Which level of pathway survivability requires a 2-hour fire rating for cables and panels?

The correct choice indicates that Level 2 pathway survivability mandates a 2-hour fire rating for cables and panels. This requirement is grounded in standards that seek to ensure a certain level of infrastructure resilience in the event of a fire.

Level 2 survivability is designed for infrastructures where there is a higher necessity for the continuity and performance of systems during and after a fire event, particularly in environments where life safety is paramount, such as hospitals or emergency response centers. The 2-hour rating supports maintaining communication and operational capabilities for critical systems, allowing them to function longer in adverse conditions.

The rationale for the fire ratings is built on the need to protect critical components from fire damage, ensuring that, even if a fire compromises part of the system, essential communication pathways remain intact and operational for a minimum duration.