1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471
Phone: 617-770-3000 • Fax: 617-770-0700 • www.nfpa.org
M E M O R A N D U M
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
TC
Please do not vote negatively because of editorial errors. However, please bring such errors to my attention for action.
Monday,
May 9, 2011.

Report on Comments – November 2011
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
76-1 Log #1
NFPA 76
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Rick Breezee, Metropolitan Airport Commission
76-2
Revise text to read as follows:
The provisions of this standard shall provide a reasonable minimum level of protection from loss of life, property, and service continuity from fire.
Building alterations or new equipment installations in existing facilities shall provide a reasonable minimum level of fire protection for the changed purposes of the facility.
Note: This comment was developed by the proponent as a member of NFPA’s Building Code
Development Committee (BCDC) with the committee's endorsement.
This proposed revision is consistent with Proposal 76-5.
The term "reasonable" better coincides with the risk considerations addressed in Chapter 4.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
76-2 Log #3
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Eddie Phillips, Southern Regional Fire Code Development Committee
76-11
Add referenced standard “NFPA 58 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code” to Section 2.2.
The addition of this referenced standard is consistent with the acceptance of ROP 76-76.
Printed on 4/25/2011 1

Report on Comments – November 2011
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
76-3 Log #8
NFPA 76
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
John F. Bender, Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
76-12
Revise as follows:
UL Publications. Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.
ANSI/UL 44, Thermoset-Insulated Wires and Cables, 2005 2010.
ANSI/UL 83, Thermoplastic-Insulated Wire and Cables, 2008.
ANSI/UL 444, Communications Cables, 2008, revised 2010.
ANSI/UL 568, Nonmetallic Cable Tray Systems, 2002, reaffirmed 2009.
ANSI/UL 900, Standard for Air Filter Units, 2004, revised 2009.
ANSI/UL 1277, Electrical Power and Control Tray Cables and with OptionalOptical-Fiber Members, 2010.
ANSI/UL 1651, Optical Fiber Cable, 2008.
ANSI/UL 1666, Standard Test for Flame Propagation Height of Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables Installed Vertically in Shafts, 2007.
ANSI/UL 1685, Standard for Vertical Tray Fire-Propagation and Smoke-Release Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber
Cables, 2007, including revisions through July 7, 2010.
ANSI/UL 2024, Optical Fiber and Communication Cable Raceway, 2004, revised 2007.
UL 2024A, Outline of Investigation for Cable Routing Assemblies, 2010.
Reason: To update referenced standards to the most recent edition.
Revise as follows:
UL Publications. Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.
ANSI/UL 44, Thermoset-Insulated Wires and Cables, 2005 2010.
ANSI/UL 83, Thermoplastic-Insulated Wire and Cables, 2008.
ANSI/UL 444, Communications Cables, 2008, revised 2010.
ANSI/UL 568, Nonmetallic Cable Tray Systems, 2002, reaffirmed 2009.
ANSI/UL 900, Standard for Air Filter Units, 2004, revised 2009.
ANSI/UL 1277, Electrical Power and Control Tray Cables and with OptionalOptical-Fiber Members, 2010.
ANSI/UL 1651, Optical Fiber Cable, 2008.
ANSI/UL 1666, Standard Test for Flame Propagation Height of Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables Installed Vertically in Shafts, 2007.
ANSI/UL 1685, Standard for Vertical Tray Fire-Propagation and Smoke-Release Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber
Cables, 2007, including revisions through July 7, 2010.
ANSI/UL 2024, Signaling, Optical Fiber and Communications Cable Raceways and Cable Routing Assemblies 2004
,revised 2007 2011.
UL 2024A, Outline of Investigation for Cable Routing Assemblies, 2010.
The change addresses that UL 2024a was merged with UL 2024 and the title of UL 2024 was changed.
