Plenum vs Non Plenum PVC Network Ethernet Cables.

Summary

This video explains the distinctions between PVC-rated network cables: Plenum, Riser, and General Purpose. Plenum cables, also known as CMP, are essential for open air spaces like plenums, where they must be highly fire-resistant and non-toxic. Riser cables, or CMR, are for vertical runs between floors, with moderate fire safety. General Purpose cables, the cheapest, are for minimal fire hazard areas. The video emphasizes the importance of selecting the right cable for specific environments to ensure safety.

Takeaways

• 🔌 The primary difference between PVC-rated network cables is the outer jacket material and its fire resistance, not the internal wiring or category (Cat 5, Cat 6, Cat 7).
• 🏢 'Plenum' cables are designed for use in spaces with open air flow circulation, such as between drop ceilings and structural ceilings, and must be more fire-resistant and non-toxic when burned.
• 🔥 Plenum cables, also known as CMP (Communications Multi-Purpose Plenum), are certified by Underwriters Laboratories for use in open air environments and are designed to meet stringent fire safety standards.
• 💸 Plenum cables are more expensive than non-plenum cables due to their specialized materials like Teflon FEP, which is a flame retardant.
• 🚫 Non-plenum PVC cables are cheaper but not recommended for plenum areas as they are less fire retardant and can release toxic gases like hydrochloric acid and dioxin when burned.
• 🏢 CMR (Communications Multi-Purpose Riser) cables are used vertically between floors in buildings and are designed to prevent fire spread, with less strict fire ratings than plenum cables.
• 🏠 CM (Communications Multi-Purpose) cables are general-use network cables with minimal fire restrictions, suitable for connecting devices to wall jacks.
• 💰 CM cables are the most cost-effective option among the three types of PVC-rated cables.
• 📈 The safety standards for plenum, riser, and CM cables decrease in that order, with plenum having the highest and CM the lowest.

Q & A

What is the primary difference between PVC rated network cables?

The primary difference between PVC rated network cables is the type of outer jacket material and its fire resistance rating, which can be Plenum, Riser, or General Purpose.

Why are Plenum cables necessary in certain building environments?

Plenum cables are necessary in plenum areas, which are spaces with open air flow circulation like the area between a drop ceiling and the structural ceiling. These cables are more fire-resistant and do not produce toxic fumes when burned, which is crucial for preventing harm to humans through air conditioning systems.

What does the term 'plenum' refer to in the context of network cables?

In the context of network cables, 'plenum' refers to a space in a building where there is open air flow circulation, typically between the drop ceiling and the structural ceiling.

What is the abbreviation CMP and how does it relate to Plenum cables?

CMP stands for Communications Multi-Purpose Plenum and relates to Plenum cables as it is a type of cable approved by Underwriters Laboratories for use in open air environments with high fire safety standards.

What material is used for the outer jacket of Plenum cables and why?

The outer jacket of Plenum cables is made with special plastics and coated with Teflon FEP, a flame retardant made by DuPont, to ensure they are fire-resistant and do not release toxic gases when burned.

Why are non-plenum PVC cables not recommended for use in plenum areas?

Non-plenum PVC cables are not recommended for use in plenum areas because they are not as fire retardant and can release toxic gases such as hydrochloric acid and dioxin when burned, posing a risk to human health.

What is the purpose of CMR rated cables and where are they typically installed?

CMR rated cables, or Communications Multi-Purpose Cable Riser, are designed for vertical installation between floors in a building. They are used in risers or vertical shafts to prevent fires from spreading between floors.

How do the fire safety standards of CMR cables compare to Plenum cables?

CMR cables have lower fire safety standards compared to Plenum cables and are not recommended for use in plenum areas due to their less stringent fire ratings.

What is the difference between CM and Plenum rated cables in terms of safety standards?

CM, or Communications Multi-Purpose, cables have minimal fire restrictions and are used for general purposes, while Plenum rated cables have the highest safety standards, making them suitable for hazardous open air spaces.

Why are Plenum cables more expensive than non-plenum cables?

Plenum cables are more expensive because they are made with special flame-retardant materials and must meet stringent fire safety test standards, ensuring they are more fire-resistant and do not produce toxic fumes when burned.

In what type of environment are CM cables typically used and why?

CM cables are used in rooms and have minimal safety standards. They are typically used to connect computers or network devices to a wall jack for network access and are the cheapest option among the three types of PVC rated cables.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 Understanding PVC Rated Network Cables

This paragraph discusses the distinctions between different PVC rated network cables, focusing on their outer jackets rather than internal specifications. It explains that the choice of cable depends on the environment, with plenum cables being fire-resistant and non-toxic for use in open air spaces like those between drop ceilings and structural ceilings. These cables are certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and are more expensive due to their higher safety standards. Non-plenum cables, which are cheaper and can release toxic gases when burned, are not suitable for plenum areas. The paragraph also introduces CMR cables, which are designed for vertical installation between floors to prevent fire spread and have less stringent fire ratings than plenum cables.

