu/lb), where tested in accordance with NFPA 259 and includes either (1) 4.3.1.3.1 Gypsum board having a maximum flame spread index of 25 and a materials having a structural base of noncombustible material, with a surfacing flame front progressing no more than 10.5 ft (3.2 m) in a 30 minute test with- not exceeding a thickness of 3.2 mm (1/8 in.) that has a flame spread index not out evidence of continued progressive combustion and a maximum smoke greater than 50, or (2) materials, in the form and thickness used having neither developed index of 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84, Standard a flame spread index greater than 25 nor evidence of continued progressive Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or combustion, and of such composition that surfaces that would be exposed by ANSI/UL 723, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of cutting through the material on any plane would have neither a flame spread Building Materials, shall be permitted to be used for negative pressure exhaust index greater than 25 nor evidence of continued progressive combustion, when and return ducts where the temperature of the conveyed air does not exceed tested in accordance with UL 723 or ASTM E 84. (220, 2009) 52°C (125°F) in normal service. Substantiation: This definition is the preferred definition from the Glossary of 4.3.3.1* Pipe and duct insulation and coverings, duct linings, vapor retarder Terms. Changing the secondary definition to the preferred definition complies facings, adhesives, fasteners, tapes, and supplementary materials added to air with the Glossary of Terms Project. ducts, plenums, panels, and duct silencers used in duct systems, unless other- Committee Meeting Action: Reject wise provided for in 4.3.3.1.1 or 4.3.3.1.2, shall have, in the form in which they Committee Statement: The committee prefers the current definition and the are used, a maximum flame spread index of 25 and a flame front progressing substantiation is incorrect as this is not the only “preferred” definition. no more than 10.5 ft (3.2 m) in a 30 minute test without evidence of continued Number Eligible to Vote: 28 progressive combustion and a maximum smoke developed index of 50 when Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 tested in accordance with ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or with ANSI/UL 723, Standard ______Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. Pipe 90A-19 Log #CP8 Final Action: Accept and duct insulation and coverings, duct linings and their adhesives, and tapes (3.3.21 Noncombustible Material) shall use the specimen preparation and mounting procedures of ASTM E 2231, ______Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct Submitter: Technical Committee on Air Conditioning, Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics. Recommendation: Adopt the preferred definition from the NFPA Glossary of 4.3.11.2.6.9 Materials that, in the form in which they are used, have a poten- Terms as follows: tial heat value not exceeding 8141 kJ/kg (3500 Btu/lb), where tested in accor- 3.3.21 Noncombustible Material. A material that, in the form in which it is dance with NFPA 259, Standard Test Method for Potential Heat of Building used and under the conditions anticipated, will not ignite, burn, support com- Materials, and include either of the following: bustion, or release flammable vapors, when subjected to fire or heat. Materials (1) Materials having a structural base of noncombustible material, with that are reported as passing ASTM E 136 Standard Test Method for Behavior a surfacing not exceeding a thickness of 3.2 mm (1/8 in.) that has a flame of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750 Degrees C, shall be are consid- spread index not greater than 50 ered noncombustible materials. [220, 2009] (2) Materials, in the form and thickness used, having neither a flame Substantiation: This definition is the preferred definition from the Glossary of spread index greater than 25 and a flame front progressing no more than 10.5 ft Terms. Changing the secondary definition to the preferred definition complies (3.2 m) in a 30 minute test nor evidence of continued progressive combustion, with the Glossary of Terms Project. and of such composition that surfaces that would be exposed by cutting Committee Meeting Action: Accept through the material on any plane would have neither a flame spread index Number Eligible to Vote: 28 greater than 25 and a flame front progressing no more than 10.5 ft (3.2 m) in a Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 30 minute test nor evidence of continued progressive combustion, when tested Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. in accordance with ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method of Surface Burning Comment on Affirmative: Characteristics of Building Materials, or ANSI/UL 723, Standard Test Method KOFFEL, W.: The proposed revision to the definition is not consistent with of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. revisions to NFPA 220 and a new definition within the NFPA 101 and NFPA 4.3.11.5.5.8 Materials that, in the form in which they are used, have a poten- 5000 projects. tial heat value not exceeding 3500 Btu/lb (8141 kJ/kg), where tested in accor- dance with NFPA 259, Standard Test Method for Potential Heat of Building ______Materials, and include either of the following: 90A-20 Log #17 Final Action: Accept (1) Materials having a structural base of noncombustible material, with (3.3.21 Noncombustible Material and A.3.3.21) a surfacing not exceeding a thickness of 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) that has a flame ______spread index not greater than 50 Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire (2) Materials, in the form and thickness used, having neither a flame Safety Council spread index greater than 25 and a flame front progressing no more than 10.5 ft Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: (3.2 m) in a 30 minute test nor evidence of continued progressive combustion, 3.3.21* Noncombustible Material. A material that, in the form in which it is 90A-7 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A used and under the conditions anticipated, will not ignite, burn, support com- ______bustion, or release flammable vapors, when subjected to fire or heat. Materials 90A-23 Log #CP16 Final Action: Accept that are reported as passing ASTM E 136, Standard Test Method for Behavior (4.2.2.2) of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750 Degrees C, shall be considered ______noncombustible materials.[220, 2009] Submitter: Technical Committee on Air Conditioning, A.3.3.21 A material that is reported as complying with the pass/fail criteria of Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: ASTM E 136 when tested in accordance with the test method and procedure in 4.2.2.2* Air filters shall be rated either as Class 1 or Class 2 in accordance ASTM E 2652, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Tube comply with ANSI/UL 900, Standard for Safety Air Filter Units. Furnace with a Cone-shaped Airflow Stabilizer, at 750 Degrees C, is consid- Substantiation: Class I and 2 are no longer used by the UL standard. ered a noncombustible material. Committee Meeting Action: Accept Also add ASTM E2652 - 09e1 Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials Number Eligible to Vote: 28 in a Tube Furnace with a Cone-shaped Airflow Stabilizer, at 750°C into the Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 annex on informational references Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Substantiation: The definition proposed is consistent with that in NFPA 220, ______Standard on Types of Building Construction, 2009 edition. The proposed defi- 90A-24 Log #50 Final Action: Reject nition will be extracted from NFPA 220, 2009 edition. The annex note is being (4.2.3.4) added because the equipment for ASTM E 136 is virtually unavailable and ______therefore ASTM E 2652 has been developed as an alternate apparatus and is Submitter: David Handwork, Arkansas State University Facilities presented as an option. This has already been addressed in several other docu- Management / Rep. APPA.ORG - Association of Education Facilities ments, including NFPA 101, 5000 and draft NFPA 556. Executives Committee Meeting Action: Accept Recommendation: New text to read as follows: Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Add the following text to Chapter 4 Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 (NEW) 4.2.3.4 Machine Safeguarding. Moving parts, such as shafts, pul- Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. leys, couplings and belts, installed within air ducts that are accessible for main- ______tenance, shall be protected with metal guards that enclose all moving parts. 90A-21 Log #CP9 Final Action: Accept Substantiation: The danger posed by moving parts -- especially the belts asso- (3.3.24 Smoke Barrier) ciated with driven equipment within large, walk-in air ducts -- ought to be self ______evident. This is a borderline product-standard/field-installation issue that ought Submitter: Technical Committee on Air Conditioning, to be addressed in both product and installation standards for HVAC equip- Recommendation: Adopt the preferred definition from the NFPA Glossary of ment. This is a first step for covering it in an installation standard even if it Terms as follows: means field fabrication of guarding. Hopefully, manufacturers will take a cue 3.3.24 Smoke Barrier. A continuous membrane, or a membrane with discon- from this requirement and build it into the cost of the product. tinuities created by protected openings, where such membrane is designed and Committee Meeting Action: Reject constructed to restrict the movement of smoke. [5000, 2009] Committee Statement: The committee does not find this addition to be neces- Substantiation: This definition is the preferred definition from the Glossary of sary nor within the committee’s scope. This more appropriately belongs in an Terms. Changing the secondary definition to the preferred definition complies OSHA standard. with the Glossary of Terms Project. Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Committee Meeting Action: Accept Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 ______Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. 90A-25 Log #2 Final Action: Reject ______(4.2.4.1) 90A-22 Log #58 Final Action: Accept in Principle ______(3.3.24 Smoke Barrier and A.3.3.24) Submitter: Jonathan Paul, Lebanon Fire Dept. ______Recommendation: New text to read as follows: Submitter: Joshua Elvove, U.S. General Services Administration (New paragraph 4.2.4.1.3): Window air-conditioning units shall only be used Recommendation: Revise the definition of “Smoke Barrier” in 3.3.24 and for listed use. revise corresponding annex note A.3.3.24. as follows: Substantiation: Numerous improper installations of window air-conditioning 3.3.24* Smoke Barrier. A continuous membrane, or a member with disconti- are found on inspection of buildings. In particular, computer server rooms are nuities created by protected openings, where such member either vertical or being cooled by window air-conditioning units instead of thru the wall units or horizontal, such as a wall, floor, or ceiling assembly, that is designed and con- central air. These window units are being found exhausting into wall spaces, structed to restrict the movement of smoke. closets and attics, presenting a possible fire hazard. A.3.3.24 Smoke Barrier. A smoke barriers might be vertically or horizontally Air-conditioning manufacturer’s that I have spoken to have stated that such aligned, such as a wall, floor or ceiling assembly. A smoke barrier might or installations void all warranties and safety features. might not have a fire resistance rating. See also NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, Committee Meeting Action: Reject Chapter 8, for additional guidance. Committee Statement: This proposal is outside the scope of the document. Substantiation: The definition for smoke barrier should be consistent between NFPA 90A does not address appliances. NFPA documents that utilize the term. The proposed definition comes from Number Eligible to Vote: 28 NFPA 101 which is the same as the definition in NFPA 5000. If the NFPA 90A Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 committee has an issue with this definition, suggest they reconcile this with the Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. NFPA 101 committee. Note: the NFPA manual of style doesn’t permit lists (i.e,. ______using the term “such as” in a definition); hence, relocating this text to the 90A-26 Log #19 Final Action: Accept annex is more appropriate. (4.3.1.3.1) Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle ______Revise the definition of “Smoke Barrier” in 3.3.24 and revise corresponding Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire annex note A.3.3.24. as follows: Safety Council 3.3.24* Smoke Barrier. A continuous membrane, or a membrane with discon- Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: tinuities created by protected openings, where such membrane either vertical or 4.3.1.3.1 Gypsum board having a maximum flame spread index not horizontal, such as a wall, floor, or ceiling assembly, that is designed and con- exceeding of 25 without evidence of continued progressive combustion and structed to restrict the movement of smoke. a maximum smoke developed index not exceeding of 50 when tested in A.3.3.24 Smoke Barrier. A smoke barrier might be vertically or horizontally accordance with ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning aligned, such as a wall, floor or ceiling assembly. A smoke barrier might or Characteristics of Building Materials, or ANSI/UL 723, Standard Test might not have a fire resistance rating. See also NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, shall Chapter 8, for additional guidance. be permitted to be used for negative pressure exhaust and return ducts Committee Statement: The committee editorially changed “member” to where the temperature of the conveyed air does not exceed 52°C (125°F) in “membrane” in two places and “barriers” to “barrier”. normal service. Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Substantiation: To get language consistent with other equivalent sections. Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Committee Meeting Action: Accept Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E.

