A cable that is fire resistant should exhibit a maximum flame spread distance of no more than how many feet?

A fire-resistant cable is designed to limit the propagation of flames to enhance safety and minimize risk in case of a fire. The maximum flame spread distance for such cables is crucial because it indicates how far flames can travel along the surface of the cable before being stopped. The standards for cable flame spread ratings are established by organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

In this context, when referring to a maximum flame spread distance, the standard limit is set at 5 feet. This means that if a cable is classified as fire resistant, it should not allow flames to spread more than 5 feet along its length. This specification helps ensure that in the event of a fire, the chances of the flames reaching nearby combustible materials are reduced, thus providing more time for occupants to escape and for firefighting efforts to commence.

The other distances listed are not compliant with the acceptable standards for flame spread in fire-resistant cables. A flame spread distance of 3 feet would generally be considered too restrictive, while distances of 7 and 10 feet exceed the standard maximum and would pose greater risks during a fire scenario. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the established safety standards for fire-resistant cables in low voltage communication systems.