1990 National Electrical Code - Its impact on the communications industry.

The 1990 National Electrical Code has several new provisions which will impact the communications industry. The most important change is the requirement that all communications equipment in a building be listed as being safe to use. This requirement applies to all equipment electrically connected to a telecommunications network including telephones, connectors, PBX's, switches, modems and computers. The most important change impacting the wire and cable industry is the establishment of a new category of cables, multipurpose cables. These cables will be available in plenum (Type MPP), riser (Type MPR) and general purpose versions (Type MP) and will be suitable for communications, data (Class 2), remote control (Class 3) and fire alarm use. It is recommended that all organizations determine which of their products will require listing by Underwriters Laboratories and take immediate action to obtain UL listings wherever appropriate.