90A-8 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A ______A “flame retardant fabric” is usually taken to mean a fabric that complies 90A-27 Log #29 Final Action: Reject with the small-scale test from NFPA 701, which has been eliminated from that (4.3.1.5.1 and A.4.3.3.5) standard for over 10 years. Present versions of NFPA 701 contain two tests ______(depending on the weight, or areal density of the fabric) but both of them are Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire very much less severe than ASTM E 84 and neither one measures smoke. The Safety Council term “flame retardant fabric” is misleading and has been eliminated from most Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: NFPA documents. 4.3.1.5.1 Air ducts shall be considered to be in compliance with this require- In fact, this section can be interpreted to consider that the fabrics need to meet ment where constructed and installed in accordance with the ASHRAE both fire tests: NFPA 701 and ASTM E 84 with 25/50. This is a clarification, in Handbook — HVAC Systems and Equipment, and with one of the following as that case. Fabrics that meet ASTM E 84 with 25/50 need not be tested also to applicable: NFPA 701. (1) NAIMA Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards Note that the proposal does not require testing of the system and thus allows (2) SMACNA Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standard unlisted combinations of materials tested individually as long as they are (3) SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards — Metal and Flexible restricted to a maximum length of 10 in. (4) SMACNA HVAC Air Duct Leakage Test Manual Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle A.4.3.3.5 See NAIMA Fibrous Glass Duct Liner Standard, and NAIMA Revise text to read as follows: Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards and NAIMA Residential Fibrous 4.3.2 Air Connectors. Glass Duct Construction Standards for additional information. 4.3.2.1 Air connectors are limited-use, flexible air ducts that shall not be Substantiation: Corrects title and correlates with references required to conform to the provisions for air ducts where they meet the require- Committee Meeting Action: Reject ments of 4.3.2.1.1 through 4.3.2.1.5. Committee Statement: The committee concludes that residential duct con- 4.3.2.1.1 Air connectors shall conform to the requirements for Class 0 or struction is outside the scope of 90A. Class 1 connectors when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 181, Standard for Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Safety Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors. Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 4.3.2.1.2 Class 0 or Class 1 air connectors shall not be used for ducts con- Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. taining air at temperatures in excess of 121°C (250°F). ______4.3.2.1.3 Air connector runs shall not exceed 4.27 m (14 ft) in length. 90A-28 Log #18 Final Action: Accept in Principle 4.3.2.1.4 Air connectors shall not pass through any wall, partition, or enclo- (4.3.1.7.1) sure of a vertical shaft that is required to have a fire resistance rating of 1 hour ______or more. Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire 4.3.2.1.5 Air connectors shall not pass through floors. Safety Council 4.3.2.2 Vibration isolation connectors in duct systems shall be made of an Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: approved flame-retardant fabric or shall consist of sleeve joints with packing of 4.3.1.7.1 Electrical wires and cables or optical fiber cables, or optical-fiber approved material, each having a maximum flame spread index of 25 and a and communications raceways within a duct enclosure shall comply with maximum smoke developed index of 50. 4.3.4. 4.3.2.2 Vibration isolation connectors in duct systems shall be made of materi- Substantiation: UL 2024 is used for testing and listing all types of raceways, als having a maximum flame spread index of 25 and a maximum smoke devel- including optical fiber raceways, communications raceways, signaling race- oped index of 50. ways, fire alarm raceways. CATV raceways when they are to be used in ple- 4.3.2.3 Approved flame-retardant fabric Unlisted vibration isolation connectors nums. The critical issue is that the raceway has been tested and listed to UL complying with 4.3.2.2 having a maximum length of 254 mm (10 in.) in the 2024 and it is important to eliminate potential language problems. The change direction of airflow shall be permitted to be used. in nomenclature does not change the requirements. 4.3.2.3 4 Wiring shall not be installed in air connectors. Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle Committee Statement: The committee deleted 4.2.3 and renumber and replace Revise text to read as follows: 4.3.2.2 with the wording from 90A-26 (Log #19) for consistency. 4.3.1.7.1 Electrical wires and cables or optical fiber cables, or optical-fiber and Number Eligible to Vote: 28 communications raceways within a duct enclosure shall comply with 4.3.4. Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Committee Statement: The committee deleted raceways from this section as it Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. is not the correct location. ______Number Eligible to Vote: 28 90A-30 Log #51 Final Action: Reject Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 (4.3.2.1.3) Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. ______Submitter: David Handwork, Arkansas State University Facilities 90A-29 Log #42 Final Action: Accept in Principle Management / Rep. APPA.ORG - Association of Education Facilities (4.3.2) Executives ______Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire 4.3.2.1.3 Air connector runs shall not exceed 4.27 1.83 m (14 6 ft) in length. Safety Council Substantiation: The allowance of 14 ft of flexible duct connectors is excessive Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: in practice for the following reasons: 4.3.2 Air Connectors. 1. Texas A&M research supported by ASHRAE exhibited flexible ductwork at 4.3.2.1 Air connectors are limited-use, flexible air ducts that shall not be compression levels over 4% has 2 to 10 times the pressure losses over sheet required to conform to the provisions for air ducts where they meet the require- metal (Ref. Weaver – “Static pressure losses in 6”, 8”, and 10” non-metallic ments of 4.3.2.1.1 through 4.3.2.1.5. flexible duct” ). 4.3.2.1.1 Air connectors shall conform to the requirements for Class 0 or 2. Excessive pressure losses will compromise effective air distribution and Class 1 connectors when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 181, Standard for will dramatically increase fan energy use. Safety Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors. 3. Flexible ductwork in commercial settings can be more susceptible to dam- 4.3.2.1.2 Class 0 or Class 1 air connectors shall not be used for ducts con- age than rigid duct. Air leaks in punctured ductwork can be a significant loss in taining air at temperatures in excess of 121°C (250°F). energy and air flow to the conditioned space. Allowing lengths up to 14 ft. 4.3.2.1.3 Air connector runs shall not exceed 4.27 m (14 ft) in length. increases the susceptibility to damage. 4.3.2.1.4 Air connectors shall not pass through any wall, partition, or enclo- 4. The energy losses relative to excessive use of flexible ductwork contradicts sure of a vertical shaft that is required to have a fire resistance rating of 1 hour NFPA 900 – Building Energy Code or more. 5. The air flow losses with flexible ductwork can also contradict ASHRAE 4.3.2.1.5 Air connectors shall not pass through floors. 62 for adequate airflow to spaces. 4.3.2.2 Vibration isolation connectors in duct systems shall be made of an Note: Supporting material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters. approved flame-retardant fabric or shall consist of sleeve joints with packing of Committee Meeting Action: Reject approved material, each having a maximum flame spread index of 25 and a Committee Statement: The committee disagrees with the change as the sub- maximum smoke developed index of 50. stantiation is not relevant to fire safety nor is technically supported. 4.3.2.2 Vibration isolation connectors in duct systems shall be made of materi- Number Eligible to Vote: 28 als having a maximum flame spread index of 25 and a maximum smoke devel- Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 oped index of 50. Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. 4.3.2.3 Approved flame-retardant fabric Unlisted vibration isolation connectors complying with 4.3.2.2 having a maximum length of 254 mm (10 in.) in the direction of airflow shall be permitted to be used. 4.3.2.4 Wiring shall not be installed in air connectors. Substantiation: Vibration isolation connectors need to be made of materials complying with the same requirements as other materials in ducts. Even fabrics are being manufactured that meet the ASTM E 84 25/50 requirements. 90A-9 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A ______Substantiation: Metal raceways can have a combustible nonmetallic jacket 90A-31 Log #39 Final Action: Reject and therefore would not be suitable for an application exposed to the airflow. (4.3.3.1.3(New), 4.3.11.2.6.7 and 4.3.11.5.6) Likewise for metal sheathed cables. ______Committee Meeting Action: Accept Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Safety Council Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Recommendation: New text to read as follows: Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. 4.3.3.1.2 Smoke detectors required by 6.4.4 shall not be required to meet ______flame spread index or smoke developed index requirements. 90A-34 Log #13 Final Action: Reject 4.3.3.1.3 Smoke detectors installed in ducts or plenums shall exhibit a maxi- (4.3.4.4) mum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average optical density of 0.15 or ______less, and a peak heat release rate of 100 kW or less when tested in accordance Submitter: William C. Wagner, Certification Solutions with UL 2043, Standard for Safety Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling 4.3.4.4* Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables shall be consist of Spaces. wires or cables listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or 4.3.11.2.6.7 Smoke detectors shall comply with the requirements of 4.3.3.1.3 less, an average optical density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread not be required to meet the provisions of this section. distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262, 4.3.11.5.6 Smoke detectors shall comply with the requirements of 4.3.3.1.3 Standard Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for not be required to meet the requirements of 4.3.11.5.1. Use in Air-Handling Spaces, or shall be installed in metal raceways, or metal Substantiation: The standard does not contain any fire safety requirements sheathed cable or Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Conduit (RTRC) listed as associated with smoke detectors at present. If the smoke detectors are installed having a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an average optical den- in ducts or in plenums they should comply with the requirements of UL 2043 sity of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) or just like all other discrete electrical equipment in plenums (see 4.3.11.2.6.5 and less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262, Standard Method of Test for 4.3.11.5.5.6). This is probably already implied by the plenum sections but Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces. needs to be explicitly stated. Substantiation: Paragraph 4.3.4.4 of NFPA 90A currently permits electrical Committee Meeting Action: Reject wires and cables and optical fiber cables to be installed in metal raceways or Committee Statement: ANSI/UL 268A specifies the flame spread test that is metal sheathed cable. As an alternative to this, the wires and cables are not the industry test standard. required to be installed using one of these methods if they themselves comply Number Eligible to Vote: 28 with the required optical smoke density and flame propagation requirements Ballot Results: Affirmative: 26 Negative: 1 specified in NFPA 90A when evaluated in accordance with the Standard Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Explanation of Negative: Air-Handling Spaces, NFPA 262. However, the use of any type of nonmetallic HIRSCHLER, M.: Smoke detectors are discrete electrical equipment and they raceway is not currently permitted. should comply with the same requirements as other such equipment when Recent developments in the formulation of materials which can be utilized in installed in plenums. the production of Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Conduit (RTRC) warrant an Comment on Affirmative: expansion of the permitted installation methods. Resins for RTRC that comply BUNKER, JR., M.: I agree with the TC action. The proposed requirements with the identical flame propagation and smoke optical density requirements are unnecessary. Most duct smoke detectors installed today are located in exter- currently delineated in NFPA 90A for wires and cables, while still complying nal housings and are power limited. They pose little or no safety hazard. with all listing requirements for RTRC, will permit the use of this alternative wire and cable installation method without any increase in flame and smoke ______hazards. 90A-32 Log #7 Final Action: Reject Therefore, RTRC meeting all of these requirements should be permitted as an (4.3.4.2) acceptable alternative to metal raceways for the installation of electrical wires ______and cables and optical fiber cables. Compliance with the flame propagation and Submitter: Stanley Kaufman, CableSafe Inc. / Rep. The Society of the Plastics optical smoke density requirements of NFPA 262, as well as ASTM E 84, has Industry been confirmed through independent testing at Underwriters Laboratories. The Recommendation: Revise 4.3.4.2 as shown: inclusion of this type of conduit in NFPA 90A is a necessary first step toward 4.3.4.2 Wiring shall be permitted to be installed in air ducts, only if the wir- their eventual listing for this application. ing is directly associated with the air distribution system and each length of Committee Meeting Action: Reject cable exposed to the airflow does not exceed 1.22 m (4 ft). Committee Statement: RTRC should not simply be treated as non-combusti- Substantiation: The current text could be interpreted to only permit an aggre- ble. It needs to be tested as other materials are. The committee also reaffirms gate sum of 4 feet of all the cables exposed to the airflow. its position not to create a laundry list of products. Committee Meeting Action: Reject Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Committee Statement: This would allow a significant increase in the aggre- Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 gate total of wire and cable. The committee prefers the current language as Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. allowing the appropriate amount of wire and cable for the desired level of safe- ______ty. 90A-35 Log #60 Final Action: Accept Number Eligible to Vote: 28 (4.3.5.1) Ballot Results: Affirmative: 25 Negative: 2 ______Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Submitter: Joshua Elvove, U.S. General Services Administration Explanation of Negative: Recommendation: Revise 4.3.5.1 as follows: KAHN, S.: The proposal should have been accepted. Does the current lan- 4.3.5.1 A service opening shall be provided in air ducts adjacent to each fire guage indicate the the 4 ft limitation refers to the total length of cable permitted damper, smoke damper, combination fire/smoke damper, and any smoke detec- in a duct or that each cable run is limited to 4 ft? There may be several devices tors that need access for installation, cleaning, maintenance, inspection, and needed in an air duct and I believe the current wording refers to each cable run. testing. The proposal clarifies the intent of this section and does not allow for any Substantiation: To ensure that service openings are also provided for combi- increased amount of cable. nation fire/smoke dampers. KOFFEL, W.: The current language is not enforceable. Based upon the Committee Meeting Action: Accept Committee Statement the total length of cable in air ducts (is that an individual Number Eligible to Vote: 28 duct or the entire system of ducts within an building) is limited to 4 ft. Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 ______Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. 