05:03

🔌 General Use PVC Network Cables

The second paragraph elaborates on the use of CM cables, which are general-purpose PVC network cables with minimal fire restrictions. These are commonly used to connect devices like computers to wall jacks for network access and are the most cost-effective option among the three cable types discussed. The paragraph concludes by summarizing the applications and safety standards of plenum, riser, and CM cables, with plenum cables being the safest for use in drop ceilings or under floors, riser cables for in-wall installations between floors, and CM cables for general room use with the least stringent safety requirements.

Keywords

💡PVC

PVC, or Polyvinyl Chloride, is a common thermoplastic material used in the manufacturing of the outer jackets of network cables. In the context of the video, PVC is important because it determines the type of environment in which a cable can be safely used. The video discusses how different PVC ratings correspond to different safety standards and applications, such as Plenum, Riser, and General Purpose cables.

💡Plenum Cable

Plenum cables are a specific type of network cable designed for use in plenum spaces, which are areas with open air flow circulation like the space between a drop ceiling and the structural ceiling. These cables are crucial because they must be more fire-resistant and produce minimal toxic fumes if burned, as toxic fumes in plenum areas can recirculate through air conditioning systems. The video emphasizes that Plenum cables, also known as CMP (Communications Multi-Purpose Plenum), are certified by Underwriters Laboratories for their fire safety standards.

💡Riser Cable

Riser cables, referred to as CMR (Communications Multi-Purpose Riser) in the video, are used for vertical runs between floors in a building. They are designed to prevent fires from spreading between floors. The video explains that these cables have a lower fire rating than Plenum cables and are not recommended for use in plenum spaces. They are also less expensive than Plenum cables, making them a more cost-effective option for certain installations.

💡General Purpose Cable

General Purpose cables, or CM (Communications Multi-Purpose) cables as mentioned in the video, are designed for everyday use in rooms where there are minimal fire restrictions. They are the most basic and least expensive of the three cable types discussed. These cables are typically used to connect devices like computers to wall jacks for network access. The video suggests that while they are versatile, they do not meet the stringent safety requirements of Plenum or Riser cables.

💡Fire Resistance

Fire resistance is a critical feature of certain types of network cables, particularly Plenum cables. The video explains that Plenum cables must be more fire-resistant than other types to prevent the spread of fire in the event of a blaze. This property is essential in plenum areas where open air flow could facilitate fire spread. The fire resistance of a cable is a key factor in determining its suitability for different environments.

💡Toxic Fumes

The production of toxic fumes is a significant concern when it comes to cable safety, especially in plenum areas. As highlighted in the video, if a cable is burned in such an area, it should not produce toxic fumes that could be recirculated through air conditioning systems, posing a health risk to building occupants. Plenum cables are specifically designed to minimize the emission of toxic fumes, such as hydrochloric acid and dioxin.

💡Underwriters Laboratories (UL)

Underwriters Laboratories, or UL, is a global safety certification company that plays a pivotal role in the video's discussion of cable safety. The video mentions that Plenum cables are approved by UL, indicating that they have passed stringent fire safety tests and are certified for use in open air environments. UL certification is a mark of safety assurance for building materials, including network cables.

💡Teflon FEP

Teflon FEP, a flame retardant produced by DuPont, is used in the manufacturing of Plenum cables as discussed in the video. This coating is applied to the special plastics used in the outer jacket of Plenum cables, enhancing their fire resistance. The use of Teflon FEP is an example of how materials technology contributes to the safety features of network cables intended for hazardous environments.

💡Cat 5, Cat 6, Cat 7

While the video clarifies that the difference between Plenum, Riser, and General Purpose cables is not related to their category (Cat 5, Cat 6, or Cat 7), these terms are still important for understanding network cable specifications. The 'Cat' stands for Category, and it refers to the performance standards of the cable, including its data transmission capabilities and frequency bandwidth. The video emphasizes that the safety ratings of cables, not their category, determine their appropriate use in different environments.

💡Cost

The cost of network cables is a practical consideration discussed in the video. Plenum cables, with their higher safety standards and specialized materials like Teflon FEP, are more expensive than non-plenum cables. The video suggests that while Plenum cables are primarily used for commercial applications due to their cost, the choice of cable should be based on the specific safety requirements of the installation environment rather than just cost.

Highlights

The difference between PVC rated network cables lies in the outer jacket, not the internal wiring or category.

PVC ratings include plenum, riser, and general purpose cables, each designed for specific environments.

Plenum cables are used in spaces with open air flow circulation, such as between drop ceilings and structural ceilings.

