MEMORANDUM

TO: Technical Committee on Public Emergency Service Communication

FROM: Jenny Depew, Project Administrator

DATE: January 18, 2019

SUBJECT: NFPA 1221 Proposed Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) No. 1413

– Public Comment Review

The attached Public Comments are being submitted to the Technical Committee on Public

Emergency Service Communication for review.

If you wish to change your vote, the change must be submitted through the NFPA online ballot

system at the following link: NFPA Ballot Link. If you do not wish to change your vote, no response

is necessary.

Please submit any vote changes on or before January 25, 2019 by 11:59 pm ET.

While completing your ballot, please remember the following:

A comment is required for both Question No. 1 and Question No. 2 for the online TIA

ballot. Comments must accompany all Negative, Abstaining and Agree votes.

If you vote “Agree” on Question 1, simply add “Agree” to the comment field and if you

vote “Agree” on Question 2, insert the applicable letter(s) selections in the comment

field which can be found in the Instructions box on the ballot site.

You must hit SUBMIT to SAVE your work. Note: the system session will time you out after 60 minutes;

any work not submitted at that time will not be saved! You may return to finish or change your ballot at

any time up to the closing date. Ballot comments exceeding 4,000 characters must be submitted in a Word

document via email, to Jenny Depew at jdepew@nfpa.org.

The return of ballots is required by the Regulations Governing the Development of NFPA Standards.

Attachment: Public Comment(s)

1

Foran, Rosanne

From:Sent:To:Subject:

Dick AbbottSunday, December 16, 2018 11:13 AMTIAsComment on Proposed TIA 1413 on NFPA 1221

Reference: https://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/AboutTheCodes/1221/Proposed_TIA_1413_%20NFPA_1221.pdf 

Comments for your consideration regarding NFPA1221 pathway survivability issues; 

Please clarify 9.6.2.3.2 that the 2‐hour fire rating applies to “in a minimum 2‐hour fire rated enclosure or 2‐hour fire rated protected area”.  As written it is not obvious that the rating applies to both. 

Radiating cables are frequently used for stairwell coverage. Since stairwell cables are necessarily riser cables, they are some times used as backbone cables. Since radiating cables are exempted from backbone cable pathway survivability requirements, radiating cables should never be permitted to be used as backbone cables. When used for vertical radio coverage, they should be short sections to provide coverage for a maximum of two floors 

Add the donor antenna cable between the donor antenna and the repeaters (BDAs) to the “key components”.   Frequently this cable is just installed in conduit (and sometimes not even) which does not meet 2‐hour rating requirements. Frequently this donor antenna cable can be installed in the same 2‐hour rated enclosure riser that feeds horizontal cabling. 

Horizontal distribution cabling is sometimes used for signal distribution before entering a riser in a different location than the BDA/BBU equipment. Any horizontal distribution cabling that becomes part of the backbone cabling system should be enclosed in a 2‐hour rated enclosure. Any horizontal cable that connects to “circuits between floors” should be enclosed in a 2‐hour rated enclosure. 

The connections between backbone cables and antenna distribution cables enclosed in a 2‐hour rated enclosure should be accessible through 2‐hour rated access doors for equipment maintenance. 

The monitor interfaces between the BDA/Backup Power System and the FACP should also require compliance with pathway survivability requirements. The cables connecting this equipment should be enclosed in a 2‐hour rated enclosure or use ‐2‐hour fire rated cables, which are available. 

It is not clear why 9.6.2.4.3 should be included in NFPA1221.  This should not be done for performance reasons, but that is not a fire protection issue. 

Somewhere the requirements for plenum cabling needs to be addressed as it relates to large diameter (greater than ½”) radiating cables. Sometimes larger radiating cables are required for horizontal signal distribution. These cables usually meet FT4/IEEE1202 (NFPA‐130), but not NFPA‐262, UL‐444. 

Dick Abbott 

2

www.InBuildingRadio.com 

Comments on TIA 1430 for NFPA 1221 2019 edition:

John Facella, NFPA 1221 Technical Committee Member

17 January 2019

In addition to the comments I have already made in my vote as a TC member, I offer the

following additional comments. I should note that I have had several long conversations with

people in the in-building industry, and their feeling overall is that the 2019 edition on this subject

is confusing, and that the proposed TIA in fact makes things worse. The changes suggested here

fix many of the issues raised both by the TIA and by others that have communicated with me on

this matter.

1. 3.3.10 should be left as is in the standard. This wording was introduced to clarify and the

changes proposed by the TIA writer somewhat increase confusion. I would change the

term to ‘Backbone Cable’ however.

2. A3.3.10 The Backbone Cable, if compromised, will render a major portion, if not the

entire portion, of the in-building enhanced radio communications system inoperable.

This will put the safety of first responders inside the building who are attempting to

extinguish the fire or mitigate other risks in danger. As a result, it is the purpose of these

sections concerned with these systems to have them able to survive for at least the same

time period as the doors and walls of the building, as required by the Fire Code. After

that time period, the building would become untenable for interior teams to operate, and

the in-building enhanced radio communications system would no longer be required.

