When setting up a network cable or planning an installation, you might come across two types of Cat6 cables: Plenum and Riser.
Electrical cables must adhere to strict safety regulations regarding fire performance. In the United States, these standards are set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
NFPA develops testing methods and criteria that all cables intended for residential and commercial use must pass. Factors like flame spread, smoke emission, and self-extinguishing ability are evaluated. Cables are also tested when bundled to reflect real-world installation conditions.
Only those network cables that meet NFPA’s rigorous guidelines for fire resistance and fireproofing of insulation can be installed in buildings. This helps ensure that in the event of a fire starting, cables will not spread the flames or add toxic fumes that can compromise evacuation.
Cat6 plenum and Cat6 riser cables fall under the “UL cable type,” which includes a range of cables classified into five categories based on their safety standards and usage environments: CMP rated cable, CMR cable, CM cable, CMG cable, and CMX cable.
Understanding the difference between these two cables will help you make the right choice for your networking needs.
What is Plenum Cat6 Cable
Plenum Cat6 cables are designed for use in plenum spaces, which are the areas in a building where air circulates for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, such as in air ducts and above ceilings.
These areas require a higher fire safety standard for cables due to the risk of spreading fire and releasing potentially toxic fumes.
Plenum Cat6 Cable havs a special jacket material that is flame-resistant and produces low amounts of smoke in case of a fire.
A key feature of Cat6 plenum cable is its jacket made with low-smoke polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or fluorinated ethylene polymer (FEP). These materials provide superior chemical resistance, electrical properties, and a wide operating temperature range (from -25 to 125 degrees Celsius).
Plenum cables meet stricter safety standards than their riser counterparts making them more expensive and more suitable for commercial applications.
What is Riser Cat6 Cable
Riser Cat6 cables are intended for use in riser spaces like shafts, floor openings, or any other vertical conduit that allows cables to run between floors in a building.
As the fire safety requirements for these spaces are not as stringent as those for plenum spaces, riser cables do not need the same high level of fire resistance. These cables are not as fire-resistant as plenum cables, but they still meet the safety requirements needed for installation in residential and non-plenum commercial spaces. Riser cables are more budget-friendly than plenum cables, making them a popular choice for many networking projects.
Cat6 riser cable has a jacket made of standard PVC material, which is less expensive compared to the materials used in plenum cables. However, this PVC material may emit thick smoke when exposed to fire.
Plenum vs Riser Cat6 Cable: Understanding the Basics
Both Riser and Plenum cables offer several advantages over older cable types, such as faster data transfer speeds and better performance for your Ethernet network. The primary distinction between these cables is their jacket material and intended use. To choose the right cable for your project, consider the building’s safety requirements and the anticipated environment in which the cables will be installed.
Cable Jacket Material
When comparing plenum and riser Cat6 cables, the primary difference lies in the jacket material. Plenum jackets use a flame-retardant material, often made of low-smoke, PVC-free compounds, while riser jackets are typically made of a less-flame-retardant PVC material. This distinction affects the safety and fire resistance of each type of cable.
Safety Standards
Plenum and riser cables have different safety standards and are used in various applications depending on their fire resistance properties. Plenum cables adhere to stricter industry standards, making them suitable for use in air-handling spaces. Riser cables, on the other hand, are designed for non-plenum spaces and are commonly utilized in residential installations and between floors.
Description of Cable Type
- Plenum Cable: These cables are specifically designed for use in plenum spaces, which are areas where air is circulated, such as air conditioning systems or heating and ventilation ducts. Their flame-retardant jackets prevent the spread of fire and release of harmful gases.
- Riser Cable: Riser cables are suitable for vertical installations in non-plenum spaces, such as between floors in residential or commercial buildings. They offer some level of flame resistance, but it is not as robust as that of plenum cables.
Networking and Cable Usage
Cat6 plenum and riser cables are common types of Ethernet cables used in various networking applications. Both cables support Gigabit Ethernet and can transmit data up to 100 meters (328 feet) at 1 Gbps speed. Depending on the environment and safety requirements, you may choose between Cat6 plenum or riser cables for your networking projects.
Fire Resistance
Fire resistance is a crucial factor when selecting the right cable type. Plenum cables are designed to withstand high temperatures and offer superior fire resistance compared to riser cables. They also produce less smoke and toxic gases when exposed to fire, making them suitable for use in sensitive areas with strict fire safety requirements. Riser cables, while still providing some level of fire resistance, are not as robust as plenum cables and are primarily used in less demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I choose a Plenum Cat6 cable over a Riser Cat6 cable?
You should choose a Plenum Cat6 cable when installing cables in commercial buildings, specifically in plenum spaces, which are areas with air circulation systems (e.g. drop ceilings and raised floors). These spaces require higher fire resistance, making Plenum cables a safer choice.
Can I use a Riser Cat6 cable in a Plenum-rated environment?
No, using a Riser Cat6 cable in a Plenum-rated environment is not recommended and may result in legal issues if a fire were to break out. Riser cables do not have the same fire rating as Plenum cables, making them unsuitable for use in plenum spaces.
Do I always need Plenum-rated Cat6 cables for commercial installations?
It depends on the specific requirements of the installation and the building codes in your area. If your commercial installation involves running cables through plenum spaces, you’ll need Plenum-rated cables. However, if your installation does not involve plenum spaces, Riser-rated cables may suffice.
