Is FT6 a plenum?

PLENUM CABLE FT6 Cables laid in the plenum spaces of buildings (the space used to facilitate air circulation) are referred to as Plenum cable. Plenum space might include the space between a fixed and drop ceiling or space under a raised floor.

What is the difference between plenum and non-plenum?

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.

Is plenum better than riser?

The higher fire resistance of plenum cables make them a lower risk in a building fire than riser cables (which are, in turn, safer than general-purpose cables).

What does FT4 rating mean?

The FT4 certification is one of the most popular as it has one of the toughest tests to pass, given the 70,000 BTU/hour flame. This certifications testing procedure has cables mounted on a vertical tray, which are exposed for 20 minutes to a 70,000 BTU/hour flame. This test is identical to the IEEE 1202 flame test.

Where is plenum required?

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.

Is plenum required for residential?

Non-plenum cables can be used anywhere except plenum space and air ducts. In both commercial and residential buildings, non-plenum cable can be used to run cables through walls and across open ceilings. You must use CMR (riser-rated) cable when running cable between floors through risers or vertical shafts.

What is CSA FT6?

CSA FT6 Flame Test The American version of this test is called NFPA 262, the Steiner Tunnel flame test. This test measures flame spread and smoke generation in the air handling plenum. The testing procedure for the FT6 certification has a 25-foot Steiner Tunnel with intake and exhaust ducts that control the airflow.

What is plenum cable?

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 is the difference between riser rated and plenum rated?

Usually, riser cables are installed in between the walls of buildings. They can also be installed in areas that do not pose danger in case of a fire. Plenum rated cable is a cable that is suited to go in the plenum spaces of buildings.

When should you not use plenum cable?

You must use CMR (riser-rated) cable when running cable between floors through risers or vertical shafts. Some buildings with HVAC systems have return air ducts which transport air back outdoors. If there are no leakages and the space above a drop ceiling is not circulating air, you may use non-plenum cable.

What is the purpose of a plenum?

Plenum boxes are usually situated on either side of the fan or heat exchanger and have the important function of bringing in, distributing, and removing air. They are the air’s first stop after being heated or cooled and its last stop before going back into your AC, heat pump, or furnace.

What is a plenum box used for?

Is CL2 plenum rated?

CL2 cables may be further classified as “CL2R” (Riser Rated) and CL2P (Plenum Rated). For a more detailed explanation of Riser and Plenum ratings, see “CMR” and “CMP” below. CL3: CL3 stands for “Class 3” wire and is also defined in Article 725 of the National Electric Code.

What is CSA FT4?

CSA FT4 Flame Test The FT4 certification is one of the most popular as it has one of the toughest tests to pass, given the 70,000 BTU/hour flame. This certifications testing procedure has cables mounted on a vertical tray, which are exposed for 20 minutes to a 70,000 BTU/hour flame.

Can you mix Cat5 and Cat6?

Moderator. Short answer, you can mix and match as much as you like. Cat 5e is guaranteed for Gigabit speed, while Cat 6 is guaranteed for 10 Gigabit and has lower crosstalk and a better signal to noise ratio. If you use Cat 5e connectors on Cat 6 cable, that run will only be guaranteed to run at 5e speeds.

Is plenum rating FT6 required?

(2) of the NBCC now requires FT 6 rated. Respectively, all such communication combustible buildings must have FT 4 rating. Appendix B Note on Rule 2-126 accordingly. Click to expand… So what’s the consensus? Code check up? Any reason why Plenum rating (FT6) is NOT required??

What is the difference between FT6 and FT4 cables?

You could have a fire in one area of a building sending dangerous fumes to another part of the building that would not have been in danger from the fire. FT6 and FT4 refers to the fumes from the outer jacket when the cable is burned. Performance of the cable does not change with the fire rating.

What’s the difference between CEC and FT6?

FT6 is a more stringent standard that won’t carry a flame from one part of a building to another (from what I know). So who wins? Do we follow the CEC or the NBCC? That’s the CEC…BUT Sentence 3.1.5.18. (2) of the NBCC now requires that all communication conductors installed without metal raceways and located FT 6 rated. Who do you go with?

What is a Category 6 plenum cable?

Category 6 plenum cables are built to provide a pathway for the return airflow of a building, thereby facilitating air circulation for air conditioning and heating systems.