Printed on 4/25/2011 2

Report on Comments – November 2011
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
76-4 Log #4
NFPA 76
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International
76-21
Revise text to read as follows:
Installed telecommunications, optical fiber and electrical power cables that are not terminated at on equipment and are not identified for future use.
The definition should be more general so that it can be used by more than this committee. The revised wording is the wording accepted by NFPA 75 for the term in proposal 75-7. This will lead to more consistency in
NFPA definitions, a goal of Standards Council.
NFPA 76 only deals with telecommunications, optical fiber and electrical power cables.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
76-5 Log #5
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International
76-26
Revise as follows:
Power equipment that includes, but is not limited to, batteries, rectifiers, inverters, distribution cabinets, bus bars, and cabling and that primarily provides dc power to the signal-processing equipment.
The preferred definition of “power equipment” is that contained within NFPA 496, which reads:
“Equipment that utilizes power greater than 2500 VA or switches loads greater than 2500 VA.” This is probably not suitable for NFPA 76 and thus an alternate preferred or an accepted secondary definition should be sought. This will help lead to more consistency in NFPA definitions, a goal of Standards Council.
The TC requests approval from the Standards Council of this definition as an alternate preferred definition. The definition has not changed from what was approved in the ROP stage.
Printed on 4/25/2011 3

Report on Comments – November 2011
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
76-6 Log #12
NFPA 76
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Ronald Marts, Telcordia Technologies / Rep. AT&T, Verizon, Qwest
76-96
Add new definitions to new section 3.8:
3.8 Aisle Containment Definitions
3.8.1* Aisle. The passageway between telecommunications equipment or between telecommunications equipment and a wall, which allows personnel access to the equipment for service or operation of the equipment.
3.8.2* Aisle containment. An HVAC method deployed in the occupied area of an air-cooled telecommunications equipment space utilizing nonstructural separation of hot exhaust air from cooler intake air between equipment cabinets, rows of cabinets, or associated power and cooling infrastructure; containment is typically above and at both ends of a hot aisle or a cold aisle, in whole or part.
3.8.3* Cold aisle. The aisle in front of the airflow intakes on the telecommunications equipment where HVAC cooling airflow is controlled.
3.8.4*Hot air collar. An air conveyance assembly used to direct heated exhaust air from telecommunications equipment cabinet(s), enclosure(s) or rack(s) directly to a return air plenum; also known as an air removal unit (ARU).
3.8.5* Hot aisle. The aisle at the rear of the telecommunications equipment where heated exhaust air is controlled and directed into the aisle for return to the HVAC equipment.
Add new annex section A.3.8 for new definitions:
A.3.8.1. Aisle. The key elements of this definition are:
(1) Passageway between equipment, meaning it is intended for movement of people and/or equipment,
(2) Typically between opposing rows of telecommunications equipment enclosures or racks, but it could be between two free-standing pieces of equipment
(3) Intended for routine human activity such as service or operation (therefore not a plenum space)
A.3.8.2. Aisle containment. The key elements of this definition are:
(1) An occupied area (excluding areas above a ceiling or below a raised floor)
(2) Utilizing “nonstructural separation” between hot and cold air (excluding construction methods such as fire-rated walls).
(3) The aisle can be either a “hot aisle” or a “cold aisle” or a mix of both at select portions of the aisle
A.3.8.3. Cold aisle. The key elements of this definition are:
(1) Air flow is controlled
(2) Intake air is cold, implying an aisle normally intended for operation of the telecommunications equipment
(3) Air is from the output of the HVAC
A.3.8.4. Hot air collar. The key elements of this definition are:
(1) Air conveyance assembly, sometimes referred to as a “duct” or a “chimney”
(2) Typically from a specific equipment rather that from larger areas such as aisles
(3) See figures: cases 3a & 3b per the ppt
A.3.8.5. Hot aisle. The key elements of this definition are:
(1) Air flow is controlled
(2) Exhaust air is hot, implying an aisle normally intended for servicing of the telecommunications equipment
(3) Air returns to the input of the HVAC
The NFPA 75 and 76 chairs and committees created placeholders in the ROP for addressing fire protection requirements for HVAC air containment systems. A joint task group was formed to prepare proposals that would address the immediate and apparent gaps associated with fire protection and HVAC air containment systems.
