1 Scope

1.1 This Outline of Investigation covers the factory-assembled active and passive optical cable assemblies and connectors intended for residential and/or commercial applications as part of an optical fiber wiring system. The signal transmission performance of the cable assemblies is not within the scope of these requirements.

1.2 Passive optical cable assemblies consist of optical fiber cable and optical fiber cable connectors. When constructed with a certified cable identified by a marking on the surface of the jacket as a type permitted in Article 770 of ANSI/NFPA 70, "National Electrical Code" (NEC), optical cable assemblies may be installed in accordance with that Article.

1.3 Active optical cable assemblies utilize Class 1 lasers with the light source wholly contained within the cable assembly. The electrical circuits are powered by a Class 2 power source or an information technology (computer) equipment limited-power circuit as defined in 725.121 of ANSI/NFPA 70, "National Electrical Code" (NEC). When constructed with a Listed cable identified by a marking on the surface of the jacket as a type permitted in Articles 645, 725 and 770 or Chapter 8 of the NEC, active optical cable assemblies may be installed in accordance with those articles.

1.4 Active optical cable assemblies investigated as computer interconnection cable assemblies are intended for use within an information technology equipment room as defined in Article 645 of the NEC. These cable assemblies may also be used in an office environment where the cable is visible after installation.

1.5 Active optical cable assemblies employing hybrid cables may be used to carry electrical power to the far end of the cable and are suitably rated for the voltage and current involved. These cable assemblies are intended to be used only in the output of a power source class 2 (PS2) and electrical energy source Class 1 (ES1), or a limited power source, as determined in accordance with the Standard for Audio/Video, Information, and Communication Technology Equipment – Part 1: Safety Requirements, UL 62368-1. These circuits do not exceed 60 V DC, 8.0 amperes and 100 watts.

1.6 These cable assemblies have not been investigated for use in environmental air spaces in accordance with Sections 300.22(B) and (C) of the NEC unless specifically marked for the application.

1.7 Connectors used in Active cable assemblies are not covered under these requirements.