We are commonly asked this question because both cables appear to be physically identical. It is vital, however, to follow fire rules and utilize the correct cable for your installation. The following is a simple explanation of where the riser and cat6 plenum cable should be run.
Plenum Cable
Plenum cable is a special kind of cable that is utilized in plenum spaces. Yes, it sounds simple, but what is a plenum area, exactly? The plenum is a phrase that refers to an area that provides a conduit for air to enter and depart for air conditioning and heating systems. Rooms between drop ceilings or beneath a raised floor are the most commonly found. Why would a Cat6 plenum cable 1000ft be required in these areas?
Plenum cable has a higher fire-resistant covering than other ethernet cable kinds. As a result, the jacket burns more slowly and produces less dangerous smoke. It’s vital to keep harmful smoke to a minimum if the cables catch fire since plenum regions circulate air throughout the structure. Material expenses account for the large cost disparity. Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) Plenum cable costs roughly twice as much as polyolefin riser cable (PO).
Riser Cable
PVC is also referred to as riser cable. Bulk Cat6 Riser cable is most commonly routed through walls and other non-plenum places. In plenum regions, plenum cable can always be used instead of riser cable, but riser cable cannot be used instead of plenum cable.
How do I determine whether the cable is an open plenum or riser cable?
Many cables are labeled as plenum or riser rated, but it can be difficult for an inexperienced eye to distinguish between the two. Feeling the outer jacket is a simple way to tell the two apart. 1000ft Cat6 Plenum cable has a more matte appearance and feels, whereas riser cable is often more glossy and has a very smooth outer surface. You can see each wire by removing the overall jacket.
Plenum Ethernet cable color-coding will often be fainter since FEP material is translucent, making each pair’s insulation appear lighter. The color-coding on each team will be more brilliant and bold due to the PO (polyolefin) insulation on the riser cable. Even though this method isn’t exact, you can typically spot the difference right away.
Requesting a test report from your supplier is the most accurate approach to identify whether you are receiving an open plenum or riser cable. A copy of the cable’s flame test report should be available from any respectable provider. A respected testing facility, such as ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories) or UL (Underwriters Laboratories), issues these test results (Underwriters Laboratories).
These are the two most well-known and respected laboratories for electrical safety testing. To put it another way, if the cable is ETL or UL listed, you may be sure it’s a legitimate plenum or Cat6 riser cable.
It’s important to note that the price difference between the two cables can be substantial; plenum cable is approximately twice as expensive as riser cable on average. It’s because of the material expenses involved in producing each type of cable.
Cost Difference Between Riser And Plenum Bundled Cable
Because the standards for riser and plenum space are different (with riser cable requirements being less strict), plenum cable can be used in place of riser cable as long as it passes the minimal safety specifications.
Bulk Cat6 PVC Cable that does not fulfill riser or plenum criteria should not be bundled; instead, they should be printed and labeled if they require organized and easily recognized cables. We would also advise paying the extra money for further peace of mind and security.
To conclude, PVC, plenum, and Cat6 riser-rated cables differ in terms of cost and fire protection. While price is a factor, it all boils down to how fire-resistant you want your bundled cables to be and how much smoke they will generate if they do catch fire. In many circumstances, the code makes the decision for you.
