Overview

Due to the complexity of the National Electrical Code, redundancies can arise that add unnecessary confusion with the Code. When these redundancies are discovered, they are typically addressed in subsequent code cycles. This is precisely what happened in the 2023 NEC regarding Section 805.133, (which covered installation of communications wires, cables, and equipment), and Section 820.133 (which covered the installation of coaxial cables and equipment. While these two sections were not identical, they shared many common elements. The 2023 NEC took these common elements and combined them into Section 800.133, which now covers the “Installation of Communications Wires and Cables and CATV-Type Coaxial Cables”.

Applying the 2023 Code

Section 805.133 and Section 820.133 have been combined into a single new Section 800.133. Section 805.133 previously contained the requirements for the installation of communications wires, cables, and equipment, while Section 820.133 contained the requirements for the installation of coaxial cables and equipment. The new Section 800.133 is now titled “Installation of Communications Wires and Cables and CATV-Type Coaxial Cables”. This section is divided into three subdivisions. Subdivision (A) contains the rules for the installation of these wires/cables in raceways, cable trays, boxes, cables, enclosures, and cable routing assemblies. Subdivision (B) contains the rules for the installation of these wire/cables in “other installations.” Finally, Subdivision (C) contains the rules for the support of communications wires and cables and CATV-type coaxial cables. This subdivision requires raceways to be used for their intended use, and specifically prohibits communication circuits from being strapped to the outside of a raceway for support.

What’s New for the 2023 NEC?

2020 NEC

In the 2020 NEC Subdivision 800.133 did not exist

2023 NEC

In the 2023 NEC Subdivision 800.133 read as follows (excluding exceptions):

800.133 Installation of Communications Wires and Cables and CATV-Type Coaxial Cables.

Installation of communications wires and cables, from the protector to the equipment, or where no protector is required, communications wires and cables attached to the outside or inside of the building, shall comply with 800.133(A) and 800.133(B). Installation of CATV-type coaxial cables, beyond the point of grounding as defined in 820.93, shall comply with 800.133(A) through (C).

(A) In Raceways, Cable Trays, Boxes, Cables, Enclosures, and Cable Routing Assemblies.

(1) Other Circuits.

Communications cables and CATV-type coaxial cables shall be permitted in the same raceway, cable tray, box, enclosure, or cable routing assembly together and with jacketed cables of any of the following:

(1) Class 2 and Class 3 remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits in compliance with 645.5(E)(2) or Parts I and II of Article 725

(2) Power-limited fire alarm systems in compliance with Parts I and III of Article 760

(3) Nonconductive and conductive optical fiber cables in compliance with Parts I and V of Article 770

(4) Communications circuits in compliance with Parts I and IV of Articles 800 and 805

(5) Community antenna television and radio distribution systems in compliance with Parts I and V of Articles 800 and 820

(6) Low-power network-powered broadband communications circuits in compliance with Parts I and V of Articles 800 and 830

(2) Class 2 and Class 3 Circuits.

Class 1 circuits shall not be run in the same cable with communications circuits. Class 2 and Class 3 circuit conductors shall be permitted in the same listed communications cable with communications circuits.

(3) Electric Light, Power, Class 1, Non-Power-Limited Fire Alarm, and Medium-Power Network-Powered Broadband Communications Circuits in Raceways, Compartments, and Boxes.

Communications wires and cables and CATV-type coaxial cables shall not be placed in any raceway, compartment, outlet box, junction box, or similar fitting with conductors of electric light, power, Class 1, non-power-limited fire alarm, or medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits.

(B) Other Applications.

Communications wires and cables and CATV-type coaxial cables shall be separated at least 50 mm (2 in.) from conductors of any electric light, power, Class 1, non-power-limited fire alarm, or medium-power network-powered broadband communications circuits.

(C) Support of Communications Wires and Cables and CATV-Type Coaxial Cables.

Raceways shall be used for their intended purpose. Communications wires and cables and CATV-type coaxial cables shall not be strapped, taped, or attached by any means to the exterior of any raceway as a means of support.