90A-33 Log #8 Final Action: Accept ______(4.3.4.4) 90A-36 Log #61 Final Action: Accept ______(4.3.5.4) Submitter: Stanley Kaufman, CableSafe Inc. / Rep. The Society of the Plastics ______Industry Submitter: Joshua Elvove, U.S. General Services Administration Recommendation: Revise 4.3.4.4 as shown: Recommendation: Revise 4.3.5.4 as follows: 4.3.4.4* Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables shall consist of 4.3.5.4 Inspection windows shall be permitted in air ducts, provided they are wires or cables listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or glazed with wired or fire protection rated glass. less, an average optical density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread Substantiation: To permit other appropriate glazing and not limit this to only distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262, wire glass. Standard Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Committee Meeting Action: Accept Use in Air-Handling Spaces, or shall be installed in metal raceways without an Number Eligible to Vote: 28 overall nonmetallic covering, or metal sheathed cable without an overall non- Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 metallic covering,. Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. 90A-10 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A ______90A-37 Log #67 Final Action: Reject 90A-39 Log #20 Final Action: Accept in Part (4.3.10.2.3 (New) ) (4.3.11.1.2) ______Submitter: Joshua Elvove, U.S. General Services Administration Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire Recommendation: Add new 4.3.10.2.3 as follows: Safety Council 4.3.10.2 Smoke dampers shall be installed in systems with a capacity greater Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: than 7080 L/sec (15,000 ft3/min) to isolate the air-handling equipment, includ- 4.3.11.1.2 Accessible abandoned material shall be deemed to be storage ing filters, from the remainder of the system on both the building supply and and shall be removed not be permitted to remain. Where cables are return sides, in order to restrict the circulation of smoke, unless specifically identified for future use with a tag, the tag shall be of sufficient durability exempted by 4.3.10.2.1 or 4.3.10.2.2. to withstand the environment involved. 4.3.10.2.1 Air-handling units located on the floor they serve and serving only Substantiation: This requirement is based on the equivalent requirement in the that floor shall be exempt from the requirements of 4.3.10.2. NEC, which has revised the language to make the requirement more explicit: 4.3.10.2.2 Air-handling units located on the roof and serving only the floor abandoned materials must be removed. If cables are present intended for future immediately below the roof shall be exempt from the requirements of 4.3.10.2. use they need to be appropriately identified for future use with a tag. 4.3.10.2.3 Air handling units located in buildings that are completely sprinkler The main reason for requiring removal of abandoned materials is for safety protected in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for Installation of Sprinkler of personnel in terms of the potential for abandoned material to fall and/or Systems do not require smoke dampers on the return side. entangle workers, electrical personnel and firefighters. Note that section Substantiation: Given the two existing exceptions, it would seem appropriate 4.3.11.5.8 states as follows: to allow a third for return air units in buildings completely protected by sprin- “4.3.11.5.8 The accessible portion of abandoned materials exposed to airflow kler systems when the sprinkler system has been installed in accordance with shall be removed.” NFPA 13, since the likelihood of smoke of any significance in fully sprinklered Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Part buildings is minimal. Furthermore, air handling units of this size already Revise text to read as follows: require detection on both the supply and return side which would cause the 4.3.11.1.2 Accessible abandoned material shall be deemed to be storage and unit(s) to shut down upon detection of smoke. Hence, whatever little smoke shall be removed not be permitted to remain. Where cables are identified for there is would not be recirculated throughout the building. Moreover, smoke future use with a tag, the tag shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the from a supply air side filter or motor fire, or from an outside fire would still be environment involved. prevented from spreading through the building since the supply side smoke Committee Statement: The committee concludes that the second sentence is damper is still required. covered in the NEC and is not necessary here. Committee Meeting Action: Reject Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Committee Statement: The change would eliminate the requirement to “iso- Ballot Results: Affirmative: 26 Negative: 1 late” the unit when the unit catches fire which is exactly what the committee Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. wants to happen. Explanation of Negative: Number Eligible to Vote: 28 BUNKER, JR., M.: The proposal should have been accepted, or as a Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 minimum, should have referenced the NEC for better user friendliness. Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. ______90A-40 Log #34 Final Action: Accept in Principle 90A-38 Log #CP1 Final Action: Accept (4.3.11.2.6 and 4.3.11.2.6.6(new)) (4.3.11.1) ______Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire Submitter: Technical Committee on Air Conditioning, Safety Council Recommendation: Clarify the text that was the subject of the following Recommendation: New text to read as follows: Formal Interpretation. 4.3.11.2.6 Materials within a ceiling cavity plenum exposed to the airflow Question No. 1: Is the intent of the paragraph to require multiple locations shall be noncombustible or comply with one of the following. for return air in a corridor? 4.3.11.2.6.6 Plastic plumbing piping and tubing within a raised floor plenum Answer: No. shall exhibit a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average optical Question No. 2: Is one point of return air with multiple supply air locations density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) or as indicated on the sketch below acceptable? less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 1887, Standard for Safety Fire Answer: Yes. Test of Plastic Sprinkler Pipe for Visible Flame and Smoke Characteristics. Renumber 4.3.11.2.6.6 through 4.3.11.2.6.9 to become 4.3.11.2.6.7 through 4.3.11.2.6.10 Substantiation: Pipes are installed in ceiling cavity plenums and raised floor Supply air plenums today and they comply with the letter of the standard but not with the Resident Resident Resident Resident Resident 100 cfm room room room room room spirit. They are installed after being tested by means of ASTM E 84, but ASTM typical of 5 E 84 does not have a procedure for testing pipes. Consequently the test is being conducted by placing a single pipe in the tunnel, with the ends sealed and full Return grille 500 cfm of water. That does not ensure safe materials in plenums. During installation Exit corridor and/or maintenance or when repairs are being done, or in the event of an incipient fire, any water potentially present in the pipes would drain out and a highly combustible material would cause flame spread in the plenum. Resident Resident Resident Resident Resident UL 1887 requires testing of pipes without water. The requirements room room room Day room room recommended for plastic pipes is the same as that required for sprinkler pipes. room The scope of UL 1887 is limited to sprinkler pipes but it can easily be expanded since the geometry of pipes and of sprinkler pipes is clearly similar. Heat pump unit Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle New text to read as follows: 4.3.11.2.6 Materials within a ceiling cavity plenum exposed to the airflow shall be noncombustible or comply with one of the following. Substantiation: The Regulations Governing Committee Projects require that a 4.3.11.2.6.6 Plastic plumbing piping and tubing within a ceiling cavity plenum proposal be processed to clarify the text of a document on which a Formal shall exhibit a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average optical Interpretation has been issued. After issuance of the next edition of the density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) or document, the Formal Interpretation will no longer be published. less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 1887, Standard for Safety Fire Committee Meeting Action: Accept Test of Plastic Sprinkler Pipe for Visible Flame and Smoke Characteristics. Committee Statement: The committee concludes that the text has been Renumber 4.3.11.2.6.6 through 4.3.11.2.6.9 to become 4.3.11.2.6.7 through sufficiently clarified since this interpretation was originally issued to permit 4.3.11.2.6.10 removing it from publication in future editions. Committee Statement: Correct location to be “ceiling cavity plenums” rather Number Eligible to Vote: 28 that “raised floor cavity plenums” which is the subject of 90A-54 (Log #35). Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Ballot Results: Affirmative: 25 Negative: 2 Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Explanation of Negative: BEITEL, J.: The proposed use of UL1887 is out of scope of the standard. It is not appropriate to use a test standard outside of its stated scope. If UL revises the standard to include all plastic piping, then 90A can reference it....not before. 90A-11 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A LOYD, R.: I agree with J. Beitel’s negative comments, UL 1887 is an (1) Materials having a structural base of noncombustible material, with a inappropriate Standard for all Plastic Piping which is now required to be tested surfacing not exceeding a thickness of in. (3.2 mm) that has a flame spread to ASTM E84 and should remain the reference test Standard since there is not a index not greater than 50 limit on the amount of piping permitted in the space. (2) Materials, in the form and thickness used, having neither a flame spread Comment on Affirmative: index greater than 25 nor evidence of continued progressive combustion, and HIRSCHLER, M.: Mr Koffel is correct that the peak optical density limit of such composition that surfaces that would be exposed by cutting through the should read 0.50 and not 0.5. material on any plane would have neither a flame spread index greater than 25 KOFFEL, W.: The phrase “and tubing” should be deleted due to the potential nor evidence of continued progressive combustion, when tested in accordance conflict or confusion that could occur with current paragraph 4.3.11.5.5.2. Also with ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method of Surface Burning Characteristics of the proposed value for maximum peak optical density should be 0.50. Building Materials, or ANSI/UL 723, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. ______4.3.11.5.6 4.3.11.5.5.9 Smoke detectors shall not be required to meet the 90A-41 Log #21 Final Action: Accept requirements of 4.3.11.5.1. (4.3.11.2.6 and 4.3.11.5.5) 4.3.11.5.7 4.3.11.5.5.10 Supplementary materials for air distribution systems ______shall be permitted when complying with 4.3.3. Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire 4.3.11.5.8 4.3.11.5.6 The accessible portion of abandoned materials exposed Safety Council to airflow shall be removed. Recommendation: New text to read as follows: Substantiation: Supplementary materials and smoke detectors should be 4.3.11.2.6 Materials within a ceiling cavity plenum exposed to the airflow included in the list of items covered by 4.3.11.5.5, just like they are in the shall be noncombustible or comply with 4.3.11.2.6.1 through 4.3.11.2.6.9, as section dealing with ceiling cavity plenums. applicable one of the following. This code proposal just tries to get consistent language between the two 4.3.11.5.5 Materials within a raised floor plenum exposed to the airflow shall sections providing charging language for plenum content materials. No be noncombustible or comply with 4.3.11.5.5.1 through 4.3.11.5.5.8, as requirements are being changed. applicable. Committee Meeting Action: Accept Substantiation: This code proposal just tries to get consistent language Number Eligible to Vote: 28 between the two sections providing charging language for plenum content Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 materials. No requirements are being changed. Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Committee Meeting Action: Accept Comment on Affirmative: Number Eligible to Vote: 28 HIRSCHLER, M.: Mr Koffel is correct. This is existing text that should not Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 have been modified. Moreover, section 4.3.11.5.5 should read as follows, with Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. the replaced section number 4.3.11.5.5.8 struck out: ______4.3.11.5.5 Materials within a raised floor plenum exposed to the airflow shall 90A-42 Log #38 Final Action: Accept be noncombustible or comply with 4.3.11.5.5.1 through 4.3.11.5.5.10 (4.3.11.2.6 and 4.3.11.5.5) 4.3.11.5.5.8, as applicable. ______KOFFEL, W.: The value for maximum peak optical density in 4.3.11.5.5.2, Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire 4.3.11.5.5.3, 4.3.11.5.5.4, and 4.3.11.5.5.6 should have been changed to 0.50 to Safety Council correlate with 4.3.11.5.5.1. Recommendation: New text to read as follows: 4.3.11.5.5 Materials within a raised floor plenum exposed to the airflow shall ______be noncombustible or comply with 4.3.11.5.5.1 through 4.3.11.5.5.10 90A-43 Log #6 Final Action: Accept 4.3.11.5.5.8, as applicable. (4.3.11.2.6.1) 4.3.11.5.5.1* Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables shall be ______listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an average Submitter: Stanley Kaufman, CableSafe Inc. / Rep. The Society of the Plastics optical density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m Industry (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262, Standard Method of Recommendation: Revise 4.3.11.2.6.1 as shown: Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling 4.3.11.2.6.1* Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables shall be Spaces, or shall be installed in metal raceways, metal sheathed cable, or totally listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an average enclosed nonventilated busway. optical density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m 4.3.11.5.5.2 Pneumatic tubing for control systems shall be listed as having a (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262, Standard Method of maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average optical density of 0.15 Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) or less when Spaces, or shall be installed in metal raceways without an overall nonmetallic tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 1820, Standard for Safety Fire Test of covering, metal sheathed cable without an overall nonmetallic covering, or Pneumatic Tubing for Flame and Smoke Characteristics. totally enclosed non-ventilated metallic busway without an overall nonmetallic 4.3.11.5.5.3 Nonmetallic fire sprinkler piping shall be listed as having a covering,. maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average optical density of 0.15 Substantiation: Metal raceways can have a combustible nonmetallic jacket or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) or less when and therefore would not be suitable for an application exposed to the airflow. tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 1887, Standard for Safety Fire Test of Likewise for metal sheathed cables. Plastic Sprinkler Pipe for Visible Flame and Smoke Characteristics. Committee Meeting Action: Accept 4.3.11.5.5.4 Optical fiber and communication raceways shall be listed as Number Eligible to Vote: 28 having a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average optical Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) or Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2024, Standard for Safety ______Optical-Fiber and Communication Cable Raceway. Cables installed within 90A-44 Log #14 Final Action: Reject these raceways shall be listed as plenum cable in accordance with the (4.3.11.2.6.1) requirements in 4.3.11.5.5.1. ______4.3.11.5.5.5 Raised floors, intermachine cables, electrical wires, listed Submitter: William C. Wagner, Certification Solutions plenum communication and optical-fiber raceways, and optical-fiber cables in Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: computer/data processing rooms where these rooms are designed and installed 4.3.11.2.6.1* Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables shall be in accordance with NFPA 75, Standard for the Protection of Information listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an average Technology Equipment, shall be permitted. optical density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m 4.3.11.5.5.6 Loudspeakers, recessed lighting fixtures, and other electrical (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262, Standard Method of equipment with combustible enclosures, including their assemblies and Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling accessories, cable ties, and other discrete products, shall be permitted in the Spaces, or shall be installed in metal raceways, metal sheathed cable, or totally raised floor plenum where listed as having a maximum peak optical density of enclosed non-ventilated busway or Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Conduit 0.5 or less, an average optical density of 0.15 or less, and a peak heat release (RTRC) listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an rate of 100 kW or less when tested in accordance with UL 2043, Standard for average optical density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance Safety Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Products and of 1.5 m (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262, Standard Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling Spaces. Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in 4.3.11.5.5.7 Air ducts complying with 4.3.1.2 and air connectors complying Air-Handling Spaces. with 4.3.2 shall be permitted. Substantiation: Paragraph 4.3.11.2.6.1 of NFPA 90A currently permits 4.3.11.5.5.8 Materials that, in the form in which they are used, have a electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables to be installed in metal potential heat value not exceeding 3500 Btu/lb (8141 kJ/kg), where tested in raceways, metal sheathed cable or totally enclosed, non-ventilated busway. As accordance with NFPA 259, Standard Test Method for Potential Heat of an alternative to this, the wires and cables are not required to be installed using Building Materials, and include either of the following: one of these methods if they themselves comply with the required optical smoke density and flame propagation requirements specified in NFPA 90A 90A-12 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A when evaluated in accordance with the Standard Method of Test for Flame Comment on Affirmative: Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces, NFPA HIRSCHLER, M.: Mr. Koffel is correct. This is existing text that should not 262. However, the use of any type of nonmetallic raceway is not currently have been modified. permitted. KOFFEL, W.: The value for the maximum peak optical density should have Recent developments in the formulation of materials which can be utilized in been changed to 0.50. the production of Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Conduit (RTRC) warrant an ______expansion of the permitted installation methods. Resins for RTRC that comply 90A-47 Log #45 Final Action: Accept with the identical flame propagation and smoke optical density requirements (4.3.11.2.6.5) currently delineated in NFPA 90A for wires and cables, while still complying ______with all listing requirements for RTRC, will permit the use of this alternative Submitter: Bob Eugene, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. wire and cable installation method without any increase in flame and smoke Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: hazards. 4.3.11.2.6.5* Loudspeakers, recessed lighting fixtures, and other electrical Therefore, RTRC meeting all of these requirements should be permitted as an equipment with combustible enclosures, including their assemblies and acceptable alternative to metal raceways for the installation of electrical wires accessories, cable ties, and other discrete products shall be permitted in the and cables and optical fiber cables. Compliance with the flame propagation and ceiling cavity plenum where listed as having a maximum peak optical density optical smoke density requirements of NFPA 262, as well as ASTM E 84, has of 0.5 or less, an average optical density of 0.15 or less, and a peak heat release been confirmed through independent testing at Underwriters Laboratories. The rate of 100 kW or less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2043, inclusion of this type of conduit in NFPA 90A is a necessary first step toward Standard for Safety Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete their eventual listing for this application. Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling Spaces.. Committee Meeting Action: Reject Substantiation: Add ANSI approval designation to UL 2043. Committee Statement: See committee action and statement on Proposal 90A- Committee Meeting Action: Accept 34 (Log #13). Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. ______90A-48 Log #3 Final Action: Reject 90A-45 Log #10 Final Action: Reject (4.3.11.2.6.5 (New) ) (4.3.11.2.6.3) ______Submitter: Terry Peters, The Society of the Plastics Industry Submitter: Reinhard Hanselka, aidi, Inc. Recommendation: New and Revised text to read as follows: Recommendation: Revise text and New text to read as follows: Renumber 4.3.11.2.6.5 to 4.3.11.2.6.6, 4.3.11.2.6.6 to 4.3.11.2.6.7, 4.3.11.2.6.3-- Non Metallic fire sprinkler and other non metallic water 4.3.11.2.6.7 to 4.3.11.2.6.8 and 4.3.11.2.6.9 to 4.3.11.2.6.10 and insert a new containing piping shall be listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 4.3.11.2.6.5: 0.5 or less, an average optical density of 0.15 or less and a maximum flame 4.3.11.2.6.5 (new) Cable routing assemblies shall be listed as having a spread distance of 1.5 m (5.0 ft) or less when tested in accordance with ANSI/ maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an average optical density of UL 1887, Standard for Safety Fire Test of Plastic Sprinkler Pipe for Visible 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) or less when Flame and Smoke Characteristics. tested in accordance with UL 2024a, Data Communications Cable and Wire Substantiation: This change is needed to accommodate laboratories, factories Routing Assemblies. and other occupancies that utilize High Purity Piping Materials for the transport Substantiation: Cable routing assemblies are used for supporting and of Pressurized Pure Water. The standard of care should be equal or greater than protecting large quantities of optical fiber, data and communications cables in Fire Sprinkler Pipe. To subject this type of piping to the same standard as dry telecommunications and information technology applications. pipe is technically incorrect and poses an unrealistic hardship on users. NFPA 76-2009, Standard for the Fire Protection of Telecommunications Committee Meeting Action: Reject Facilities, has applications for cable routing assemblies in raised floor and Committee Statement: See committee action on Proposal 90A-40 (Log #34). ceiling cavity plenums in section 8.8.2.8.3. The existing requirements evaluate the material itself, not on it’s use. Proposals for the use of cable routing assemblies are currently being Number Eligible to Vote: 28 processed for multiple articles in the National Electrical Code. I submitted the Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 proposals for the NEC and did not include plenum applications because cable Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. routing assemblies are not currently recognized in NFPA 90A. The purpose of Comment on Affirmative: this proposal is to provide for the listing of plenum grade cable routing HIRSCHLER, M.: It might be of interest for the committee to consider assemblies in NFPA 90A. If NFPA 90A accepts our proposals for cable routing whether different requirements should apply to piping that does not carry water. assemblies, we will propose plenum grade routing assemblies for the next edition of the NEC. ______For further information on cable routing assemblies see 90A-46 Log #22 Final Action: Accept in Principle http://www.storage-expo.com/ExhibitorLibrary/302/FiberRunner_6.pdf. (4.3.11.2.6.4) Committee Meeting Action: Reject ______Committee Statement: The committee concludes that this is already covered Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire and it does not want to create a laundry list where items are already covered. Safety Council Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: Ballot Results: Affirmative: 24 Negative: 3 4.3.11.2.6.4 Optical fiber and communication raceways Raceways shall be Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average Explanation of Negative: optical density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m HARRINGTON, J.: Specific requirements for cable routing assemblies need (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2024, Standard for to be addressed in NFPA 90A, and these assemblies are not currently Safety Optical-Fiber and Communications Cable Raceway. recognized. Substantiation: UL 2024 is used for testing and listing all types of raceways, KAHN, S.: The proposal should have been accepted. These assemblies are including optical fiber raceways, communications raceways, signaling currently in use and their construction should comply with similar requirements raceways, fire alarm raceways. CATV raceways when they are to be used in for those specified for raceways and/or cables installed within air ducts. plenums. The critical issue is that the raceway has been tested and listed to UL KOFFEL, W.: The proposal does not create a “laundry list”; but rather adds a 2024 and it is important to eliminate potential language problems. The change new paragraph for cable routing assemblies that do not appear to be covered in nomenclature does not change the requirements. elsewhere in NFPA 90A. Although the Committee has indicated that cable Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle routing assemblies are “already covered” they have failed to identify where. In Revise text to read as follows: fact, it should be noted that UL 2024 is a reference standard in NFPA 90A, but 4.3.11.2.6.4 Optical fiber and communication raceways Optical fiber, UL 2024a is not. communications, signaling and coaxial cable raceways shall be listed as having ______a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average optical density of 90A-49 Log #11 Final Action: Reject 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) or less when (4.3.11.2.6.7) tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2024, Standard for Safety Optical-Fiber ______and Communications Cable Raceway. Submitter: Reinhard Hanselka, aidi, Inc. Committee Statement: The change reflects the correct scope of test standard. Recommendation: New text to read as follows: Number Eligible to Vote: 28 4.3.11.2.6.7 Non Metallic Process and High Purity Water Piping shall be Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. optical density of 0.15 or less and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m (5.0 ft) or less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 1887, Standard for Safety Fire Test of Plastic Sprinkler Pipe for Visible Flame and Smoke Characteristics. 90A-13 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A Substantiation: This change is needed to accommodate laboratories, factories 4.3.11.4.4 Accessible abandoned material shall be deemed to be storage and other occupancies that utilize High Purity Piping Materials for the transport and shall be removed not be permitted to remain. Where cables are of Pressurized Pure Water. The standard of care should be equal or greater than identified for future use with a tag, the tag shall be of sufficient durability Fire Sprinkler Pipe. To subject this type of piping to the same standard as dry to withstand the environment involved. pipe is technically incorrect and poses an unrealistic hardship on users. Substantiation: This requirement is based on the equivalent requirement in the Committee Meeting Action: Reject NEC, which has revised the language to make the requirement more explicit: Committee Statement: See committee action on Proposal 90A-40 (Log #34). abandoned materials must be removed. If cables are present intended for future The existing requirements evaluate the material itself, not on it’s use. use they need to be appropriately identified for future use with a tag. Number Eligible to Vote: 28 The main reason for requiring removal of abandoned materials is for safety Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 of personnel in terms of the potential for abandoned material to fall and/or Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. entangle workers, electrical personnel and firefighters. Note that section Comment on Affirmative: 4.3.11.5.8 states as follows: HIRSCHLER, M.: See my affirmative comment on 90A-45. “4.3.11.5.8 The accessible portion of abandoned materials exposed to airflow shall be removed.” ______Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Part 90A-50 Log #23 Final Action: Accept in Principle Revise text to read as follows: (4.3.11.3.3) 4.3.11.4.4 Accessible abandoned material shall be deemed to be storage and ______shall be removed not be permitted to remain. Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire Committee Statement: See committee action and statement on Proposal 90A- Safety Council 17 (Log #20). Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: Number Eligible to Vote: 28 4.3.11.3.3 Electrical wires and cables or optical fiber cables, or optical fiber Ballot Results: Affirmative: 26 Negative: 1 and communications raceways shall comply with 4.3.4. Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Substantiation: UL 2024 is used for testing and listing all types of raceways, Explanation of Negative: including optical fiber raceways, communications raceways, signaling BUNKER, JR., M.: The proposal should have been accepted, or as a raceways, fire alarm raceways. CATV raceways when they are to be used in minimum, should have referenced the NEC for better user friendliness. plenums. The critical issue is that the raceway has been tested and listed to UL ______2024 and it is important to eliminate potential language problems. The change 90A-53 Log #15 Final Action: Reject in nomenclature does not change the requirements. (4.3.11.4.6) Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle ______Revise text to read as follows: Submitter: William C. Wagner, Certification Solutions 4.3.11.3.3 Electrical wires and cables or optical fiber cables, or optical fiber Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: and communications raceways shall comply with 4.3.4. 4.3.11.4.6* Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables shall be listed Committee Statement: The committee removed the comma and the word “or” as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an average optical and “raceways” to be consistent with Proposal 90A-28 (Log #18). density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) or Number Eligible to Vote: 28 less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262, Standard Method of Test for Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces, Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. or shall be installed in metal raceways, metal sheathed cable, or totally ______enclosed nonventilated busway or Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Conduit 90A-51 Log #52 Final Action: Reject (RTRC) listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an (4.3.11.3.3) average optical density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance ______of 1.5 m (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262, Standard Submitter: David Handwork, Arkansas State University Facilities Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Management / Rep. APPA.ORG - Association of Education Facilities Air-Handling Spaces. Executives Substantiation: Paragraph 4.3.11.4.6 of NFPA 90A currently permits electrical Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: wires and cables and optical fiber cables to be installed in metal raceways, 4.3.11.3.3 For apparatus plenums less than 2000 cfm, Eelectrical wires and metal sheathed cable or totally enclosed, nonventilated busway. As an cables or optical fiber cables, or optical fiber and communications raceways alternative to this, the wires and cables are not required to be installed using shall comply with 4.3.4, otherwise shall comply with 4.3.11.3.4 and 4.3.11.3.5. one of these methods if they themselves comply with the required optical 4.3.11.3.4 Materials used in the construction of an apparatus plenum shall be smoke density and flame propagation requirements specified in NFPA 90A noncombustible or shall be limited combustible having a maximum smoke when evaluated in accordance with the Standard Method of Test for Flame developed index of 50 and shall be suitable for continuous exposure to the Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces, NFPA temperature and humidity conditions of the environmental air in the plenum. 