NEW ERCES CODE CHANGES COULD SAVE THOUSANDS
BUILDING DEVELOPERS TAKE NOTE:
Under newer IFC 2024 and NFPA 1225 2022 language, ERCES pathway survivability requirements no longer require 2-hour fire-rated cable assemblies when the building is fully protected by an NFPA 13 compliant automatic sprinkler system.
Historically, many ERCES installations defaulted to costly 2-hour circuit integrity cable systems in order to satisfy survivability requirements for backbone pathways and critical communications infrastructure.
The newer code language recognizes that a fully sprinklered building significantly reduces fire exposure risk to ERCES infrastructure. As a result, installations may now comply without the use of traditional 2-hour rated cable systems or pathways, depending on the adopted code edition.
For building owners and developers, this can substantially reduce installation cost and complexity while still maintaining the survivability intent of the fire code.
What New York Is Doing
New York fire code (FCNY 2025) adopted with amendments IFC 2024 and by reference, NFPA 1225 2022. This code change is enforced as of Dec 31st 2025.
NFPA 1225 consolidated several emergency communications standards into a single document and carried forward updated pathway survivability concepts from earlier editions of NFPA 1221.
As these newer standards are adopted, ERCES projects in New York State are moving away from the assumption that all backbone pathways automatically require 2-hour fire-rated cable protection in fully sprinklered buildings.
While enforcement and interpretation still vary by AHJ, the direction is clear: fully sprinklered buildings qualify for reduced pathway survivability requirements under the adopted code language.
Why New Jersey May Soon Follow
New Jersey currently adopts IFC 2021 under its NJAC 5:23 Uniform Construction Code. IFC 2021 references NFPA 1221 2019 for ERCES design requirements. This code does not waive 2-hr requirements for ERCES cable when installed in a building that is fully sprinklered. However, adoption of IFC 2024 in NJ is imminent within the coming year.
As that occurs, New Jersey projects will begin seeing the same flexibility emerging in other jurisdictions:
Reduced reliance on 2-hour fire-rated cable
Lower ERCES installation costs
Easier retrofit designs
Faster project completion timelines
For large multifamily, mixed-use, and high-rise projects, the potential savings could be significant.
Important Caveats
This does not necessarily eliminate 2-hour survivability requirements in all situations.
Certain occupancies, pathway configurations, or higher survivability classifications may still require enhanced fire protection measures depending on:
AHJ interpretation
Building occupancy type
Construction classification
Exact cable routing methods
Whether the building is fully sprinkler protected throughout
Additionally, some concealed or unsprinklered spaces may still trigger additional survivability requirements.
Because of this, ERCES pathway design should always be coordinated carefully with the adopted IFC edition, referenced NFPA standards, and the local Authority Having Jurisdiction.