The task group has prepared the following comments as a result. Details of the task group effort, members, etc can be found in the meeting minutes and will be provided by the task group chair via a summary of the effort at the ROC meeting.
Add new definitions to new section 3.8:
3.8 Aisle Containment Definitions
3.8.1* Aisle. The passageway between telecommunications equipment or between telecommunications equipment and a wall, which allows personnel access to the equipment for service or operation of the equipment.
3.8.2* Aisle containment. An HVAC method deployed in the occupied area of an air-cooled telecommunications equipment space utilizing nonstructural separation of hot exhaust air from cooler intake air between equipment cabinets,
Printed on 4/25/2011 4

Report on Comments – November 2011 NFPA 76 rows of cabinets, or associated power and cooling infrastructure; containment is typically above and at both ends of a hot aisle or a cold aisle, in whole or part.
3.8.3* Cold aisle. The aisle in front of the airflow intakes on the telecommunications equipment where HVAC cooling airflow is controlled.
3.8.4*Hot air collar. An air conveyance assembly used to direct heated exhaust air from telecommunications equipment cabinet(s), enclosure(s) or rack(s) directly to a return air path.
3.8.5* Hot aisle. The aisle at the rear of the telecommunications equipment where heated exhaust air is controlled and directed into the aisle for return to the HVAC equipment.
Add new annex section A.3.8 for new definitions:
A.3.8.1. Aisle. The key elements of this definition are:
(1) Passageway between equipment, meaning it is intended for movement of people and/or equipment,
(2) Typically between opposing rows of telecommunications equipment enclosures or racks, but it could be between two free-standing pieces of equipment
(3) Intended for routine human activity such as service or operation (therefore not a plenum space)
A.3.8.2. Aisle containment. The key elements of this definition are:
(1) An occupied area (excluding areas above a ceiling or below a raised floor)
(2) Utilizing “nonstructural separation” between hot and cold air (excluding construction methods such as fire-rated walls).
(3) The aisle can be either a “hot aisle” or a “cold aisle” or a mix of both at select portions of the aisle
A.3.8.3. Cold aisle. The key elements of this definition are:
(1) Air flow is controlled
(2) Intake air is cold, implying an aisle normally intended for operation of the telecommunications equipment
(3) Air is from the output of the HVAC
A.3.8.4. Hot air collar. The key elements of this definition are:
(1) Air conveyance assembly, sometimes referred to as a “duct” or a “chimney”
(2) Typically from a specific equipment rather that from larger areas such as aisles
(3) The hot air collar is not required to be physically connected to a duct or plenum.
A.3.8.5. Hot aisle. The key elements of this definition are:
(1) Air flow is controlled
(2) Exhaust air is hot, implying an aisle normally intended for servicing of the telecommunications equipment
(3) Air returns to the input of the HVAC
Changes were made to keep consistency with how the words are used in the text of the
Standard.
A reference to figures in a power point was removed.
Printed on 4/25/2011 5

Report on Comments – November 2011
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
76-7 Log #2
NFPA 76
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scott Chance, Village of Homer Glen
76-25
Accept the proposal as originally submitted.
Note: This comment was developed by the proponent as a member of NFPA’s Building Code
Development Committee (BCDC) with the committee's endorsement.
The BCDC does not understand the Committee Statement that the proposal does “not meet the intent of the performance based design requirements of the standard.” The Committee Statement does not refer to any detailed intent statement within the standard, and explanatory information regarding “tenable condition” cannot be found in the standard. This is the reason for the proposal.