262. However, the use of any type of nonmetallic raceway is not currently 4.3.11.3.5 Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables shall be listed as permitted. having a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an average optical Recent developments in the formulation of materials which can be utilized in density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) or the production of Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Conduit (RTRC) warrant an less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262, Standard Method of Test for expansion of the permitted installation methods. Resins for RTRC that comply Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces, with the identical flame propagation and smoke optical density requirements or shall be installed in metal raceways, metal sheathed cable, or totally currently delineated in NFPA 90A for wires and cables, while still complying enclosed nonventilated busway. with all listing requirements for RTRC, will permit the use of this alternative Substantiation: The current restriction of 1.22 m (4 ft) cannot be adhered for wire and cable installation method without any increase in flame and smoke apparatus plenums on medium to large air handlers (approximately greater than hazards. 2000 cfm), specifically for low voltage HVAC control devices. For very large Therefore, RTRC meeting all of these requirements should be permitted as an apparatus plenums (greater than 15,000 cfm), the conductor lengths may acceptable alternative to metal raceways for the installation of electrical wires approach 15-20 ft. These lengths of conductors are routinely required for and cables and optical fiber cables. Compliance with the flame propagation and control and power wiring of control devices (internal damper actuators, optical smoke density requirements of NFPA 262, as well as ASTM E 84, has sensors, fan motors) due to the distance from the device to the exterior of the been confirmed through independent testing at Underwriters Laboratories. The plenum. Freeze protection thermostats by the current definition also cannot inclusion of this type of conduit in NFPA 90A is a necessary first step toward meet this standard since these devices are at least 12 feet in length. Therefore, their eventual listing for this application. it is proposed the same standards listed for the air handler unit room plenums Committee Meeting Action: Reject (4.3.11.4.5 and 4.3.11.4.6) be replicated for apparatus plenums with air flows Committee Statement: See committee action and statement on Proposal 90A- capacity greater than 2000 cfm. 34 (Log #13). Committee Meeting Action: Reject Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Committee Statement: The requirements should be consistent with those in Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 ducts. Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Number Eligible to Vote: 28 ______Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 90A-54 Log #35 Final Action: Accept Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. (4.3.11.5.5 and 4.3.11.5.5.7(new)) ______90A-52 Log #24 Final Action: Accept in Part Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire (4.3.11.4.4) Safety Council ______Recommendation: New text to read as follows: Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire 4.3.11.5.5 Materials within a raised floor plenum exposed to the airflow shall Safety Council comply with 4.3.11.5.5.1 through 4.3.11.5.5.9 4.3.11.5.5.8, as applicable. Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: 4.3.11.5.5.7 Plastic plumbing piping and tubing within a raised floor plenum 90A-14 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A shall exhibit a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average optical Committee Statement: See committee action and statement on Proposal 90A- density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) or 34 (Log #13). less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 1887, Standard for Safety Fire Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Test of Plastic Sprinkler Pipe for Visible Flame and Smoke Characteristics. Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Renumber 4.3.11.5.5.7 and 4.3.11.5.5.8 to become 4.3.11.5.5.8 and 4.3.11.5.5.9 Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Substantiation: Pipes are installed in ceiling cavity plenums and raised floor ______plenums today and they comply with the letter of the standard but not with the 90A-56 Log #4 Final Action: Reject spirit. They are installed after being tested by means of ASTM E 84, but ASTM (4.3.11.5.5.2 (New) ) E 84 does not have a procedure for testing pipes. Consequently the test is being ______conducted by placing a single pipe in the tunnel, with the ends sealed and full Submitter: Terry Peters, The Society of the Plastics Industry of water. That does not ensure safe materials in plenums. During installation Recommendation: New and Revised text to read as follows: and/or maintenance or when repairs are being done, or in the event of an Renumber 4.3.11.5.5.2 to 4.3.11.5.5.3, 4.3.11.5.5.3 to 4.3.11.5.5.4, incipient fire, any water potentially present in the pipes would drain out and a 4.3.11.5.5.4 to 4.3.11.5.5.5, 4.3.11.2.5.5 to 4.3.11.5.5.6, 4.3.11.5.5.6 to highly combustible material would cause flame spread in the plenum. 4.3.11.5.5.7, 4.3.11.5.5.7 to 4.3.11.5.5.8 and insert a new 4.3.11.5.5.2: UL 1887 requires testing of pipes without water. The requirements 4.3.11.5.5.2 (new) Cable routing assemblies shall be listed as having a recommended for plastic pipes is the same as that required for sprinkler pipes. maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an average optical density of The scope of UL 1887 is limited to sprinkler pipes but it can easily be 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) or less when expanded since the geometry of pipes and of sprinkler pipes is clearly similar. tested in accordance with UL 2024a, Data Communications Cable and Wire Committee Meeting Action: Accept Routing Assemblies. Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Substantiation: Cable routing assemblies are used for supporting and Ballot Results: Affirmative: 25 Negative: 2 protecting large quantities of optical fiber, data and communications cables in Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. telecommunications and information technology applications. Explanation of Negative: NFPA 76-2009, Standard for the Fire Protection of Telecommunications BEITEL, J.: The proposed use of UL1887 is out of scope of the standard. It Facilities, has applications for cable routing assemblies in raised floor and is not appropriate to use a test standard outside of its stated scope. If UL ceiling cavity plenums in section 8.8.2.8.3. revises the standard to include all plastic piping, then 90A can reference it....not Proposals for the use of cable routing assemblies are currently being before. processed for multiple articles in the National Electrical Code. I submitted the LOYD, R.: I agree with J. Beitel’s negative comments, UL 1887 is an proposals for the NEC and did not include plenum applications because cable inappropriate Standard for all Plastic Piping which is now required to be tested routing assemblies are not currently recognized in NFPA 90A. The purpose of to ASTM E84 and should remain the reference test Standard since there is not a this proposal is to provide for the listing of plenum grade cable routing limit on the amount of piping permitted in the space. assemblies in NFPA 90A. If NFPA 90A accepts our proposals for cable routing Comment on Affirmative: assemblies, we will propose plenum grade routing assemblies for the next HIRSCHLER, M.: Mr Koffel is correct that the peak optical density limit edition of the NEC. should read 0.50 and not 0.5. For further information on cable routing assemblies see KOFFEL, W.: The phrase “and tubing” should be deleted due to the potential http://www.storage-expo.com/ExhibitorLibrary/302/FiberRunner_6.pdf. conflict or confusion that could occur with current paragraph 4.3.11.5.5.2. Also Committee Meeting Action: Reject the proposed value for the maximum peak optical density should be 0.50. Committee Statement: See committee action and statement on Proposal 90A- 48 (Log #3). ______Number Eligible to Vote: 28 90A-55 Log #16 Final Action: Reject Ballot Results: Affirmative: 24 Negative: 3 (4.3.11.5.5.1) Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. ______Explanation of Negative: Submitter: William C. Wagner, Certification Solutions HARRINGTON, J.: Specific requirements for cable routing assemblies need Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: to be addressed in NFPA 90A, and these assemblies are not currently 4.3.11.5.5.1* Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables shall be recognized. listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an average KAHN, S.: The proposal should have been accepted. These assemblies are optical density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m currently in use and their construction should comply with similar requirements (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262, Standard Method of for those specified for raceways and/or cables installed within air ducts. Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling KOFFEL, W.: The proposal does not create a “laundry list”; but rather adds a Spaces, or shall be installed in metal raceways, metal sheathed cable, or totally new paragraph for cable routing assemblies that do not appear to be covered enclosed nonventilated busway or Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Conduit elsewhere in NFPA 90A. Although the Committee has indicated that cable (RTRC) listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an routing assemblies are “already covered” they have failed to identify where. In average optical density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance fact, it should be noted that UL 2024 is a reference standard in NFPA 90A, but of 1.5 m (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262, Standard UL 2024a is not. Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in ______Air-Handling Spaces. 90A-57 Log #9 Final Action: Reject Substantiation: Paragraph 4.3.11.5.5.1 of NFPA 90A currently permits (4.3.11.5.5.3) electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables to be installed in metal ______raceways, metal sheathed cable or totally enclosed, nonventilated busway. As Submitter: Reinhard Hanselka, aidi, Inc. an alternative to this, the wires and cables are not required to be installed using Recommendation: New text to read as follows: one of these methods if they themselves comply with the required optical 4.3.11.5.5.3--Non Metallic fire sprinkler and other non metallic water smoke density and flame propagation requirements specified in NFPA 90A containing piping shall be listed as having a maximum peak optical density of when evaluated in accordance with the Standard Method of Test for Flame 0.5 or less, an average optical density of 0.15 or less and a maximum flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces, NFPA spread distance of 1.5 m (5.0 ft) or less when tested in accordance with ANSI/ 262. However, the use of any type of nonmetallic raceway is not currently UL 1887, Standard for Safety Fire Test of Plastic Sprinkler Pipe for Visible permitted. Flame and Smoke Characteristics. Recent developments in the formulation of materials which can be utilized in Substantiation: This change is needed to accommodate laboratories, factories the production of Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Conduit (RTRC) warrant an and other occupancies that utilize High Purity Piping Materials for the transport expansion of the permitted installation methods. Resins for RTRC that comply of Pressurized Pure Water. The standard of care should be equal or greater than with the identical flame propagation and smoke optical density requirements Fire Sprinkler Pipe. To subject this type of piping to the same standard as dry currently delineated in NFPA 90A for wires and cables, while still complying pipe is technically incorrect and poses an unrealistic hardship on users. with all listing requirements for RTRC, will permit the use of this alternative Committee Meeting Action: Reject wire and cable installation method without any increase in flame and smoke Committee Statement: See committee action on Proposal 90A-54 (Log #35). hazards. The existing requirements evaluate the material itself, not on it’s use. Therefore, RTRC meeting all of these requirements should be permitted as an Number Eligible to Vote: 28 acceptable alternative to metal raceways for the installation of electrical wires Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 and cables and optical fiber cables. Compliance with the flame propagation and Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. optical smoke density requirements of NFPA 262, as well as ASTM E 84, has Comment on Affirmative: been confirmed through independent testing at Underwriters Laboratories. The HIRSCHLER, M.: See my affirmative comment on 90A-45. inclusion of this type of conduit in NFPA 90A is a necessary first step toward their eventual listing for this application. Committee Meeting Action: Reject

90A-15 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A ______4.3.11.5.5.5 Raised floors, intermachine cables, electrical wires, listed plenum 90A-58 Log #5 Final Action: Reject raceways, and optical-fiber cables in computer/data processing rooms where (4.3.11.5.5.4) these rooms are designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 75, Standard ______for the Protection of Information Technology Equipment, shall be permitted. Submitter: Stanley Kaufman, CableSafe Inc. / Rep. The Society of the Plastics Substantiation: UL 2024 is used for testing and listing all types of raceways, Industry including optical fiber raceways, communications raceways, signaling Recommendation: Revise 4.3.11.5.5.4 as shown: raceways, fire alarm raceways. CATV raceways when they are to be used in 4.3.11.5.5.4 Optical fiber and communication raceways shall be listed as plenums. The critical issue is that the raceway has been tested and listed to UL having a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average optical 2024 and it is important to eliminate potential language problems. The change density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) or in nomenclature does not change the requirements. less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2024, Standard for Safety Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle Optical-Fiber and Communication Cable Raceway. Cables installed within Revise text to read as follows: these raceways shall be listed as plenum cable in accordance with the 4.3.11.5.5.5 Raised floors, intermachine cables, electrical wires, listed plenum requirements in 4.3.11.5.5.1. communication and optical-fiber optical fiber, communications, signaling and Substantiation: Cables installed within a raceway are outside the scope on coaxial cable raceways, and optical-fiber cables in computer/data processing NFPA 90A. See Annex notes A.4.3.4.4 and A.4.3.11.4.6.The text recommended rooms where these rooms are designed and installed in accordance with NFPA for deletion duplicates a requirement in the National Electrical Code. 75, Standard for the Protection of Information Technology Equipment, shall be A.4.3.4.4 Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables installed in permitted. metal raceways or metal sheathed cable are not considered to be exposed to the Committee Statement: See committee action and statement on Proposal 90A- airflow, and need not meet the requirements of 4.3.4.4. Electrical wires and 46 (Log #22). cables and optical fiber cables listed to UL Subject 2424, Outline of Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Investigation for Cable Marked Limited Combustible, are considered to be Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 suitable for use wherever cables tested in accordance with NFPA 262, Standard Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in ______Air-Handling Spaces, are required. 