Plenum cables must be more fire resistant and not produce toxic fumes when burned to prevent harm through air conditioning systems.

Plenum cables are also known as CMP (Communications Multi-Purpose Plenum) and are approved by Underwriters Laboratories for open air environments.

Plenum cables have a special plastic outer jacket coated with Teflon FEP, a flame retardant, and are designed for hazardous open air spaces.

Plenum cables are more expensive than non-plenum cables and are primarily used commercially.

PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride is the material used for the outer jackets of cables, with different ratings for various applications.

Non-plenum PVC cables are cheaper but not as fire retardant and can release toxic gases like hydrochloric acid and dioxin when burned.

CMR (Communications Multi-Purpose Cable Riser) cables are installed vertically between floors to prevent fire spread.

CMR cables have a lower fire rating than plenum cables and are less expensive, but should not be used in plenum areas.

CM (Communications Multi-Purpose) cables are for general use with minimal fire restrictions and are the cheapest option.

Plenum rated cables are used in drop ceilings or under floors and have the highest safety standards.

Riser cables are used between floors on and in walls and have lower safety standards than plenum cables.

CM cables are used in rooms and have minimal safety standards, making them suitable for basic network connections.

The video provides a comprehensive guide on choosing the right cable for different building environments based on safety and fire standards.

Transcripts

hello everyone in this video we're going

to talk about the difference between pvc

rated network cables now the difference

between these types of cables

it's not what's on the inside of the

cable and it's not whether it's a cat 5

cat 6 or cat 7. that doesn't matter

the difference is is what's on the

outside of the cable

and i'm talking about the outer jacket

that protects

the cable and these pvc ratings are

either plenum

riser or just a general purpose cable

so when you decide to use one of these

cables that will depend on the

environment that the cable will be used

for

and it's very important to know the

difference between these cables

and where to use them now just like its

name says

plenum cables should be used in plenum

areas now the term plenum refers to a

space

and a building where there is open air

flow circulation

and this is usually between the drop

ceiling and the structural ceiling

so as a result buildings that have

plenum spaces

where there is adequate open air flow

are more prone to fires

than buildings that don't have plenum

spaces so therefore

cables that run through these plenum

spaces

must meet certain requirements so first

the cable must be more

fire resistant and secondly they must

not produce

any toxic fumes if they are burned

because toxic

fumes in plenum areas can recirculate

through the air conditioning systems

and cause harm to humans so in this

environment this is where plenum cables

should be used now buildings that don't

have

plenum spaces will have air ducts

encapsulating the airflow

so there is no open air flow circulation

because of these air ducts

because the air is encapsulated in them

so the chances of a fire happening

and recirculating toxic fumes are

minimal

so here is an example where you could

use non-plenum cables

now plenum cables are also known as cmp

which stands for communications

multi-purpose plenum

plenum cables are approved by

underwriters laboratories

which is a global safety certification

company

and they have certified that these

cables can be used

in an open air environment and are

designed to meet strong

fire safety test standards now the outer

jacket and plenum cables are made with

special plastics

and are coated with teflon fep

which is a flame retardant made by

dupont

these cables are designed for hazardous

open

air spaces in a building and in addition

if they do

get burned they won't release any toxic

gases

now these cables are more expensive than

non-plenum cables

and are primarily used for commercial

use

now pvc or polyvinyl chloride

is the material that the outer jackets

of a cable are made of

and as i said before these cables have

different ratings

now pvc cables that are rated as

non-plenum

should not be used in plenum areas these

cables are a lot cheaper than plenum

cables

but the problem is is that they are not

as fire retardant

and in addition if these cables are

burned

they can release toxic gases such as

hydrochloric

acid and dioxin but as i said before

these cables should not be used in

plenum areas

now there is another type of pvc rated

cable

that is called cmr and cmr stands for

communications

multi-purpose cable riser and these

cables are

installed vertically that rise between

floors

in a building these cables are run

through risers or

vertical shafts and are designed to

prevent fires from spreading

between floors and a building the fire

rating of cmr cables are not as strict

as

plenum rated cables so they should not

be used in plenum

areas and cmr cables are also less

expensive

than plenum cables

and then finally there is pvc cm

cables cm or communications

multi-purpose

is a network cable for general use these

cables have

minimal fire restrictions this is a

cable that you would use to connect your

computer or

network device into a wall jack to

access

a network and these are the cheapest of

the three cables

so in conclusion plenum rated cables are

used

in drop ceilings or under floors

and have the highest safety standards

riser cables are used

on and in walls between floors and have

lower safety standards than plenum

cables

and cm cables are used in rooms and have

minimal safety standards so thank you

everyone for watching this video

i appreciate it please subscribe follow

me on twitter

and thank you for watching

you