Do you need plenum cable in walls?

Do you need plenum cable in walls?

If you have a large wall or ceiling return air grate; remove and see if there the air is channeled through sheet metal ducting. If there is no sheet metal duct; just the open ceiling or wall space, then you are required by law to use Plenum Rated cable.

Can plenum cable be used in walls?

Can be used in walls and beneath floors. Useful when the fire code does not have any restrictions on cable type. Often used for patch cords and jumpers.

What is the difference between plenum and non plenum cable?

Thus, fire and building safety codes mandate plenum-rated cables be used in plenum spaces and air ducts. They can also be used in non-plenum areas. Non-Plenum cables, on the other hand, are much cheaper and not as fire-resistant. When burned, they release toxic fumes such as hydrochloric acid and dioxin.

Why is plenum cable more expensive?

When running cables within plenum spaces, plenum cables are a must. Because plenum cables are built to a higher fire resistance standard than riser cables, plenum cabling is more expensive than riser cabling.

How do I know if my cable is plenum?

Look for CMP(means Communications Plenum Cable) ,CL3P(Shielded Multi-Conductor Plenum Security Cable) , or CL2P(Class 2 plenum cable ) marked on the cable. Plenum cable is covered with a fire proof plastic layer of either a low-smoke polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a fluorinated ethylene polymer (FEP).

Why is plenum cable used?

Plenum rated cable has a special insulation that has low smoke and low flame characteristics. Plenum cable is mandated to be installed in any “air handling” space. For example, most large office buildings use the ceiling to return air to the AC unit.

What type of wiring should be used in ventilation ducts?

Electrical metallic tubing, rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, armored cable, metal-clad cable without a nonmetallic cover, and flexible metal conduit can be installed in environmental air spaces.

Are plenum rated cables used for?

Plenum rated cable is for use in the plenum spaces of a commercial office building. The plenum spaces are used for circulation of air in a large building. Plenum cables have specially formulated outer jackets that will not produce toxic fumes when burned.

How do I know if a wire is plenum rated?

Is Romex wire plenum rated?

Regular type NM cable (what’s generally called Romex) is not plenum rated. Type AC cable (often incorrectly called BX) is allowed in plenums, however. The main concern is the toxic fumes that the plastics used in most wire insulation release when they’re heated or burned.

Can you run Romex through cold air return?

On the other hand, it’s common practice to run Romex perpendicularly across a panned stud cavity or joist bay used as a cold air return duct. In such a case, we drill into the framing on both sides of the panned return, pull the cable through the holes, then seal the holes around the Romex with caulk.

How do I know if my Ethernet cable is plenum rated?