The Committee Statement refers to the fact that the term is used in NFPA 101 chapter 5 without a definition. Chapter
5 does outline performance based options to tenability in NFPA 101. However, Section A.7.2.12.3.2 in NFPA 101 states while referring to tenable conditions: “Calculations, if used, need to be based on established engineering relationships and equations. Such calculational procedures are described in NFPA 92A, and the SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection
Engineering. Tenable conditions are those that maintain the temperature of any smoke in the area of refuge at less than
200°F (93°C) if the smoke is more than 60 in. (1525 mm) above the floor, and at less than 120°F (49°C) if the smoke descends below the 60 in. (1525 mm) level in the area of refuge. Also, if the smoke descends below the 60 in. (1525 mm) level, tenable conditions require not less than 16 percent oxygen and not more than 30,000 ppm/min exposure to carbon monoxide…”
This proposal takes the definition from NFPA 92B and NFPA 92A, which is cited in the annex of NFPA 101. If the TC believe that this explanatory information from NFPA 101 does not meet the intent of the NFPA 76 standard, then consideration should be given to adopting the specific text NFPA 101 Section A.7.2.12.3.2 “Tenable conditions are those that maintain the temperature of any smoke in the area of refuge at less than 200°F (93°C) if the smoke is more than 60 in. (1525 mm) above the floor, and at less than 120°F (49°C) if the smoke descends below the 60 in. (1525 mm) level in the area of refuge. Also, if the smoke descends below the 60 in. (1525 mm) level, tenable conditions require not less than 16 percent oxygen and not more than 30,000 ppm/min exposure to carbon monoxide.”
If the TC has concerns about the term “tenable environment” then consideration should be given to using the term
“tenable condition” for this definition. But then it would not be completely extracted from the definition in NFPA 92B and
NFPA 92A, as referenced by NFPA 101 Section A.7.2.12.3.2.
The change to Section 5.3.1.1 and the new definition do not meet the intent of the performance based design requirements of the standard. In addition, the same phrase “tenable conditions” is used in NFPA 101, which is referenced in Chapter 5, and not defined.
Different thresholds may be more appropriate for equipment protection. These thresholds are determined through the use of Chapter 4 of the standard.
Printed on 4/25/2011 6

Report on Comments – November 2011
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
76-8 Log #6
NFPA 76
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International
76-42
Revise text to read as follows:
Abandoned The accessible portion of abandoned cables shall be removed provided that they can be removed without damaging adjacent cables and the building structure or finish except as indicated in 6.11.2.2.6.1 or in
6.11.2.2.6.2 .
6.11.2.2.6.1 Cables identified for future use with a tag shall not be required to be removed.
6.11.2.2.6.2 Cables which cannot be removed without damaging active cables or the building structure shall not be required to be removed
Cables not identified for future use shall be removed.
There are several problems with the accepted language.
First: it ignores cables identified for future use. Such cables should not be removed.
Second: it talks about damage to “adjacent cables” when the issue is damage to active cables, because “adjacent” is very subjective and may not cover what is needed.
Third: “finish” is often just the paint on the wall or ceiling and there is nothing that should prevent the paint from being damaged for safety.
Fourth: it does not use the term “accessible portion” which is in general use in the NEC and other cabling codes and standards.
The TC does not agree that the proposal ignores cables identified for future use. See the definition of abandoned cables in Proposal 76-21. There are acceptable means available other than just tagging to identify cables.
The requirement specifically addresses adjacent cables because the removal of communication cables can damage adjacent telecommunications and power cables.
The term finish may include more than just paint.
The NEC definition of accessible (as applied to wiring methods) is "Capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish or not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the building". This is not applicable to wiring in telecommunications facilities.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
76-9 Log #CC1
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Technical Committee on Telecommunications,
76-40
Revise as follows:
(2500 ft 2 General. In telecommunications facilities containing greater than 232m 2 ) of signal-processing equipment areas, the signal-processing equipment main distribution frame areas shall be provided with a very early warning fire detection (VEWFD) system for detection and alarm processing in accordance with Chapter 8.
