National Electrical Code Tips: Article 830, Network-Powered Broadband Communications Systems Part 2
- The "grounding" requirements are in Part IV.
- Inside buildings, bond the shield to the EGC [830.93(A)]. See 800.100.
- Outside of buildings, bond the shield to the grounding system per 800.100 [830.93(B)]; don't leave differences of potential between the various ground rods, etc.
- The requirements for installation methods for systems within buildings are provided in Part V.
- Conductor separation requirements are listed in 830.133(A)(1). It's a detailed listing, and it applies to conductors in raceways, cable trays, boxes, enclosures, and cable routing assemblies.
- Network-powered broadband communications cable must be separated at least two inches from conductors of any electric light, power, Class 1, and/or non-power-limited fire alarm circuits [830.113(A)(2). Note this is not an exact spacing requirement. For example, suppose you have a large equipment cabinet where cables of these various types enter and are routed within the cabinet. You could route the Network-powered broadband communications cables along the front wall of the ceiling and the other cables along the back wall of the ceiling or in some other way use the width or depth of the cabinet for spacing. Nothing stops you from (greatly) exceeding that two inch minimum. Using the "opposite wall" method ensures you won't violate that minimum, and it will probably make maintenance easier while lowering installation costs.
- Don't use raceways to support cables [830.133(B)].
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The permitted and nonpermitted applications of network-powered broadband cables are indicated in Table 830.154 [830.154].
- Bends in network cable shall be made so as not to damage the cable [830.160]. Find out the bend radius for every cable you're working with and don't violate it.
- The remainder of Article 830 is Part IV, Listing Requirements. Being familiar with these will help you avoid using the wrong cables.
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