What does plenum rated cable mean?

Plenum rated cable has a special insulation that has low smoke and low flame characteristics. 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.

What type of wire is used for plenum?

Plenum cables use treated jackets, usually low-smoke PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or FEP (fluorinated ethylene polymer).

What’s the difference between plenum and non plenum cable?

Thus, fire and building safety codes mandate plenum-rated cables be used in plenum spaces and air ducts. They can also be used in non-plenum areas. Non-Plenum cables, on the other hand, are much cheaper and not as fire-resistant. When burned, they release toxic fumes such as hydrochloric acid and dioxin.

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.

How does a plenum differ from a duct?

airflow. A plenum is an air distribution box designed for forced-air systems on residential homes and commercial businesses. It is part of the ductwork, but far different than an air duct as these important boxes handle air as it enters the ducts and helps to recirculate it within a system.

How do I know if my cable 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).

Is Romex wire 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.

What’s the purpose of a plenum?

Plenum boxes are usually situated on either side of the fan or heat exchanger and have the important function of bringing in, distributing, and removing air. They are the air’s first stop after being heated or cooled and its last stop before going back into your AC, heat pump, or furnace.

Is Cat5 cable plenum rated?

Fire Rating Cat5e plenum cables are composed of a Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) insulation. Its jacket material is made from Low Smoke Flame Retardant Polyvinyl Chloride (LSFRPVC). Both of these compounds when used together in the cable make it possible for the cable to have a plenum rating.

Can you run cable through cold air return?

Yes, it is within code to run a low voltage wire inside an air return (aka plenum) in the US.

Can you run Romex through a cold air return?

On the other hand, it’s common practice to run Romex perpendicularly across a panned stud cavity or joist bay used as a cold air return duct. In such a case, we drill into the framing on both sides of the panned return, pull the cable through the holes, then seal the holes around the Romex with caulk.