scope:

This recommended practice provides recommendations for fire protection of telecommunications facilities where telephone, data, cellular, internet, and video services are rendered. Telecommunications facilities include telecommunications equipment spaces, cable entrance facilities, power areas and battery spaces, main distribution frames, standby engine areas, technical support areas, administrative areas, and building services and support areas within both large and small facilities. This recommended practice includes fire protection of telecommunications service, property protection, and life safety for people in telecommunications facilities. It provides for both performance-based and prescriptive options. This recommended practice specifically excludes telecommunications facilities with less than 46.5 m² (500 ft²) of telecommunications equipment space.

Multiple Tenant Buildings. Telecommunications facilities in multiple tenant buildings not controlled by the telecommunications service provider should be in one of the following:

(1) A building constructed in accordance with NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction, Type I (443) or (332), or Type II (222) or (111)

(2) A building provided with an automatic suppression system

(3) A single-story building constructed in accordance with NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction, Type II (000)

The telecommunications facility should be separated from the remainder of the building by 2-hour fire-resistive-rated walls. Within the building selected, the balance of this recommended practice should only apply to the telecommunications facility.