UL 1690

Data-Processing Cable

UL 1690

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements cover electrical cables consisting of one or more current-carrying copper, aluminum, or copper-clad aluminum conductors with or without either or both grounding conductor(s), and one or more optical-fiber members, all under an overall jacket. These electrical and composite electrical/optical-fiber cables are intended for use (optical and electrical functions associated in the case of a hybrid cable) in accordance with Article 645 and other applicable parts of the National Electrical Code (NEC) under the raised floor of a computer room.Cables complying with these requirements are:

• Type DP-1 – Voltage Rating 600 volts, Flame Test: 1.2 (b)
• Type DP-1P – Same as Type DP-1 except Flame Test: 1.2 (a)
• Type DP-2 – Voltage Rating: 300 volts, Flame Test: 1.2 (b)
• Type DP-2P – Same as Type DP-2 except Flame Test: 1.2 (a)
• Type DP-3 – Voltage Rating none – for use in signaling circuits meeting the following requirements for maximum available voltage, current and power.
• Type DP-3P – Same as Type DP-3 except Flame Test: 1.2 (a)

1.2 Smoke and fire considerations are as follows for the cables covered in the requirements:

• 1) THE UL TEST REFERENCED IN 30.2.1 – This paragraph applies the test method described as the UL Flame Exposure (smoke measurements are not applicable) in the Standard for Vertical-Tray Fire-Propagation and Smoke-Release Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables, UL 1685. For compliance, this test damages less than 8 feet (244 cm) of cable.
• 2) THE FT4/IEEE 1202 TEST REFERENCED IN 30.3.1 – This paragraph applies the test method described as the FT4/IEEE 1202 Type of Flame Exposure (smoke measurements are not applicable) in the Standard for Vertical-Tray Fire-Propagation and Smoke-Release Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables, UL 1685. For compliance, this test damages less than 150 cm (59 inches) of cable.

1.3 A cable that contains one or more electromagnetic shields may be surface marked or have a marker tape to indicate that it is “shielded”. A cable that contains one or more optical-fiber members has “-OF” supplementing the type letters and is limited (see 14.2) to carrying optical energy that has been ruled not hazardous to the human body. A cable may consist of or contain one or more coaxial members.

1.4 These cables may contain one or more metal shields but do not have a metal sheath or armor. Electrical cables with a metal sheath or armor are covered as Type MC in the Standard for Metal-Clad Cables, UL 1569, or Type AC in the Standard for Armored Cable, UL 4.

1.5 These requirements do not cover the optical or other performance of any optical-fiber member or group of such members.