The truth about Plywood...

[rpearson]

When using plywood for the installation of cabling,network hardware,what is the truth behind treated and fire retardant? To my knowledge,this is not a NEC code,nor is it a TIA standard.I can remember using some type of flame or fire retardant paint on ply during an installation many years ago.When I recently went to purchase some sort of retardant paint,the people were clueless.My thoughts were, this is done in case eqiupment becomes faulty,or releases some sort of hazardous sparks.Please point me in the right direction on this .Later...

 

[ANFPS26]

When I was in the business our biggest customer was BellSouth, and they required all plywood boards to be treated or painted with fire retardant paint. I don't remember where we got the paint. I did a Google search and there are a lot of products listed. It's probably up to the customer and what they require. I remember other customers that didn't require fire retardant boards. In some cities it may be a local code issue. Jim

 

[daronwilson]

I too believe this is primarily a telco requirement. For me, I don't like unpainted backboards, so we routinely paint them anyway. We buy 3/4" AC good looking plywood and cut it up into 4x4 and 2x4 panels, paint it nicely, and stock it. When we need it we can add as many panels as we need to make the size.

Now...the paint. I hate to share this, but...unless specified as fire retardant, I use a flat grey floor epoxy. It looks nice, it rolls on nicely, very little fumes if we have to paint or touch up in place, it dries very fast, etc. When required, we use a paint additive from a paint supply store that is supposed to make it flame retardant. I've never tested the fire retardness.

Good Luck! It is only my opinion, based on my experience and education...I am always willing to learn, educate me!
Daron J. Wilson, RCDD
daron.wilson@lhmorris.com

 

[executone]

Sherwin willams makes a flam retardent primer. I have used it before and comes in grey or off-white color. You can also use treated plywood. Treated plywood is flam retardent and no need to paint, unless customer requests. Either way it is ready for customer to have painted to match interior if needed.

Good Luck!!

 

[mikeydidit]

I have seen it in the code books. Dont remember if it was in the TDMM and TIA/EIA/568 Commercail buildings codes that all backboards have to have 2 coats of fire retardant paint applied. If you find any mistakes, please consider that they are there for a purpose. And everyone needs a purpose.
Hope this helps, Mikey.

 

[daronwilson]

Please remember that neither the TDMM or the EIA/TIA standards are codes. The TDMM is a recommended practice that is basically an application guide for the EIA/TIA standards. Unless the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) has adopted the particular standard, it is not enforcable, and is different from a code.

Of course now I'm curious and have to go look it up. When someone finds references to it, please post the reference you got it from so know.

Thanks It is only my opinion, based on my experience and education...I am always willing to learn, educate me!
Daron J. Wilson, RCDD
daron.wilson@lhmorris.com

 

[mikeydidit]

The TDMM in the "equipment rooms" section states that 3/4" plywood be covered with 2 coats of white ( or other light colored) fire retardant paint. The TIA/EIA/569-A states that the plywood shall be fire reated to meet applicable codes. Kinda vague. If you find any mistakes, please consider that they are there for a purpose. And everyone needs a purpose.
Hope this helps, Mikey.