Q:    In regards to the following statement, as part of the MRc4.2 requirements:
    "Specify and use electrical wire and cable with lead content <300ppm" (pg. 189)
    1. Can anyone provide additional clarification as to the scope of this statement? For example, would electrical wire and cable include the following:
    - CCTV / CAT-5 wiring
    - Telecommunications wiring
    - Building Security System wiring
    - Fire Alarm System wiring
    - Medical equipment wiring, internal, external
    2. What is the best method of documentation? Does a product labeled as "100% lead free" comply, or is a cut sheet specifying the exact ppm of lead required? In instances where the cut sheet does not include lead content information, will a signed letter from the manufacturer suffice?
    3. "Lead used for radiation shielding and copper used for MRI shielding are exempt from the requirements of this credit" (pg. 189) - Does this include both in construction (ex: walls) and also inside medical equipment (ex: large scale equipment that may contain lead within)?
    4. "Some equipment, such as relay contacts, may have minute amounts of hidden cadmium; these uses are allowed" - Definition of 'minute amounts'/quantity of cadmium that is permissible?
  Answer:
    Great questions! In general, i would say that medical equipment is outside the questions you are asking. You can't control these decisions as a A/E professional.
    1. I would think that the CAT5, Telecom, Security and Fire Alarm wiring would also need to be compliant. However, I do think you would have a case for not including these items. Frankly, I can argue this one either way so let us know how this turns out.
    2. Usually documentation is either a cut sheet, product data or a signed letter. Since this is new, the manufacturer's will need to update their data sheets.
    3. Yes. A lot of radiology equipment is self shielding.
    4.I took this to acknowledge the heavy metal exists in these items and that there isn't much one can do about it. When you have a choice, specify the lower level or put a specific threshold in your spec.
Another answer:
    1. All wire and cable. The only exemption would be if a specific type of wire or cable is not available in a compliant form and an alternative is not available.
    2. Any of the forms is acceptable.
    3. The credit does not concern itself with medical equipment - only building uses. See the pilot credit library for opportunities related to medical equipment.
    4. Cadmium is only mentioned in relation to paints and coatings in the credit requirements. Other use is not a factor in the review of the credit application - although designers should not use it in applications where another material is equally effective. Lots of screws and bolts are cadmium plated and that use is never mentioned in the LEED Systems.