In the latest National Electrical Code 2020, there are Optical fiber cables with the following classification: OFNP, OFCP, OFNR, OFCR, OFNG, OFCG, OFN, and OFC. The following article briefly introduces these cable codes:
OFNP:
OFNP is short for Optical Fiber Nonconductive Plenum. The OFNP fiber cables are generally been installed in plenums duct and other spaces, due to it is with its high fire rating and low smoking feature.
OFCP:
OFCP is short for Optical Fiber Conductive Plenum. The OFCP Cable is a conductive cable for use in ducts, plenums, and other spaces used for environmental air. It contains non-current-carrying conductive members such as metal strength members and metallic vapor barriers
OFNP and OFCP Fiber Cable
Both OFNP and OFCP cables are flame resistant and reduced smoke generating properties. These cables are approved for placement in air handling ducts and chambers without the use of a fireproof conduit.
OFNR:
OFNR is short for Optical Fiber Nonconductive Riser. These types of fiber cables are used in Riser areas which are building vertical shafts or runs from one floor to another floor. OFNR fiber cables is not allowed to be installed in the ventilation area because they do not have the fire and smoke ratings required by Plenum rated cables. OFNP plenum cables can be used as an alternative to OFNR fiber cables.
OFCR:
OFCR is short for Optical Fiber Conductive Riser. A factory assembly of one or more optical fibers having an overall covering and containing non–current-carrying conductive members such as metallic strength member, metallic vapor barrier, metallic
armor or metallic sheath.
OFNR and OFCR Fiber Cable
OFNR and OFCR Optical Fiber Cable are used for riser cable installation, there are not able to transmit the flame from one floor to another floor. It can not be installed in plenums. This cable has fire-resistance characteristics tested to UL-1666 “Standard Test for Flame Propagation Height of Electrical and Optical Fiber Cable Installed Vertically in Shafts”. OFNP and OFCP cables can be used as substitutes for OFNR and OFCR cables respectively.
OFCG:
OFNG is standing for Optical Fiber Conductive General-Purpose. They have the same fire retardant properties as OFNG cables, but they have a conductive armor or central strength member, typically steel. The OFCG cable should be properly grounded at both ends. It should not be installed in the same cable tray or conduit as the power cable.
OFNG:
OFNG is standingfor Optical Fiber Nonconductive General-Purpose. They are usually used for horizontal wiring, single-layer applications. OFNG cables cannot be used for plenums or risers. OFNP and OFNR cables can be used as an alternative to OFNG cables.
OFNG and OFCG Fiber Cable
OFNG and OFCG fiber cables may not transmit flame for more than 4 feet, 11 inch. They shall not penetrate floors or ceilings, i.e., may only be used within a single floor. both cables can be installed in typical horizontal, single floor installations. They can not be installed in plenums or risers.
OFN:
OFN is an abbreviation of Optical Fiber Nonconductive. OFN is the designation given by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to interior Fiber optic cables which contain no electrically conductive component, and which are not certified for use in Plenum or Riser applications.
OFC:
OFC is an abbreviation of Optical Fiber Conductive. OFC is the name of the internal fiber optic cable given by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and contains at least one conductive, current-free components, such as a metal strength component or vapor barrier instead of a certified Plenum or Riser application.
