What Is Plenum Cable And Why Is It Important To Understand?

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Updated: March 20, 2018

While installing network cables in building, first thing that you need to understand is plenum space. It is nothing but an empty space between an original and structured ceiling.

Plenum space is such a part of building that is made with an aim to facilitate air circulation for heating and air-conditioning systems. It provides pathways for either heated or cold air to flow out of the room. Consequently, it allows maintaining atmospheric pressure inside the building. Above all, getting Cat 5e plenum cable for networking, proves to be better for ensuring efficiency.

When plenum space holds up so much of heated/cold air, it becomes imperative to get cables protective enough to resist it. To avoid any kind of trouble in network communication, plenum cables are available. It is made in such a way that it can be used for multiple story building, having plenum spaces.

What is Plenum Cable?

It is an electrical cable that is insulated with a plastic. The material used in coating is fire-retardant. It can be either a low-smoke polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a fluorinated ethylene polymer (FEP). Cables are coated with such protective materials called plenum cables and considered as the best choice for networking in any building.

In the US, plenum cables are manufactured from such plastic materials that are regulated under the National Fire Protection Association standard NFPA 90A. It is the standard that has to be kept in mind while installing air conditioning and ventilating systems. The standard NFPA ensures the cables are installed in plenum spaces and designed with an aim to meet rigorous fire safety.

Plenum cables used in the buildings are shortly termed as CMP. CMP stands for Communications Multipurpose Plenum. It sets a perfect example to bring up solution for all the types of low voltage, environmental air space applications.

Why Is It Significant For You To Understand Plenum Cables?

Commercial buildings are continuously engaged in the work that comprises of networking communications. Internet connections, electrical cables, personal systems, air conditioning and much more. Every equipment or machinery used in the building oozes out heat. Due to this reason, it becomes dangerous to maintain atmospheric pressure inside the room. If there is no proper airflow circulation, there are chances of breaking out the fire. It can be life-threatening and it might occur a huge loss at the cost of your lives. Henceforth, it is recommended to install CMP cables in the plenum spaces of a building.

Moreover, the space that is spared with an intention to handle the airflow is loaded with the oxygen. If the installation of cables is not done proficiently then it might be highly risky. At that point, the use of plenum cables work wonder to ensure safety.

Aside from being capable to reduce risk, plenum rated cables when combined with an efficient category such as Cat 5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, or Cat7; it offers flawless results. When it comes to getting higher efficiency performance, CMP cables are preferred to be a better option from other cable ratings CMR.

Winding Up

Get acquainted with the piece of information jotted in this article. While constructing networking communications, just see to it that you buy cables from a reliable provider such as Vertexcables.com. It works with an aim to deliver high-quality products along with a commitment to give you support and service when required.