Below is the language from the new BC Building Code regarding FT6 cables in noncombustible buildings. Essentially, this sentence permits cable with combustible insulation, jackets or sheaths to be exposed in plenums in noncombustible buildings as long as they are FT6 rated. Without FT6 they need to be inside a fully enclosed noncombustible raceway.
It is difficult to categorize the parameters that determine what buildings need to be noncombustible. All “high buildings” (generally those more than six stories high) are required to be noncombustible but most buildings over four stories are also required to be noncombustible as well as very large area buildings of one, two or three stories. If a contractor is unsure they should check with the designer or building official.
Building Code Excerpt: 3.1.5.18. Wires and Cables
2) Except as permitted in Sentences (3)and (4), optical fibre cables and electrical wires and cables with combustible insulation, jackets or sheathes that are used for the transmission of voice, sound or data and are not located in totally enclosed noncombustible raceways are permitted to be installed in a plenum in a building required to be of noncombustible construction, provided the wires and cables exhibit a horizontal flame distance of not more than 1.5 m, an average optical smoke density of not more than 0.15, and a peak optical smoke density of not more than 0.5 when tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S102.4, “Fire and Smoke Characteristics of Electrical Wiring and Cables,” (FT6 rating).
Regards,
Bob Thompson
Senior Codes Administrator
Building & Safety Standards Branch
Office of Housing & Construction Standards
Province of British Columbia
250-213-6680
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