6.11.6.2 General. In telecommunications facilities containing 232 m 2 (2500 ft 2 ) or less of signal-processing equipment areas, the signal-processing equipment main distribution frame areas shall be provided with an early warning fire detection (EWFD) system for detection and alarm processing in accordance with Chapter 8.
This corrects a unintentional change made at the proposal stage.
Printed on 4/25/2011 7

Report on Comments – November 2011
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
76-10 Log #13
NFPA 76
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Ronald Marts, Telcordia Technologies / Rep. AT&T, Verizon, Qwest
76-96
Add new section 8.2.3:
8.2.3 Aisle Containment Systems for Telecommunications Equipment
8.2.3.1* Aisle containment systems shall be permitted to be one of the following:
(1) Factory-packaged. Systems designed, provided, and installed by the manufacturer of the telecommunications equipment
(2) Field-installed. Aftermarket systems designed and provided by others and installed after the telecommunications equipment is in place
8.2.3.2 Both types of aisle containment systems shall comply with the following sections 8.2.3.3 through 8.2.3.10.
8.2.3.3 For Aisle Containment Systems containing combustible materials that can contribute to the spread of a fire, such materials shall have a flame spread index of not greater than 50 in accordance with one or more of the following:
(1) NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials;
(2) ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials;
(3) UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.
8.2.3.4* Aisle containment systems and hot air collars shall not be considered air plenums.
8.2.3.5 Aisle containment systems shall be permitted to be applied to hot aisles or cold aisles of telecommunications equipment.
8.2.3.6* Smoke Detectors within aisle containment systems shall be rated for the intended temperatures of hot aisles when installed in those locations.
8.2.3.7 Where detection and/or suppression systems are present, one of the following shall be met:
(1) Aisle containment systems maintain detection and/or suppression system compliance with applicable codes, standards and manufacturers listings and warranties for the , or
(2) The existing suppression and detection systems are modified so as to maintain compliance with the applicable codes, standards and manufacturers listings and warranties.
8.2.3.8 Where automatic sprinklers are present, and the application of aisle containment systems or hot air collars creates obstructions to proper operation of sprinkler systems, the sprinkler system shall be modified to comply with
NFPA 13.
8.2.3.8.1 Sprinkler system modification shall not be required where an automatic means exists to remove the obstructions prior to sprinkler operation and where there will be no impact on the time response of the sprinkler operation.
8.2.3.9* Where gaseous suppression systems are present, they shall be designed to develop the required concentration of agent for the entire volume they serve in accordance with NFPA 2001.
8.2.3.10 If the aisle containment prevents the gaseous suppression system, where present, from producing the required design concentrations throughout the entire volume served, the gaseous suppression system shall be modified to produce the required concentration throughout the volume served.
8.2.3.10.1 Gaseous suppression system modification shall not be required where an automatic means exists to remove the obstructions prior to suppression operation.
8.2.3.10.2 The plenum shall be included as part of the protected volume when the following conditions apply:
(1) Hot air collars are connected to a ceiling plenum and,
(2) Telecommunications equipment continues to operate during system discharge
8.2.3.11 Where factory-built aisle containment systems are provided for telecommunications equipment aisles, they shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and listings.
Add new annex section A.8.2.3 for new section 8.2.3:
A.8.2.3.1 Some aisle containment systems are provided as part of a factory packaged and listed system by the cabinet manufacturers, while others are field installed after-market systems. In either case, the application of these systems should be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
A.8.2.3.4 Where other air plenums are present, the space above the raised floor and below the suspended ceiling is typically accessible space to both occupants and first responders for maintenance access, fire fighting activities, etc and therefore does not need to be classified as a plenum space. The addition of aisle containment systems does not change the hazards contained within those containment areas and therefore does not necessitate different construction materials as required in plenum spaces as defined elsewhere in this NFPA Standard and others.
