Final answer:
The NEC requires grounding or isolation for fiber optical cables with conductive, non-current-carrying components that enter a building to ensure safety from electrical hazards. Grounding is connecting a conductor to the earth, and fiber optic cables need specialized handling due to their conductive components.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements regarding the grounding or isolation of fiber optical cables when they enter a building. Grounding is a safety practice that involves connecting a conductor to the earth with a good conductor to ensure it is at zero volts, thereby protecting against electric shock and other electrical hazards. In the context of fiber optics, the grounding process pertains to cables with conductive, non-current-carrying components that can potentially carry stray voltages or currents.
According to the NEC, any fiber optical cable that enters a building and which has conductive components must be properly grounded or isolated. This requirement is in place to prevent the potential transfer of electrical surges or shocks through the cable's metallic components, which could pose hazards to both equipment and personnel. Cladding in fiber optics helps in preventing light from being transmitted between fibers, ensuring that signals are limited to their intended paths. This cladding, however, does not provide electrical insulation or protection, which is why grounding is required.
The actual NEC article number is not provided in the question, but typically, such requirements would be found within the articles that discuss wiring and safety standards for telecommunications systems, such as Article 770 for fiber optics. The specified article will provide detailed information on how to properly ground or isolate the fiber optical cables to meet these safety standards.