Why is plenum cable more expensive?

Table of Contents

When running cables within plenum spaces, plenum cables are a must. Because plenum cables are built to a higher fire resistance standard than riser cables, plenum cabling is more expensive than riser cabling.

What is the purpose of plenum cable?

Article 800 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) states that plenum cable should ALWAYS be used in plenum airspaces and air ducts to slow down the spread of flames and reduce smoke and toxic fumes from circulating throughout the building.

Is Cat 7 plenum rated?

Features: Cat7 BLUE Solid Cable 23 AWG Copper Conductors 750 MHz Shielded twisted pair (S/FTP) cable Overall Copper Braiding CM rated Plenum Rated Jacket Supplied on 1000´ wooden spools.

What is plenum Cat 5?

The plenum is the space that can facilitate air circulation for heating and air conditioning systems, by providing pathways for either heated/conditioned or return airflows.

Is Cat6 plenum rated?

Cat6 Cable is used in network applications and has been designed specifically for Gigabit Ethernet applications. They perform at high-data transfer rates, and work with ATM and gigabit speed products. This particular cable is a plenum rated blue UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) bulk cable.

Is plenum cable required?

Plenum cable is mandated to be installed in any “air handling” space. For example, most large office buildings use the ceiling to return air to the AC unit. This qualifies this ceiling as a plenum ceiling, and all the cables that go through that ceiling must be plenum rated.

Is Romex plenum rated?

Regular type NM cable (what’s generally called Romex) is not plenum rated. Type AC cable (often incorrectly called BX) is allowed in plenums, however. The main concern is the toxic fumes that the plastics used in most wire insulation release when they’re heated or burned.

How do I know if my Cat5 is plenum rated?

Look for CMP(means Communications Plenum Cable) ,CL3P(Shielded Multi-Conductor Plenum Security Cable) , or CL2P(Class 2 plenum cable ) marked on the cable. Plenum cable is covered with a fire proof plastic layer of either a low-smoke polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a fluorinated ethylene polymer (FEP).

What is Cat5e plenum cable used for?

Cat5e riser cables is great choice for residential installations that need gigabit speeds throughout their home. Cat5e plenum cables are the perfect choice for commercial and businesses needing to run cables in areas with air circulation.