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Report on Comments – November 2011 NFPA 76
A.8.2.3.6 The temperatures in hot aisles can exceed 100°F, which is often the listing limit on many types of detectors.
A.8.2.3.9. Aisle containment and hot air collars should be reviewed for any impact to the suppression systems where present to produce the required design concentration throughout the entire volume they serve.
The NFPA 75 and 76 chairs and committees created placeholders in the ROP for addressing fire protection requirements for HVAC air containment systems. A joint task group was formed to prepare proposals that would address the immediate and apparent gaps associated with fire protection and HVAC air containment systems.
The task group has prepared the following comments as a result. Details of the task group effort, members, etc can be found in the meeting minutes and will be provided by the task group chair via a summary of the effort at the ROC meeting.
Rewrite as follows:
8.2.3 Aisle Containment Systems for Telecommunications Equipment
8.2.3.1* Aisle containment systems shall be permitted to be one of the following:
(1) Factory-packaged. Systems designed, provided, and installed by the manufacturer of the telecommunications equipment
(2) Field-installed. Aftermarket systems designed and provided by others and installed after the telecommunications equipment is in place
8.2.3.2 Both types of aisle containment systems shall comply with the following sections 8.2.3.3 through 8.2.3.10.
8.2.3.3 Elements of aisle containment and hot air collars shall be constructed of noncombustible materials, limited combustible materials, or materials that have a maximum flame spread index of 50 and a maximum smoke development of 450 in accordance with one or more of the following:
(1) ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials;
(2) UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.
8.2.3.4* Aisle containment systems and hot air collars shall not be considered to be plenums.
8.2.3.5 Aisle containment systems shall be permitted to be applied to hot aisles or cold aisles of telecommunications equipment.
8.2.3.6* Smoke Detectors within aisle containment systems shall be rated for the intended temperatures of hot aisles when installed in those locations.
8.2.3.7* Where aisle containment systems are installed, the existing suppression and detection systems shall be evaluated to determine if it is necessary to be modified in order to maintain compliance with the applicable codes and standards.
8.2.3.8 Where automatic sprinklers are present, and the application of aisle containment systems or hot air collars creates obstructions to proper operation of sprinkler systems, the sprinkler system shall be modified to comply with
NFPA 13.
8.2.3.8.1* Sprinkler system modifications shall not be required where all of the following conditions are met:
(1)* an automatic means of smoke detection initiates the removal of the obstruction prior to the suppression system operation
(2) removing the obstruction or portion thereof does not compromise means of egress per NFPA101
(3) the design and installation of removable obstruction elements comply with Sections 1.3.5 and 1.5
(4)* the releasing devices are listed for the application
(5) the obstructions are removed for the entire suppression zone, except where requirements of 8.2.3.8 are met.
8.2.3.9* Where gaseous suppression systems are present, they shall be designed to develop the required concentration of agent for the entire volume they serve in accordance with NFPA 2001.
8.2.3.10 If the aisle containment prevents the gaseous suppression system, where present, from producing the required design concentrations throughout the entire volume served, the gaseous suppression system shall be modified to produce the required concentration throughout the volume served.
8.2.3.10.1* Gaseous suppression system modifications shall not be required where all of the following conditions are met:
(1)* an automatic means of smoke detection initiates the removal of the obstruction prior to the suppression system operation
(2) removing the obstruction or portion thereof does not compromise means of egress per NFPA101
(3) the design and installation of removable obstruction elements comply with Sections 1.3.5 and 1.5
(4)* the releasing devices are listed for the application
(5) the obstructions are removed for the entire suppression zone, except where requirements of 8.2.3.10 are met.
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Report on Comments – November 2011 NFPA 76
8.2.3.10.2 Ceiling cavity and raised floor plenums shall be included as part of the protected volume when the following conditions apply:
(1) Hot air collars are connected to a ceiling plenum and,
(2) Telecommunications equipment continues to operate during system discharge
8.2.3.11 Where factory-packaged aisle containment systems are provided for telecommunications equipment aisles, they shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and listings.