90A-61 Log #46 Final Action: Accept A.4.3.11.4.6 Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables installed in (4.3.11.5.5.6) metal raceways, metal sheathed cable, or totally enclosed nonventilated busway ______are not considered to be exposed to the airflow, and need not meet the Submitter: Bob Eugene, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. requirements of 4.3.11.4.6. Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: listed to UL Subject 2424, Outline of Investigation for Cable Marked Limited 4.3.11.5.5.6 Loudspeakers, recessed lighting fixtures, and other electrical Combustible, are considered to be suitable for use wherever cables tested in equipment with combustible enclosures, including their assemblies and accordance with NFPA 262, Standard Method of Test for Flame Travel and accessories, cable ties, and other discrete products, shall be permitted in the Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces, are required. raised floor plenum where listed as having a maximum peak optical density of Committee Meeting Action: Reject 0.5 or less, an average optical density of 0.15 or less, and a peak heat release Committee Statement: The committee concludes that this requirement should rate of 100 kW or less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2043, be retained. Standard for Safety Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling Spaces. Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Substantiation: Add ANSI approval designation to UL 2043. Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Committee Meeting Action: Accept ______Number Eligible to Vote: 28 90A-59 Log #25 Final Action: Accept in Principle Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 (4.3.11.5.5.4) Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. ______Comment on Affirmative: Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire HIRSCHLER, M.: Mr Koffel is correct. This is existing text that should not Safety Council have been modified. Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: KOFFEL, W.: The value for the maximum peak optical density should have 4.3.11.5.5.4 Optical fiber and communication raceways Raceways shall be been changed to 0.50. listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average optical density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m ______(5 ft) or less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2024, Standard for 90A-62 Log #12 Final Action: Reject Safety Optical-Fiber and Communication Cable Raceway. Cables installed (4.3.11.5.5.9) within these raceways shall be listed as plenum cable in accordance with the ______requirements in 4.3.11.5.5.1. Submitter: Reinhard Hanselka, aidi, Inc. Substantiation: UL 2024 is used for testing and listing all types of raceways, Recommendation: New text to read as follows: including optical fiber raceways, communications raceways, signaling 4.3.11.5.5.9-- Non Metallic Process and High Purity Water Piping shall be raceways, fire alarm raceways. CATV raceways when they are to be used in listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average plenums. The critical issue is that the raceway has been tested and listed to UL optical density of 0.15 or less and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m 2024 and it is important to eliminate potential language problems. The change (5.0 ft) or less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 1887, Standard for in nomenclature does not change the requirements. Safety Fire Test of Plastic Sprinkler Pipe for Visible Flame and Smoke Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Principle Characteristics. Revise text to read as follows: Substantiation: This change is needed to accommodate laboratories, factories 4.3.11.5.5.4 Optical fiber and communication raceways Optical fiber, and other occupancies that utilize High Purity Piping Materials for the transport communications, signaling and coaxial cable raceways shall be listed as having of Pressurized Pure Water. The standard of care should be equal or greater than a maximum peak optical density of 0.5 or less, an average optical density of Fire Sprinkler Pipe. To subject this type of piping to the same standard as dry 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) or less when pipe is technically incorrect and poses an unrealistic hardship on users. tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2024, Standard for Safety Optical-Fiber Committee Meeting Action: Reject and Communications Cable Raceway. Committee Statement: See committee action on Proposal 90A-54 (Log #35). Committee Statement: See committee action and statement on Proposal 90A- The existing requirements evaluate the material itself, not on it’s use. 46 (Log #22). Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Comment on Affirmative: Comment on Affirmative: HIRSCHLER, M.: See my affirmative comment on 90A-45. HIRSCHLER, M.: Mr Koffel is correct. This is existing text that should not have been modified. ______KOFFEL, W.: The value for the maximum peak optical density should have 90A-63 Log #27 Final Action: Reject been changed to 0.50. (4.3.11.5.8) ______Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire 90A-60 Log #26 Final Action: Accept in Principle Safety Council (4.3.11.5.5.5) Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: ______4.3.11.5.8 The accessible portion of abandoned materials exposed to Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire airflow shall be removed. Where cables are identified for future use with a Safety Council tag, the tag shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: involved. 90A-16 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A Substantiation: This requirement is based on the equivalent requirement in the rejected. The purpose of this proposal is to keep NFPA 90A from establishing NEC, which has revised the language to make the requirement more explicit: occupancy-specific requirements, and leave those requirements to the Life abandoned materials must be removed. If cables are present intended for future Safety and Building Codes. In order to facilitate this, the TC could draft such use they need to be appropriately identified for future use with a tag. proposals to the respective occupancy chapters to ensure the intent of The main reason for requiring removal of abandoned materials is for safety 4.3.12.1.1 is maintained. of personnel in terms of the potential for abandoned material to fall and/or Committee Meeting Action: Reject entangle workers, electrical personnel and firefighters. This change is made for Committee Statement: The reference to unspecified other codes does not consistency with the NEC and with proposals on other sections of NFPA 90A. comply with the Manual of Style. Committee Meeting Action: Reject Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Committee Statement: See committee action and statement on Proposal 90A- Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 52 (Log #24). Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Number Eligible to Vote: 28 ______Ballot Results: Affirmative: 26 Negative: 1 90A-66 Log #CP17 Final Action: Accept Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. (4.3.12.1.1, 4.3.12.1.2 (New), A.4.3.12.1.1(New)) Explanation of Negative: ______BUNKER, JR., M.: The proposal should have been accepted, or as a Submitter: Technical Committee on Air Conditioning, minimum, should have referenced the NEC for better user friendliness. Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: ______4.3.12.1.1 Egress corridors in health care nursing and long term care facilities, 90A-64 Log #28 Final Action: Accept detention and correctional, and residential occupancies shall not be used as a (4.3.11.6.2.3) portion of a supply, return, or exhaust air system serving adjoining areas unless ______otherwise permitted by 4.3.12.1.2.1 through 4.3.12.1.2.4. Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire Add new text to read as follows: Safety Council 4.3.12.1.2 Air movement between rooms and egress corridors in hospitals and Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: ambulatory care facilities shall be permitted where the transfer of air is 4.3.11.6.2.3 The foam plastic insulation material both (a) is separated from required for clinical purposes by other standards. the plenum by an approved thermal barrier consisting of 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) Revise text to read as follows: gypsum wallboard or a material that is tested in accordance with and meets the A.4.3.12.1.1 See ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170, Ventilation of Health acceptance criteria of both the temperature transmission fire test and the Care Facilities, 2008 edition with approved addendum. integrity fire test of NFPA 275, Standard Method of Fire Tests for the Renumber the existing paragraphs. Evaluation of Thermal Barriers Used Over Foam Plastic Insulation, equivalent Substantiation: This resolves the concerns of the submitter of Proposal 90A- material that will limit the average temperature rise of the unexposed surface to 82 (Log #1) using text that complies with the Manual of Style. not more than 139°C (250°F) after 15 minutes of fire exposure, complying with Committee Meeting Action: Accept the standard time-temperature curve of NFPA 251, Standard Methods of Tests Number Eligible to Vote: 28 of Fire Resistance of Building Construction and Materials, and (b) exhibits a Ballot Results: Affirmative: 26 Negative: 1 flame spread index of 75 or less and a smoke developed index of 450 or less Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Explanation of Negative: Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or ANSI/UL 723, Standard Test KOFFEL, W.: While it is understood what the Committee is trying to do for Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, at the some occupancies, the proposed language is flawed. First, it is not clear why maximum thickness intended for use. “health care” has been revised to “nursing and long term care.” It is recognized Also add NFPA 275, Standard Method of Fire Tests for the Evaluation of that proposed 4.3.12.1.2 addresses hospitals and ambulatory care facilities but Thermal Barriers Used Over Foam Plastic Insulation, into Chapter 2 on the existing restriction is lost with the proposed new language. Secondly, to say referenced standards the arrangement is not permitted within the “facility” is different than saying it Substantiation: The NFPA technical committee on Fire Tests has developed is not permitted within the “occupancy.” Most health care facilities consist of a NFPA 275 in order to avoid the vague language about thermal barriers. NFPA variety of occupancies. Is it the intent of the Committee to restrict the HVAC 275 was specifically developed to clarify the two tests for thermal barrier system throughout the facility or only in the health care portions of the facility? materials to be used over foam plastic insulation. ______The temperature transmission fire test in NFPA 275 uses the ASTM E 119 (or 90A-67 Log #54 Final Action: Reject NFPA 251) time-temperature fire curve to expose the thermal barrier specimen (5.1.3.3, 5.1.3.3.1, and A.5.1.3.3.1) and it requires the following: “4.8.1 During the 15-minute test period, the ______average measured temperature rise above the average temperature at the start of Submitter: Joshua Elvove, U.S. General Services Administration the fire test for the thermocouples described in Section 4.3 shall not exceed Recommendation: New text to read as follows: 250°F (139°C), and the measured temperature rise of any such single Add new 5.1.3.3, 5.1.3.3.1 and A.5.1.3.3.1 as follows: thermocouple shall not exceed 325°F (181°C).” Therefore, the temperature 5.1.3 Air-Handling Equipment Rooms That Have Air Ducts That Open transmission fire test in NFPA 275 corresponds to what the code requires now. Directly into a Shaft. The integrity fire test in NFPA 275 requires that the thermal barrier material, 5.1.3.1 Air-handling equipment rooms, including the protection of openings, together with the foam plastic insulation, be tested to NFPA 286 (which is a 15 shall be separated from shafts by construction having a fire resistance rating minute test) and that the pass/fail criteria are identical to those used for NFPA not less than that required for the shaft by 5.3.4. 286 elsewhere in other codes and standards, including NFPA 90A and NFPA 5.1.3.2 Fire-resistant separation shall not be required for air handling 101. equipment rooms that are enclosed by construction having a fire resistance NFPA 275 also allows the integrity fire test to be conducted in accordance rating not less than that required for the shaft. with UL 1040, UL 1715 and FM 4880, with the pass/fail criteria for those tests. 5.1.3.3 Combustible storage is not permitted unless the room is separated from Committee Meeting Action: Accept adjacent spaces by construction having a fire resistance rating of not less than Number Eligible to Vote: 28 one hour. Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 5.1.3.3.1* Rooms containing storage that is specifically required for air Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. handling equipment located in the room are not required to have a fire ______resistance rating of one hour. 90A-65 Log #62 Final Action: Reject A.5.1.3.3.1 Air filters is an example of permissible storage. (4.3.12.1.1) Substantiation: To prevent air handling rooms located adjacent to shafts from ______being used for general purpose storage. Though this could be considered a fire Submitter: Joshua Elvove, U.S. General Services Administration code issue, by placing this provision in this standard, it better ensures that air Recommendation: Revise 4.3.12.1.1 as follows: handling rooms located adjacent to shafts won’t be used for such purposes and 4.3.12.1.1 Where another code prohibits Eegress corridors in health care, additionally potentially protects the integrity of the air handling equipment detention and correctional, and residential occupancies shall not be used as a within the room from a fire that originates from general purpose storage. Note: portion of a supply, return, or exhaust air system serving adjoining areas, the building codes don’t generally require air handling rooms to be separated from requirements of unless otherwise permitted by 4.3.12.1.2.1 through 4.3.12.1.2.4 adjacent spaces by fire rated construction; as such, a fire in these rooms (which shall apply. becomes more likely if combustible storage is present) could spread Substantiation: NFPA 90A should not be specifying occupancy requirements unprotected. The annex note provides an example of the type of storage which even if they provide better safeguards as this should fall under the Building or would be permitted as operationally, it makes sense to permit the storage of Life Safety Code. NFPA 101 already prohibits transfer grills, louvers, transoms, replacement air filters in these rooms. etc. from being installed in corridors and doors of health care occupancies, Committee Meeting Action: Reject lodging and rooming houses, hotel and dormitories, apartments and residential Committee Statement: The committee concludes that this will introduce an board and care occupancies. unwanted combustible load where no storage is currently allowed. Note: it is not my intent to weaken existing requirements and permit egress Number Eligible to Vote: 28 corridors to be used as a portion of a supply, return or exhaust air system in Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 these occupancies. If this proposal inadvertently does this, then it should be Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. 90A-17 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A ______Committee Meeting Action: Reject 90A-68 Log #CP15 Final Action: Reject Committee Statement: The proposed text does not add any new information (5.3.4.6) or clarity. ______Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Submitter: Technical Committee on Air Conditioning, Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. 