ZITHA SPECIALTYSPECIALTY FIBER CABLES Technical Inquiry

Should fire protection and low-voltage electrical systems be run in the same cable tray

Fire protection and low-voltage electrical systems should generally be segregated in cable trays, but under certain conditions, they can share the same tray with proper separation or shielding.Regulatory and Safety Considerations

Fire alarm circuits and low-voltage systems (data, control, or communication cables) are typically segregated to ensure safety, maintain signal integrity, and comply with codes. According to NEC Article 760.139, power-limited fire alarm circuits are permitted to share a cable tray with communications circuits if they meet specific requirements, such as maintaining separation and using compatible cable types . However, mixing standard power cables with low-voltage or fire alarm circuits is generally prohibited unless physical separation or shielding is provided to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) and voltage induction .

Risks of Sharing Cable Trays
  • Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): Power cables can induce noise in sensitive low-voltage circuits, affecting data or control signals .
  • Voltage Induction: High-voltage or power circuits may induce voltages in nearby low-voltage fire alarm or communication cables, potentially causing malfunctions .
  • Fire Hazards: Overheating or improper grouping of cables can increase fire risk, especially if fire-resistant cables are not used .
Best Practices for Co-Location
  • Physical Separation: Maintain a minimum distance (commonly 6 inches or 150 mm) between fire alarm and low-voltage cables if sharing a tray .
  • Shielding: Use shielded low-voltage cables and ensure proper grounding to reduce EMI .
  • Dedicated Sections or Dividers: Install metallic or non-combustible dividers within the tray to separate circuits physically .
  • Fire-Resistant Cables: Use cables rated for fire survival (e.g., PH30 or PH120) for life safety systems .
  • Segregation of Power and Signal Cables: High-voltage power cables should always be routed separately from low-voltage and fire alarm circuits unless strict separation or shielding is applied .
Standards and References
  • NEC (National Electrical Code) Article 760.139: Permits certain fire alarm and communication circuits to share trays under defined conditions .
  • IEC 60364-5-52: Recommends physical separation or shielding to prevent EMI between power and low-voltage cables .
  • BS 5839-1:2025 and BS 7671: Require fire alarm and life safety circuits to remain operational during a fire, emphasizing segregation and fire-resistant cabling .
Conclusion

While it is technically possible for fire protection and low-voltage systems to share a cable tray, it is strongly recommended to segregate them whenever feasible. If sharing is unavoidable, implement physical separation, shielding, and fire-rated cables to ensure compliance, safety, and reliable operation. Prioritizing these measures helps prevent interference, maintain system integrity, and meet regulatory requirements.

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Cable and conductors of two or more power-limited fire alarm circuits, communications circuits, or Class 3 circuits

eCFR :: 29 CFR 1910.308 -

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