Add new annex section A.8.2.3 for new section 8.2.3:
A.8.2.3.1 Some aisle containment systems are provided as part of a factory-packaged and listed system by the manufacturer of the telecommunications equipment, while others are field installed after-market systems. In either case, the application of these systems should be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
A.8.2.3.4 Where plenums are present, the space above the raised floor and below the suspended ceiling is typically accessible space to both occupants and first responders for maintenance access, fire fighting activities, etc and therefore does not need to be classified as a plenum. The addition of aisle containment systems does not change the hazards contained within those containment areas and therefore does not necessitate different construction materials as required in plenum spaces as defined elsewhere in this NFPA Standard and others.
A.8.2.3.6 The temperatures in hot aisles can exceed 100°F, which is often the listing limit on many types of detectors.
A.8.2.3.7 The design and installation of fire detection and suppression systems for areas in which aisle containment systems are installed should meet the performance or prescriptive requirements of Chapters 5, 6 or 7 which have been applied to the areas.
Where aisle containment systems are installed in an area after the fire detection or suppression systems have been designed and installed in the area, the design and installation of the fire detection and suppression systems should be reviewed to
(1) Determine if system changes are necessary to maintain the level of protection as required in Section 1.3.5.
(2) Make necessary changes to the fire detection or suppression systems to maintain the previously existing level of protection.
Where sensors or ports are installed to monitor return air in accordance with Section 8.5.3.1.2.3, the review may determine that a containment system does not degrade the performance level of the detection system.
A.8.2.3.8.1 This section addresses removable curtains and aisle containment materials, which are otherwise referred to as removable obstructions. Fixed obstructions are clearly addressed for suppression systems within NFPA 13.
Means other than automatic smoke detection used for removing the obstructions (i.e. thermal mechanical & fusible links) still need further research by the industry and are not clearly demonstrating the capability of activating without impacting the timed response of suppression systems.
(1) This action may be compared to readying the space before suppression such as initiating the closing of fire doors, dampers, and the like.
(4) The releasing devices can be similar to those used for initiating fire doors, dampers, and the like.
A.8.2.3.9. Aisle containment and hot air collars should be reviewed for any impact to the suppression systems where present to produce the required design concentration throughout the entire volume they serve.
A. 8.2.3.10.1 This section addresses removable curtains and aisle containment materials, which are otherwise referred to as removable obstructions. Fixed obstructions are clearly addressed for suppression systems within NFPA 2001.
Means other than automatic smoke detection used for removing the obstructions (i.e. thermal mechanical & fusible links) still need further research by the industry and are not clearly demonstrating the capability of activating without impacting the timed response of suppression systems.
(1) This action may be compared to readying the space before suppression such as initiating the closing of fire doors, dampers, and the like.
(4) The releasing devices can be similar to those used for initiating fire doors, dampers, and the like.
The TC recognizes the hot aisle and cold aisle containment systems present new fire protection challenges. Currently, hot aisle and cold aisle containment systems are being installed to improve the efficiency of the
HVAC systems. The materials of construction may include problematical (highly combustible) materials. The changes in air flow and obstructions created may compromise fire detection and suppression systems.
The text accepted by the TC limits the combustibility of the materials used in the construction of partitions and requires reevaluation of the fire detection and suppression systems and appropriate mitigation to ensure that adequate detection and suppression are maintained.
Printed on 4/25/2011 10

Report on Comments – November 2011
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
76-11 Log #10
NFPA 76
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Kenneth E. Isman, National Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc.
76-58
Reject Proposal 76-58.