Typically, but not always, the Backbone Cable runs vertically within a tall building. In a

flat building with a large area, such as a large warehouse, the Backbone Cable may in fact

run horizontally. Analogous to the Backbone Cable in a fire sprinkler system would be

the sprinkler riser or the feed main.

3. Add a new definition as follows: Backbone Components: Backbone Components are

those components, such as amplifiers, splitters, signal processing equipment, whether at

RF or optical frequencies, and regardless of whether they are passive or electronically

active, that are in the path of the Backbone Cable. The Backbone Components also

include the Secondary Power Source components used to power the Active devices in the

Backbone Components in case of failure of the Primary Power Source. The Donor

Antenna is not a Backbone Component. [If it were included it would mean the Donor

Antenna would have to be fire protected, which is essentially impossible.]

4. Add Annex material for this new definition: The Backbone Components, if

compromised, will render a major portion, if not the entire portion, of the in-building

enhanced radio communications system inoperable. This will put the safety of first

responders inside the building who are attempting to extinguish the fire or mitigate other

risks in danger. As a result, it is the purpose of these sections concerned with these

systems to have them able to survive for at least the same time period as the doors and

walls of the building, as required by the Fire Code. After that time period, the building

would become untenable for interior teams to operate, and the in-building enhanced radio

communications system would no longer be required.

5. ADD to the current definition 3.3.46 Distribution Antenna Cable: The Distribution

Antenna Cable typically runs horizontally to a specific floor in a multi-story building, or

just a portion of the total building in a large area building which is all on the same level

(such as a warehouse).

6. Add A.3.3.46: Failure of a Distribution Antenna Cable will not cause total failure of the

radio communications throughout the entire building. Analogous to a Distribution

Antenna Cable is a branch line in a fire sprinkler system.

7. Add a new definition as follows: Active: A device or component that has electronics

contained within that require a source of electrical power. The electronics perform the

functions of amplification or detection of a signal or generating a signal or filtering a

signal or storing information or performing some computational functions such as a

central processing unit.

8. Add a new definition: In-Building Antenna: An antenna mounted inside of the building,

typically on the ceiling or on a wall, which radiates RF energy to a portable radio used by

an ERU inside the building, or accepts a transmission of RF energy from a portable radio

used by an ERU inside the building, over a small area of the total building, such as a

hallway, stairwell, or sprinkler control room.

9. Add a new definition: Non-RF Interface to the ESCS (Emergency Services

Communications System): In some in-building radio communications enhancement

systems, the interface between that system and the Emergency Services Communications

System is an Internet Protocol hard wired connection, as opposed to being over-the-air

via RF. In this case, the equipment required to implement the interface is called the Non-

RF Interface to the ESCS. This interface also includes the Internet Protocol cabling of

the service provider running from the outside entrance to the building to the inside of the

building where the Non-RF Interface to the ESCS is located.

10. Add Annex material for this new definition: The Non-RF Interface to the ESCS, if a part

of the in-building enhanced radio system, and if it is compromised, will render a major

portion, if not the entire portion, of the in-building enhanced communications system

inoperable. This will put the safety of first responders inside the building who are

attempting to extinguish the fire or mitigate other risks in danger. As a result, it is the

purpose of these sections concerned with these systems to have them able to survive for

at least the same time period as the doors and walls of the building, as required by the

Fire Code. After that time period, the building would become untenable for interior

teams to operate, and the in-building enhanced radio communications system would no

longer be required.

11. Add a new definition, IF NEEDED: Fire Rating of the Building: this is the fire survival

rating in hours which is equal to the survival rating of the walls and doors of a building as

required by NFPA 1 based upon its occupancy use.

The following paragraphs replace 9.6.2.3 and 9.6.2.4 and 9.6.2.5 and the subordinate

paragraphs of each that are in the TIA 1430

12. Change 9.6.2.3 to read: Backbone Cables and Backbone Components and the Non-RF

Interface to the ESCS shall be protected.

9.6.2.3.1 In buildings where the plenum spaces, shafts, and other locations of the

Backbone Cable and Backbone Components and Non-RF Interface to the ESCS are

located are sprinklered according to NFPA 13, with water spray coverage to the

Backbone Cable and Backbone Components and the Non-RF Interface to the ESCS, no

protection is required for the Backbone Cable and Backbone Components and the Non-

RF Interface to the ESCS.

9.6.2.3.2 In buildings where the plenum spaces, shafts, and other locations of the

Backbone Cable and Backbone Components and the Non-RF Interface to the ESCS

are located are not sprinklered according to NFPA 13, or only partially sprinklered so that

only some of the Backbone Cable and Backbone Components and the Non-RF Interface

to the ESCS get water spray coverage, those portions not getting water spray coverage

shall be protected by enclosures having the same fire rating as The Building Fire Rating.

9.6.2.3.4 Other means of protecting the Backbone Cable and the Backbone Components

and the Non-RF Interface to the ESCS acceptable to the AHJ are permissible. [Not sure

this has to be said at all-the AHJ is always free to reject some portions of a standard or

increase the requirements of a standard.]

