In the complex world of putting up an infrastructure, the cables play an important role in making the balance of communication and functionality. However, not all cables have the same chemical properties when it comes to fire safety. Two types of cables are mostly in demand – Plenum vs riser. Choosing the right ethernet cable for residential or commercial networking needs can impact not only the speed but also the safety standards of the building and likewise the safety of the conductor from fire incidents.
In this blog, let’s jump a bit deeper into the most prominent features and benefits of Plenum vs Riser cables and why it is important to use FEP or PVC cable during installation.
Fire, An Uninvited Guest
It's not a myth that most fire incidents happen in buildings with maximum wires (Electrical, Communication, Power Lines, etc). In the building, the airy spaces also known as plenum work as chimneys means they are potentially active for spreading fire and toxic smoke. Here the fire knights–plenum cable can fit in to prevent any mishaps regarding fire incidents. Plenum cable installed in the ceilings protects the cable jacket from burning and also ensures that the cable's inner conductor remains intact, possibly functioning.
Plenum's Fiery Armor:
Clad – a special jacket made of LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogens), a highly flame retardant material like FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Polymers), or specific PVC compounds. The CMP cables emit minimal smoke and fumes when engulfed in flames. This vital characteristic of the cable will buy you more time to evacuate the premises.
Furthermore, electrical wires might catch fire due to overheating or the spark from power lines. The plenum spaces of the building include air ducts, ventilation systems, HVAC systems, and having access to the whole building so in case there is a fire incident the smoke will travel in air ducts spreading suffocation which is a major issue to think twice about choosing the right cable.
Riser Towering Defense
The sentinels guarding vertical shafts — riser cables, the next category in the cable jacket. So, what do you know about the chemical composition of the riser? As the plenum is FEP rated, likewise, riser cable is PVC rated, (Polyvinyl Chloride). The CMR jacket of the cable is held in elevator shafts and inside the walls for maximum safety of the cable.
Though the riser is fire-resistant material there are fewer chances of fire ignition as the cable
Is installed in less airy spaces of the building. But still, it is worth installing CMR cable in the non-plenum spaces of the building.
Can Riser Be Substitute For Plenum?
No, the riser is a fire-resistant material but it emits non-toxic smoke upon burning hence the cable cannot be a substitute for a plenum. Most consumers are in a real mess to decide which jacket is more suitable for the installation. Also, the riser cable is a cost-effective solution so they chose the riser-rated cable for deployment.
Plenum — Jack Of All Trades
This FEP-rated jacket is UV-resistant and can bear extreme temperatures; the installation temperature is -20℃ to 70℃ and the operating temperature is -30℃ to 70℃ respectively.
Furthermore, the cable is installed in plenum spaces as well as riser spaces of the building thus eliminating the extra cost for riser cables. It is a myth that plenum indoor cable is only for plenum spaces or horizontal spaces of the building but you can use it for the vertical as well.
The Final Verdict:
Plenum vs riser cables are not interchangeable in terms of electrical safety but both possess different characteristics upon which the idealization of location is defined. Understanding their core behaviors and features will allow you to make informed decisions about the cable jacket. Whether you are buying Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a cable the outer jacket is the primary tool to decide the location of the cable.
I hope this blog has shed some light on the most confusing topic plenum vs riser cable. Keep in mind that safety is the main priority when choosing electrical cables (Ethernet). If you have any questions leave a comment below.