Section 8.6.2.2.1 is supposed to be a reference to NFPA 13 to tell people what installation requirements to use for a sprinkler system and a reference to NFPA 25 to determine how to maintain their sprinkler system. Some other portion of the document should be used to determine which telecommunications facilities get sprinklers and what rooms those sprinklers need to go in. While we recognize that there are some situations where water from fire sprinklers can cause a significant problem, we note that there are many situations where that is not the case and NFPA 76 needs to do a better job of explaining the differences for its users.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
76-12 Log #11
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Kenneth E. Isman, National Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc.
76-58
Add a new section 8.6.2.5.4 as follows:
Water Mist Fire Protection systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with NFPA 25.
Water mist systems are now within the scope of NFPA 25 and such systems, when installed need to be properly cared for.
New material. Held for next cycle.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
76-13 Log #CC2
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Technical Committee on Telecommunications,
76-12
Change all references of UL 2024A to UL 2024.
UL 2024A has been withdrawn and merged with UL 2024.
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Report on Comments – November 2011
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
76-14 Log #7
NFPA 76
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International
76-80
Revise text to read as follows:
Abandoned The accessible portion of abandoned cables shall be removed provided that they can be removed without damaging adjacent cables and the building structure or finish except as indicated in 9.9.3.1 or in 9.9.3.2 .
9.9.3.1 Cables identified for future use with a tag shall not be required to be removed.
9.9.3.2 Cables which cannot be removed without damaging active cables or the building structure shall not be required to be removed
Cables not identified for future use shall be removed.
9.9.3.2 All cables that have been cut and abandoned in place shall be capped.
There are several problems with the accepted language.
First: it ignores cables identified for future use. Such cables should not be removed.
Second: it talks about damage to “adjacent cables” when the issue is damage to active cables, because “adjacent” is very subjective and may not cover what is needed.
Third: “finish” is often just the paint on the wall or ceiling and there is nothing that should prevent the paint from being damaged for safety.
Fourth: it does not use the term “accessible portion” which is in general use in the NEC and other cabling codes and standards.
The TC does not agree that the proposal ignores cables identified for future use. See the definition of abandoned cables in Proposal 76-21. There are acceptable means available other than just tagging to identify cables.
The requirement specifically addresses adjacent cables because removal of communication cables can damage adjacent telecommunications and power cables.
The term finish may include more than just paint.
The NEC definition of accessible (as applied to wiring methods) is "Capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish or not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the building". This is not applicable to wiring in telecommunications facilities.
Printed on 4/25/2011 12

Report on Comments – November 2011
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
76-15 Log #9
NFPA 76
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
John F. Bender, Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
76-114
Revise as follows:
UL Publications. Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road,Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.
ANSI/UL 510, UL Standard for Safety Polyvinyl/Chloride, Polyethylene, and Rubber Insulating Tape, 2005, including revisions through April 30, 2008.
ANSI/UL 568, Nonmetallic Cable Tray Systems, 2002, reaffirmed 2009.
ANSI/UL 1441, UL Standard for Safety Coated Electrical Sleeving, 2005, reaffirmed 2009.
ANSI/UL 1581, UL Standard for Safety Reference Standard for ElectricalWires, Cables, and Flexible Cords, 2001 including revisions through October 5, 2009.
ANSI/UL 1666, UL Standard for Safety Test for Flame Propagation Height of Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables
Installed Vertically in Shafts, 2007.
UL 1685, Standard for Safety Vertical-Tray Fire-Propagation and Smoke-Release Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber
Cables, 2007, with revisions through July 27, 2010.
ANSI/UL 263, Standard for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials, 2003, reaffirmed 2007.
ANSI/UL 1479, Standard for Fire Tests of Through-Penetration Firestops, 2003, including revisions through March 1,
2010.
ANSI/UL 555S, Standard for Smoke Dampers, 1999, with revisions through May 4, 2010.
ANSI/UL 1784, Air Leakage Tests of Door Assemblies, 2001, with revisions through July 10, 2009.
Reason: To update referenced standards to the most recent edition.
Printed on 4/25/2011 13