Overview

Fire is a major concern for any electrical installation, and is part of the reason the National Electrical Code exists. The NEC, after all, is written by the National Fire Protection Agency. While preventing fires is a primary concern of the Code, mitigating hazards once a fire has started is also a concern. Because of this, the amount of smoke released by certain materials is regulated by the NEC. The 2023 NEC now includes a new Section 800.170, which contains requirements for cable ties used in plenum spaces, and their associated listing status.

Applying the 2023 Code

New Section 800.170 has been added in the 2023 NEC, which covers the use of cable ties in plenum spaces. Plenum spaces are the return/supply air spaces used by the heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems within a building. If a fire were to break out in these areas, it is entirely possible that the occupied spaces within the build may fill with smoke before the fire detection systems are able to react. Because of this, materials within these plenum spaces must produce very little smoke when burned. Section 800.170 now requires that cable ties used in plenum spaces to be listed for low smoke and heat release. This will ensure that, in the event of a fire, the amount of smoke and heat released by the cable tie is minimal, and will not significantly contribute to the exiting hazard. Moving forward, inspectors may ask to see the listing certifications for the cable ties used in plenum spaces.

What’s New for the 2023 NEC?

2020 NEC

In the 2020 NEC Section 800.170 did not exist.

2023 NEC

In the 2023 NEC Section 800.170 reads as follows (excluding informational note):

800.170 Plenum Cable Ties.

Cable ties intended for use in other space used for environmental air (plenums) shall be listed as having low smoke and heat release properties.