The Code Authority Fall 2003

The 2003 Issue of Underwriter Laboratory's online newsletter for code community includes articles on:

Fire Resistance vs. Surface Burning Characteristics discusses the difference between fire-resitance ratings for walls and ceilings, and surface burning and smoke developed limits for finish materials. In a nutshell, partitions and ceilings are rated according to their capacity to contain the spread of fire. Finishes are rated according to their propensity to spread flame along the finished surface and generate combustion smoke.

Limited Combustible Cable Category Created discusses a newly created classification for telecommunications cabling used in air plenums, where the cable's surface burning and smoke developed characteristics are a concern. The new category surpasses the current minimum requirements (in NFPA 90A) and has been developed in response to the increasing density of cabling within such spaces.

Here Comes the Sun discusses photovotaic solar electric systems and related issues such as system types, connecting to the local power grid, integration of systems into traditional building components (e.g., PV modules as part of roofing shingles), and safety issues.