Note: A cable that connects the modem of a computer to the telecommunications system (telephone line) is considered a telecommunications circuit

and it must be installed in accordance with the requirements of Article 800. Power - Class 2 ac power sources must be durably marked where plainly visible to indicate the class of supply and electrical rating. A Class 2 power source not suitable for wet location use shall be so marked. Voltage Range O to 2O Volts 2l to 3OVolts 31 to 150 Volts Power Ampere 100VA 5 ampere 100VA 3.3 ampere 0.5 VA (5 milliamperes)

Power - Class 3 ac power sources must be durably marked where plainly visible to indicate the class of supply and electrical rating. Inherently-limited Class 3 ac power sources power shall not exceed 100 VA when the voltage is between 31 to 100 volts and not inherently-limited Class 3 ac power sources must not exceed 100 VA when the voltage is between 31 to 150 volts, Fig. 1-9. Wiring Methods - Class 3 circuit conductors must be installed using either of the following methods: Class 3 cable such as CL3, CM, or PLTC listed for the application [725-61 and 725-71]. If the cables are installed in a raceway, the raceway must be mechanically installed in accordance with its normal rules. However, the raceway is not required to be grounded, see Unit 5 of this booklet. Single conductors not smaller than No. 18 (listed Type CL3) can be used and do not have to be installed in a Chapter 3 wiring method. These conductors can be installed as open single conductors because they have passed the vertical flame test and all the testing and listing requirements of a CL3 cable. Note: According to Section 725-71(g) in the 1999 NEC, single conductor fixture wire installed in a raceway or cable for Class 3 circuits must be marked CL3. Some believe this was not the intent of the Code panel.

Wiring Method - Class 2 systems must be wired with CL2, CM, or PLTC cables [725-61] and a Chapter 3 wiring methods cannot be used [725-52].

Class 3 Circuit [Article 725 - Part C]

A Class 3 circuit is that portion of the wiring system between the load side of a Class 3 power source and the connected equipment. Class 3 circuits consider safety from a fire initiation standpoint. Because these circuits permit dangerous voltages (up to 100 volts for inherently limited power source) and power levels (100 VA) [Chapter 9 Table 11(a)], the Code contains additional requirements to safeguard against electric shock. Class 3 circuits (over 30 volts not over 100 VA) are used for circuits operating at over 30 volts when the energy demands exceed 5 milliamperes. Examples of Class 3 circuits would include signaling circuits such as some burglar and security systems; voice, intercom, background music, sound and public address systems; as well as nurse call systems [640-2(b)].

FIGURE 1-9

Unit 1. Introduction