Many customers ask, “What is the difference between plenum rated cable & riser rated cables.”
Plenum rated cables are used in plenum areas meant for use in commercial and residential spaces. These plenum spaces are located in the space between the ceiling and the floor above it (drop ceiling) creating pathways for heated/air conditioned or return air flows.
Plenum cables have a higher fire rating and are designed with fire-retardant plastic jacket of either a low-smoke PVC or a fluorinated ethylene polymer (FEP).
Riser rated cables run between floors through cable risers or in elevator shafts in non-plenum areas. These cables must also self extinguish and prevent the flame from traveling up the cable in a vertical burn test.
Fire requirements are not as strict on riser cables compared to plenum cables. As a result, plenum cable can replace riser cables where as riser cables cannot replace plenum cables in plenum spaces.
If you would like to view most of our plenum and riser cables you can visit our low voltage category here
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