5.3.4.6 Fire/smoke dampers shall be installed at each direct or ducted ______opening into or out of enclosures required by 5.3.4.1, unless otherwise 90A-71 Log #68 Final Action: Reject permitted by 5.3.4.6.1 or 5.3.4.6.2. (6.4.2) Substantiation: This committee has approved this requirement in the last two ______cycles, but it has been overturned with NITMAMs. The committee concludes Submitter: Randy Willard, National Reconnaissance Office that it should appear in the ROP for public comment. Recommendation: Add new text to read follows: Committee Meeting Action: Reject 6.4.2.4 Smoke detectors shall not be required for fans units or air distribution Committee Statement: This proposal has been considered before any reject. systems that serve a single open area. The committee seeks additional public input at the ROC stage. Substantiation: Appendix section A.6.4 identifies the intent of providing Number Eligible to Vote: 28 smoke detectors and related controls in an HVAC system is to prevent the Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 distribution of smoke. Fan units or air distribution systems that only serve a Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. single open area are by definition incapable of distributing smoke to other parts Comment on Affirmative: of a building. An example of such a system is a rooftop HVAC unit in a HIRSCHLER, M.: No justification has ever been presented to incorporate this warehouse or big-box retail store. This proposal would clarify that return new requirement. smoke detectors are not required in such areas. This proposal would also provide consistency with the International Mechanical Code which already has ______this exception. 90A-69 Log #43 Final Action: Reject Committee Meeting Action: Reject (6.1) Committee Statement: This would allow the fans to keep running during a ______system fire bringing smoke to the occupied space creating untenable spaces. Submitter: David Handwork, Arkansas State University Facilities Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Management / Rep. APPA.ORG - Association of Education Facilities Ballot Results: Affirmative: 26 Negative: 1 Executives Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Recommendation: Add the following text to the front end of Chapter 6, Explanation of Negative: Controls BUNKER, JR., M.: This proposal should have been accepted. I agree with the 6.1 Wiring. The installation of electrical wiring and equipment associated submitter’s substantiation. Units that serve a single space, such as a warehouse with the operation and control of air-conditioning and ventilating systems shall or gymnasium, do not transport products of combustion to other parts of the be in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code and NFPA 79, building. It seems wasteful to require a smoke detector(s) to shut down a unit Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery. that simply recirculates from the affected space back to the affected space. 6.1.1 (NEW) 250V Wiring. The electrical control wiring and equipment ______associated with the control of air-conditioning and ventilating systems shall be 90A-72 Log #64 Final Action: Reject installed in a compartment separate from electrical circuits operating at (6.4.3) voltages greater than 250V. ______6.1.2 (NEW) A safety sign shall be provided to warn qualified persons of Submitter: Joshua Elvove, U.S. General Services Administration potential electric arc flash hazard hazards. The marking shall be located so as Recommendation: Revise 6.4.3 as follows: to be clearly visible to qualified persons before examination, adjustment, 6.4.3* Function. servicing, or maintenance of the equipment. 6.4.3.1 Smoke detectors provided as required by 6.4.2 shall automatically Substantiation: This proposal conveys some of the leading safety practices stop their respective fan(s) on detecting the presence of smoke. asserted in NFPA 79 - Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery, into the 6.4.3.2 Smoke detectors provided as required by 6.4.2 shall automatically close next version NFPA 90A. Electrical safety in field built HVAC control systems their respective smoke damper on detecting the presence of smoke for buildings has not yet had a broad discussion compared the manufacturing 6.4.3.3 Where the return air fan is functioning as part of an engineered smoke- process control systems. control system and a different mode is required, the smoke detectors shall not Two photographs-- herewith in Microsoft Publisher--are submitted for the be required to automatically stop their respective fans or close their respective committee’s review. (See photos on the following page.) dampers. The need for partitioning of 480 VAC circuits, which are capable of producing Substantiation: Duct smoke detectors should also be required to close smoke substantial flash energy, from lower voltage should be self-evident. The dampers that are required by NFPA 90A or another code, that are not part of an absence of language that reduces this risk causes facility professionals in the engineered smoke control system, to prevent the spread of smoke. education facilities industry--and probably in other industries--to give electrical Committee Meeting Action: Reject flash hazard training to HVAC control mechanics and/or pair up HVAC control Committee Statement: This is handled by design decisions and this specific mechanics with electricians who have had electrical flash training. There is text does not add or clarify the requirement. nothing inherently wrong with an HVAC control mechanics receiving such Number Eligible to Vote: 28 training but costs and risk are reduced when the safety-versus-economy Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 conundrum is worked from both ends: BUILD SAFER EQUIPMENT as well Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. as offer training. ______This proposal strengthens the linkage of NFPA 90A with other documents in 90A-73 Log #65 Final Action: Reject the NFPA safety document universe. (6.4.4.4) Committee Meeting Action: Reject ______Committee Statement: The proposed requirements are not within the scope of Submitter: Joshua Elvove, U.S. General Services Administration NFPA 90A, but are covered in NFPA 70. NFPA 79 is not an appropriate Recommendation: Revise 6.4.4.4 as follows: reference for this document 6.4.4.4 Smoke detectors powered separately from the fire alarm system for the Number Eligible to Vote: 28 sole function of stopping fans or closing smoke dampers shall not require Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 standby power. Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Substantiation: This proposal simply extends the existing exception to include ______similar detectors arranged to close smoke dampers. 90A-70 Log #63 Final Action: Reject Committee Meeting Action: Reject (6.3.1 and A.6.3.1) Committee Statement: See committee action and statement on Proposal 90A- ______72 (Log #64). Submitter: Joshua Elvove, U.S. General Services Administration Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Recommendation: New text to read as follows: Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Add an annex note to 6.3.1 as follows: Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. 6.3.1* Smoke dampers shall be controlled by an automatic alarm-initiated device. A.6.3.1 Typically, duct smoke detectors are used to initiate the signal to control a smoke damper. Substantiation: As currently written, any automatic alarm initiating device is permitted to control smoke dampers (e.g., manual pull station, area smoke or heat detector, duct smoke detector, sprinkler system, etc.). The new annex is merely meant to inform the reader duct detectors are typically used to control smoke dampers (and might actually be the preferred method). 90A-18 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A

90A-69 (Log #43) Substantiation

90A-19 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A ______Article 702 Optional Standby Systems 90A-74 Log #69 Final Action: Reject I. General (6.4.4.4) 702.1 Scope. The provisions of this article apply to the installation and ______operation of optional standby systems. The systems covered by this article Submitter: David Handwork, Arkansas State University Facilities consist of those that are permanently installed in their entirety, including prime Management / Rep. APPA.ORG - Association of Education Facilities movers, and those that are arranged for a connection to a premises wiring Executives system from a portable alternate power supply. Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: 702.2 Definition. 6.4.4.4 Smoke detectors powered separately from the fire alarm system for Optional Standby Systems. Those systems intended to supply power to public the sole function of stopping fans shall not require emergency or standby or private facilities or property where life safety does not depend on the power. performance of the system. Optional standby systems are intended to supply Substantiation: This change will clarify that smoke detectors may require on-site generated power to selected loads either automatically or manually. neither standby nor emergency power. An emergency power system is distinct FPN: Optional standby systems are typically installed to provide an alternate from a legally required standby power system or an optional standby system source of electric power for such facilities as industrial and commercial according to the National Electric Code and NFPA 110. Appearance of the buildings, farms, and residences, and to serve loads such as heating and word “standby” is not specific enough and does not include the possibility that refrigeration systems, data processing and communications systems, and in some applications, particularly in facilities that deploy performance-based industrial processes that, when stopped during any power outage, could cause smoke control methods, fans may or may not be required to be supplied from discomfort, serious interruption of the process, damage to the product or an emergency power system. process, or the like. On design documents, and as built in the field in many facility types, the It is hoped that as facilities with complex smoke control systems are backup power systems of NEC Articles 700, 701 and 702 are often installed renovated, this proposal will limit inadvertent crossing over of the three types together but do not share the same distribution switchgear and conduit. The of backup power systems described in these extracts from NEC Articles 700, following extracts from each article are provided for the convenience of the 701 and 702. committee in making its decision on this proposal: Committee Meeting Action: Reject I. General Committee Statement: The proposal just adds language that is unnecessary. 700.1 Scope. The provision of this article apply to the electrical safety of the Number Eligible to Vote: 28 installation, operation, and maintenance of emergency systems consisting of Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 circuits and equipment intended to supply, distribute, and control electricity for Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. illumination, power, or both, to required facilities when the normal electrical ______supply or system is interrupted. 90A-75 Log #66 Final Action: Accept in Part Emergency systems are those systems legally required and classed as (7.2 and A.7.2) emergency by municipal, state, federal, or other codes, or by any governmental ______agency having jurisdiction. These systems are intended to automatically supply Submitter: Joshua Elvove, U.S. General Services Administration illumination, power, or both, to designated areas and equipment in the event of Recommendation: Revise 7.2 as follows and add new annex A.7.2: failure of the normal supply or in the event of accident to elements of a system 7.2* Fire Dampers, Smoke Dampers, and Ceiling Dampers. All fire intended to supply, distribute, and control power and illumination essential for dampers, smoke dampers, and ceiling dampers shall be operated prior to the safety to human life. occupancy of a building to determine that they function in accordance with the FPN No. 1: For further information regarding wiring and installation of requirements of this standard. emergency systems in health care facilities, see Article 517. A.7.2 During acceptance testing, all dampers should be checked to verify they FPN No. 2: For further information regarding performance and maintenance completely close. See NFPA 105 for additional testing requirements for smoke of emergency systems in health care facilities, see NFPA 99-2005, Standard for dampers and combination fire/smoke dampers. See NFPA 80 for additional Health Care Facilities. testing requirements for fire dampers including a requirement to test the FPN No. 3: Emergency systems are generally installed in places of assembly damper one year after installation. where artificial illumination is required for safe exiting and for panic control in Substantiation: New annex note attempts to coordinate installation and testing buildings subject to occupancy by large numbers of persons, such as hotels, requirements among all the applicable standards. theaters, sports arenas, health care facilities, and similar institutions. Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Part Emergency systems may also provide power for such functions as ventilation Add the following annex note: where essential to maintain life, fire detection and alarm systems, elevators, A.7.2 See NFPA 105 for testing requirements for smoke dampers and fire pumps, public safety communications systems, industrial processes where combination fire/smoke dampers. See NFPA 80 for testing requirements for fire current interruption would produce serious life safety or health hazards, and dampers. similar functions. Committee Statement: The first sentence is redundant and within the scope of FPN No. 4: For specification of locations where emergency lighting is NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives. Deleted the considered essential to life safety, see NFPA 101®-2006, Life Safety Code®. two use of “additional”.The last part of the last sentence is covered in NFPA FPN No. 5: For further information regarding performance of emergency and 80. standby power systems, see NFPA 110.2005, Standard for Emergency and Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Standby Power Systems. Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Article 701 Legally Required Standby Systems Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. I. General ______701.1 Scope. The provisions of this article apply to the electrical safety of the 90A-76 Log #CP19 Final Action: Accept installation, operation, and maintenance of legally required standby systems (A.3.3.13.1) consisting of circuits and equipment intended to supply, distribute, and control ______electricity to required facilities for illumination or power, or both, when the Submitter: Technical Committee on Air Conditioning, normal electrical supply or system is interrupted. The systems covered by this Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: article consist only of those that are permanently installed in their entirety, A.3.3.13.1 Ceiling Radiation Damper. Some such devices are listed in UL including the power source. Fire Resistance Directory under the category of “Ceiling Damper (CABS).” FPN No. 1: For additional information, see NFPA 99-2005, Standard for Substantiation: The committee removed the word “radiation” to be consistent Health Care Facilities. with the text and the test standard. See committee action and statement on FPN No. 2: For further information regarding performance of emergency and Proposal 90A-13 (Log #56). standby power systems, see NFPA 110-2005, Standard for Emergency and Committee Meeting Action: Accept Standby Power Systems. Number Eligible to Vote: 28 FPN No. 3: For further information, see ANSI/IEEE 446-1995, Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Recommended Practice for Emergency and Standby Power Systems for Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Industrial and Commercial Applications. ______701.2 Definition. 90A-77 Log #59 Final Action: Accept Legally Required Standby Systems. Those systems required and so classed as (A.4.2.1.2) legally required standby by municipal, state, federal, or other codes or by any ______governmental agency having jurisdiction. These systems are intended to Submitter: Joshua Elvove, U.S. General Services Administration automatically supply power to selected loads (other than those classed as Recommendation: Revise A.4.2.1.2 as follows: emergency systems) in the event of failure of the normal source. A.4.2.1.2 The location of outside air intakes, including intakes located on roofs, FPN: Legally required standby systems are typically installed to serve loads, needs to be carefully selected and located to avoid drawing in objectionable such as heating and refrigeration systems, communications systems, ventilation materials including, but not limited to, combustible materials and toxic or and smoke removal systems, sewage disposal, lighting systems, and industrial hazardous vapors. The location should consider proximity to emergency smoke processes, that, when stopped during any interruption of the normal electrical exhaust, garage exhaust, discharge of kitchen hood vents, and other supply, could create hazards or hamper rescue or fire-fighting operations. objectionable discharges from the building or adjacent structures.