9.6.2.4 The Donor Antenna location shall afford the antenna some protection from fire or

flame impingement.

9.6.2.4.1 If the Donor Antenna is located outside of the building, it shall not be required

to be protected from fire or flame impingement, but its placement shall take into

consideration a location least likely to experience burn through or flame impingement

over the same number of hours as the Fire Rating of the Building.

9.6.2.4.2 If the donor antenna is located inside the building, it shall be in a room that has

a fire rating the same as the Fire Rating of the Building, or it shall be located in a room

that is fire sprinklered according to NFPA 13.

9.6.2.5 The Antenna Distribution Cables and In-Building Antennas do not have to be

protected from heat or fire.

9.6.2.5.1 The passage of the Antenna Distribution Cable in and out of the enclosure or

room protecting the Backbone Cable and Backbone Components shall be firestopped in

accordance with NFPA 70.

13. The diagram shown in the TIA 1430 for A.3.3.310 needs to have all the terms relabeled

using the terms in this 2019 standard. For example ‘signal chain’ is not used in the

standard and should be replaced with Backbone Cable.

14. Substantiation: The major reason for the TIA, if amended as suggested, is that the 2019

standard has created some confusion, and has some omissions, such that the in-building

enhancement systems will not go in properly. If the wording above replaces that in the

current TIA and the 2019 edition, the issues will be substantially clarified. It is of an

urgent nature because the industry is not interpreting the intent properly and systems will

be installed incorrectly, which may not enhance their survivability as envisioned in the

2019 standard, putting first responder lives at risk.

1

Foran, Rosanne

From:Sent:To:Subject:

Alan Perdue <Thursday, January 17, 2019 10:45 PMTIAsFw: Comment on Proposed TIA 1413 on NFPA 1221

I noted a couple of minor typos in my initial comments to Proposed TIA 1413 on NFPA 1221.  Please replace my original comments from my email dated January 16, 2019 at 11:39 PM with the amended version as detailed below. 

Thanks, 

Chief Alan W. Perdue (Ret.) CFO, FM 

Executive Director 

Safer Buildings Coalition 

As written, the proposed language within TIA 1413 on NFPA 1221 is impossible to comply with from a technical perspective and thereby unenforceable.  

#1. The change to the definition in section 3.3.10 "Backbone"; not only includes the cable but would now include the major components of an entire system including the donor antenna which must be mounted outside on the roof or side of the building, the repeaters which must be in NEMA 4 or 4X cabinets, signal processing equipment, optical fiber interfaces, and circuits between floors (which are not defined).  

If you look at the proposed section 9.6.2.3.1 it specifically states that Backbone cables and components (as defined by 3.3.10) installed in buildings that are fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13 shall be installed in metal raceways.  NFPA 70 Chapter 1 defines "raceway" as an enclosed channel designed expressly for holding wires, cables or bussbars.  There is no method in a practical way to physically put all of the components detailed in the new definition of "Backbone" within a metal raceway.  Furthermore, there is no technical substantiation in the proposal to identify the value added benefit of trying to do so. 

#2.  Section 9.6.2.3.2 as written would require the same equipment detailed in section 3.3.10 to be installed in metal raceways and in a minimum 2‐hour fire rated enclosure or protected area.  At times due to the building location and construction materials, these enhancement systems are required in buildings that based on the type of construction will not require any 2‐hour rating.  It was identified during the last TIA discussion that it made no sense to require a 2‐hour rating for the backbone of the enhancement system when nothing else within the building was rated to that level of protection.  There needs to be a provision that allows installation of the backbone cables of less than 2‐hours when circumstances warrant. 

2

#3. Figure A3.3.10 The term signal chain is not defined within the standard and introducing new terms that further confuses this code section. 

#4. Emergency Nature ‐ While I agree the existing code language in the 2019 edition of 1221 could be improved, I fail to see where the changes within this TIA actually do so.  In fact, it creates even more confusion about the installation requirements and will lead AHJ's to have more questions than answers.  As written, theses proposed changes actually make the requirement more stringent than any prior edition of NFPA on this subject and that is not the purpose of the use of a TIA. 

#5. One potential improvement to Section 9.6 would be to leave the definition in 3.3.10 as worded in the 2019 edition. Then clarify within section 9.6.2.3 that the protection of cabling/coax/fiber applies to the backbone of the system and this could be accomplished by installing in a fully sprinklered building and the cabling/coax/fiber only would be installed within a raceway.   Also, further clarify that the antenna distribution cables that typically run in a horizontal direction were never intended to be required to be fire rated or installed within a fire rated enclosure.  The fact that you connect a plastic antenna on these cables identifies that requiring any fire protection rating to them has no value added benefit and simply drives up the cost of the system.      

If anyone on the council or committee has any questions and would like to discuss further, please feel free to contact me.  

Respectfully Submitted, 

Chief Alan W. Perdue (Ret.) CFO, FM 

Executive Director 

Safer Buildings Coalition