National Electrical Installation Standards

Standards as High as Your Own

 
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Thursday, March 22, 2018

Question:

I had an inspector tell me that all cable ties used in an indoor setting have to be low-smoke and flame retardant. Even in non-plenum areas. When I asked him where I could find that information he said it was an update in the 2014 NEC. I am unable to locate that. Any help would be appreciated.

Patrick Gianotto Jr.

A

Answer:

Hey Patrick thanks for your question. The last sentence to 300.22(C)(1) was added in the 2014 NEC. Nonmetallic cable ties and other nonmetallic cable accessories, used to secure and support cables, must be listed as having low smoke and heat release properties. The heading of 300.22(C) is "Other Spaces Used for Environmental Air (Plenums) and the second sentence that this section does not apply to habitable rooms or areas not primarily used for air handling. So yes there was a change in the 2014 NEC for nonmetallic cable ties but only if they are used in "plenum" spaces.

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