Like copper cables, the NEC (National Electrical Code) requires that internal fiber optic cables be marked with their firing and smoking characteristics. NEC requires that all internal fiber cables be properly labeled and properly installed for its intended use.
According to NEC, the internal area of the building is divided into three types of sections: film tanks, risers and general purpose zones.
:: What is the Plenum?
The Plenum Area is the construction space used for the air flow or air distribution system. In most buildings, the area above the ceiling or under the raised floor is used as air flow (air source) for air conditioning. These ceilings and raised floors are also used where fiber-optic cables are often installed. If these cables were burning, they would emit toxic fumes, and smoke would be supplied to the rest of the building by air conditioning. As a result, people could suffer, even if they are far from the fire.
:: What is the Riser zone?
A riser area is a hole for a floor, shaft, or channel that runs vertically through one or more floors.
:: What is a common goal?
All other areas that are not plenum or riser and on the same floor are a general purpose zone.
:: Fiber optic cable Fire and course marking labels
OFNP Cables:
OFNP refers to an optical fiber non-conductive plenum. OFNP cables have fire resistance and low smoke production characteristics. They can be installed in air ducts, chambers and other spaces used to create airflow. It is the highest fire resistant cable and other types of cables cannot be used as substitutes.
OFCP Cables:
OFCP means optical fiber conductive plenum. OFCP cables have the same fire extinguishing and smoking characteristics as OFNP cables, but they have conductive armor or a strong central element, which is usually steel. OFCP cables must be properly grounded at both ends. As a result, OFCP cables cannot be installed in the same cable tray or conduit as power cables.
OFNR Cables:
OFNR is an optical fiber non-conductive raiser. OFNR cables are used in Riser zones that build vertical shafts or extend from one floor to the other. OFNR cables cannot be installed in areas of high pressure, as they do not have the required level of fire and smoking as cables with a nominal voltage. OFNP coils can be used as replacements for OFNR cables.
OFCR Cables:
OFCR stands for optical fiber conductor. OFCR cables have the same fire resistance characteristics as OFNR cables, but they have a conductor or central strong member, which is usually steel. OFCR cables must also be properly grounded at both ends. OFCP cables can be used as substitutes for OFCR cables. OFCR cables cannot be installed in the same cable trays or conduit as the power cables.
OFNG Cables:
OFNG is a non-conductive general purpose optical fiber. They are commonly used in horizontal single-story cable systems. OFNG cables cannot be used in cameras or risers. OFNP and OFNR cables can be used as substitutes for OFNG cables.
OFCG Cables:
OFCG is a general purpose optical fiber. They have the same firing characteristics, such as OFNG cables, but they have conductors or central strong elements that are usually steel. OFCG cables must be properly grounded at both ends. They should not be installed in the same cable tray or conduit as power cables.