90A-20 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A Substantiation: Clarifying that it is also worth noting the location of outside Committee Meeting Action: Accept intakes when HVAC units draw air from on top of roofs. Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Committee Meeting Action: Accept Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 ______Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. 90A-82 Log #1 Final Action: Accept in Part ______(A.4.3.12.1) 90A-78 Log #CP13 Final Action: Accept ______(A.4.3.4.4) Submitter: Michael J. Jontry, Illinois Department of Public Health ______Recommendation: Delete entire current text. Insert new text: This section Submitter: Technical Committee on Air Conditioning, applies only to those occupancies named and is to be applied to the design of Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: HVAC system air movement. The intent is that air movement into or out of the A.4.3.4.4 Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables shall be listed as specified rooms shall be solely by conditions not within the control of the having a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an average optical designer, such as wind loading, and shall not be designed into the systems density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m (5 ft) or serving these occupancies. less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262, Standard Method of Test for Substantiation: The current text does not specifically address the named Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces, occupancies and does not address the actual issue. In the 1975 Edition of NFPA or shall be installed in metal raceways without an overall nonmetallic covering, 90A it reads, in part: “...the smoke carried by relatively cool air precedes hot metal sheathed cable without an overall nonmetallic covering, or totally air that can actuate heat responsive devices, yet the cooler smoke can be enclosed non-ventilated metallic busway without an overall nonmetallic distributed in sufficient quantity to cause injury or death, damage to property, covering,. or a tendency toward panic...”. This is particularly true for the three Substantiation: To coordinate with Committee Action on Proposal 90A-43 occupancies specifically called out in 4.3.12.1.1, all of which are Defend in (Log #6). Place occupancies in which the occupants cannot escape approaching smoke by Committee Meeting Action: Accept virtue of imposed or physical conditions. The proposed wording is specific to Number Eligible to Vote: 28 the need and avoids inclusion of unnecessary irrelevant language. Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Part Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Delete the annex note with no replacement. ______Committee Statement: See committee action and statement on Proposal 90A- 90A-79 Log #47 Final Action: Accept 66 (Log CP#17). (A.4.3.11.2.6.5) Number Eligible to Vote: 28 ______Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Submitter: Bob Eugene, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: ______A.4.3.11.2.6.5 Cable ties listed to ANSI/UL 1565, Positioning Devices, and 90A-83 Log #55 Final Action: Accept marked for use in plenums are considered suitable for use whenever cable ties (B.2) tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2043, Standard for Fire Test for Heating ______Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Submitter: Joshua Elvove, U.S. General Services Administration Air Handling Spaces, are required. Recommendation: Revise Annex B.2 as follows Substantiation: Add ANSI approval designation to UL 2043. B.2 Fire Dampers, Smoke Dampers, and Ceiling Dampers. Committee Meeting Action: Accept B.2.1 Refer to NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Protectives for inspection and maintenance of fire dampers, ceiling dampers Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 and combination fire/smoke dampers. Each damper should be examined every Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. 2 years to ensure that it is not rusted or blocked, giving attention to hinges and ______other moving parts. It is recommended that dampers operate with normal 90A-80 Log #CP12 Final Action: Accept system airflow to ensure that they close and are not held open by the airstream. (A.4.3.11.4.6) Care should be exercised to ensure that such tests are performed safely and do ______not cause system damage. Submitter: Technical Committee on Air Conditioning, B.2.2 Refer to NFPA 105, Standard for Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: Opening Protectives for inspection and maintenance of smoke dampers and A.4.3.11.4.6 Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables installed in combination fire/smoke dampers. metal raceways without an overall nonmetallic covering, metal sheathed cable B.2.3 Refer to NFPA 92A, Standard for Smoke-Control Systems Utilizing without an overall nonmetallic covering, or totally enclosed nonventilated Barriers and Pressure Differences, for maintenance of smoke and combination busway without an overall nonmetallic covering, are not considered to be fire/smoke dampers for each damper installed as part of a smoke control exposed to the airflow, and need not meet the requirements of 4.3.11.4.6. system. Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables listed to UL Subject 2424, Substantiation: NFPA 80 is now responsible for inspection, testing and Outline of Investigation for Cable Marked Limited Combustible, are considered maintenance of fire and ceiling dampers; NFPA 105 is now responsible for to be suitable for use wherever cables tested in accordance with NFPA 262, inspection, testing and maintenance of smoke dampers; and both NFPA 80 and Standard Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for NFPA 105 address inspection, testing and maintenance of combination fire/ Use in Air-Handling Spaces, are required. smoke dampers. As such, any discussion of inspection, testing and maintenance Substantiation: To coordinate with Committee Action on Proposal 90A-43 of fire damper, smoke dampers, or combination fire/smoke dampers should be (Log #6). referred to the respective standard. Committee Meeting Action: Accept Committee Meeting Action: Accept Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. ______90A-81 Log #CP14 Final Action: Accept 90A-84 Log #40 Final Action: Accept in Part (A.4.3.11.4.6) (C.1.2.1 and C.1.2.3 through C.1.2.5) ______Submitter: Technical Committee on Air Conditioning, Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: Safety Council A.4.3.11.4.6 Electrical wires and cables and optical fiber cables shall be Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: listed as having a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an average C.1.2.1 ASHRAE Publications. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, optical density of 0.15 or less, and a maximum flame spread distance of 1.5 m and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA (5 ft) or less when tested in accordance with NFPA 262, Standard Method of 30329-2305. Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling ASHRAE Handbook — Fundamentals, 2009 2001. Spaces, or shall be installed in metal raceways without an overall nonmetallic C.1.2.3 NAIMA Publications. North American Insulation Manufacturers covering, metal sheathed cable without an overall nonmetallic covering, or Association, 44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 310, Alexandria, VA 22314. totally enclosed non-ventilated metallic busway without an overall nonmetallic Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Manual, 4th edition, 2000. covering,. Fibrous Glass Duct Liner Standard, 3rd Edition 2002 1994. Substantiation: To coordinate with Committee Action on Proposal 90A-43 Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards, 5th Edition, 2002 (Log #6). Residential Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards, 3rd Edition, 2002. C.1.2.4 SMACNA Publications. Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors’ National Assn., Inc., 4201 Lafayette Center Drive, Chantilly, VA 22021-1209

90A-21 Report on Proposals A2011 — Copyright, NFPA NFPA 90A Fire, Smoke and Radiation Damper Installation Guide for HVAC Systems, ______2002. 90A-85 Log #32 Final Action: Accept C.1.2.5 UL Publications. Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, (C.1.2.2) Northbrook, IL 60062. ______ANSI/UL 555, Standard for Safety Fire Dampers, 2006. Submitter: Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire ANSI/UL 555S, Standard for Safety Smoke Dampers, 1999 2006. Safety Council ANSI/UL 1565, Positioning Devices, 2002. Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: Building Materials Directory, 2009 2006. Fire Resistance Directory, 2009 2006, C.1.2.2 ASTM Publications. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Heating, Cooling, Ventilating and Cooking Equipment and Food Safety Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. Equipment Directory, 2009 2006. ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of ANSI/UL 2043, Standard for Safety Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Building Materials, 2006a 2009c. Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling ASTM E 2231, Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Spaces, 2008 1996. Pipe and Duct Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics, UL Subject 2424, Outline of Investigation for Cable Marked Limited 2002 2009. Combustible, 2006. Substantiation: Standards update Substantiation: Standards update Committee Meeting Action: Accept Note that the Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Manual now consists of Number Eligible to Vote: 28 the three publications listed, according to the NAIMA web site. Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Committee Meeting Action: Accept in Part Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. Revise text to read as follows: ______C.1.2.1 ASHRAE Publications. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, 90A-86 Log #48 Final Action: Accept and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA (C.1.2.5) 30329-2305. ______ASHRAE Handbook — Fundamentals, 2009 2001. Submitter: Bob Eugene, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. C.1.2.3 NAIMA Publications. North American Insulation Manufacturers Recommendation: Revise text to read as follows: Association, 44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 310, Alexandria, VA 22314. C.1.2.5 UL Publications. Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Manual, 4th edition, 2000. Northbrook, IL 60062. Fibrous Glass Duct Liner Standard, 3rd Edition 2002 1994. ANSI/UL 555, Standard for Safety Fire Dampers, 2006, Revised 2009. Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards, 5th Edition, 2002 ANSI/UL 555S, Standard for Safety Smoke Dampers, 2006 1999, Revised C.1.2.4 SMACNA Publications. Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors’ 2009. National Assn., Inc., 4201 Lafayette Center Drive, Chantilly, VA 22021-1209 ANSI/UL 1565, Positioning Devices, 2002, Revised 2008. Fire, Smoke and Radiation Damper Installation Guide for HVAC Systems, Building Materials Directory, 2006 2009. 2002. Fire Resistance Directory, 2006 2009. Committee Statement: The UL documents are handled by 90A-86 (Log #48). Heating, Cooling, Ventilating and Cooking Equipment Directory, 2006 2009. Number Eligible to Vote: 28 ANSI/UL 2043, Standard for Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air Handling Spaces, Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E. 1996 2008. UL Subject 2424, Outline of Investigation for Cable Marked Limited Combustible, 2006. Substantiation: Update referenced standards to most recent revisions. Add ANSI approval designation where appropriate. Committee Meeting Action: Accept Number Eligible to Vote: 28 Ballot Results: Affirmative: 27 Ballot Not Returned: 1 Howard, III, E.

90A-22