Plenum vs. Riser Cable: Choosing the Right Cable for Commercial Buildings

Choosing the correct type of cable is critical when outfitting a commercial building with networking infrastructure. It’s not just about speed and connectivity. The type of cable you select can impact safety, building codes, and installation costs.

In particular, Cat6 Plenum and Cat6 Riser cables are common choices, but they serve very different purposes. Understanding the differences between these two types of cables can help you make an informed decision for your building’s network setup.

What Is a Plenum and Riser Cable?

Before diving into the specifics of Cat6 Plenum and Cat6 Riser, let’s start with a quick overview of what these terms mean.

Plenum cable is designed for use in air-handling spaces, such as between floors or in ceilings, where air circulates. These spaces are critical because the cables here need to be fire-resistant and capable of handling a potential fire hazard.

Riser cable is meant for use in vertical spaces like walls and riser shafts. These areas may not be subject to the same fire requirements as plenums, but they still need fire-resistant jackets to prevent the spread of flames.

Both of these cables come in various categories like Cat6 Plenum or Cat6 Riser, each offering different benefits for specific environments. Here is a table showing their key differences:

Plenum vs. Riser Cable: Why Are They Different?

When deciding between Cat6 Plenum and Cat6 Riser, there are several factors to consider, including safety, installation location, and cost.

Plenum cables

Plenum cables are built with materials that make them fire-resistant and self-extinguishing. This is necessary for air handling spaces, where air circulation can cause flames to spread quickly if a fire were to break out.

The jacket on these cables often includes a special fire-retardant coating or compounds that reduce the spread of smoke and fire. Here are some of the benefits that you can get from plenum cables:

• Fire Safety – The primary benefit of Cat6 Plenum cables is their ability to meet fire safety standards in air handling spaces.
• Compliance – Plenum cables are often required by building codes for certain installations.
• Durability – These cables are built to last longer in high-risk environments, offering better protection for sensitive network systems.

Riser Cables

Riser cables, on the other hand, are not as fire-resistant as plenum cables. They are designed for use in riser shafts and vertical spaces. These cables also include a flame-retardant jacket, but it doesn’t offer the same level of protection as plenum-rated cable.

Riser cables are used in areas where the cables won’t be exposed to air circulation or high heat conditions. It also offers a wide range of benefits, such as:

• Lower Cost – Cat6 Riser cables are less expensive and suitable for areas where fire safety regulations are less strict.
• Versatility – While not as fire-resistant as plenum cables, riser cables can still provide sufficient protection for most commercial buildings.

Why Plenum Cables Are More Expensive Than Riser Cables?

There’s a clear price difference between Cat6 Plenum and Cat6 Riser, and the difference boils down to one main factor: safety standards.

Plenum cables are made with specialized, fire-resistant materials that are more expensive to produce. The additional safety measures required to meet fire codes, along with the need for better insulation, contribute to the higher cost of plenum cables.

Riser cables cost less because they are not subject to the same stringent fire-resistance standards. The materials used in riser cables are less expensive, which keeps the cost down.

These price differences can add up when you’re purchasing cables for an entire commercial building, making it crucial to carefully evaluate your needs before making a purchase.

How to Choose the Right Cable for Your Commercial Building

Choosing the right cable for your commercial building can be a tricky process. To help you out, here are a few key points to consider when deciding between Cat6 Plenum and Cat6 Riser cables:

Location of Installation

If the cables need to be installed in areas like ceilings, air ducts, or other air-handling spaces, you must use plenum-rated cables. The fire safety requirements for these spaces are strict, and Cat6 Plenum is your only option.

If the cables will be running vertically between floors or in a riser shaft, the Cat6 Riser is typically a good choice. These spaces are not subject to the same level of fire risk, so riser cables are sufficient.

Safety Requirements

If you need to meet local fire codes or regulations, Cat6 Plenum is the way to go. These cables pass rigorous testing and are ideal for use in high-risk fire areas.

In less risky environments where the fire risk is lower, Cat6 Riser can often meet the required standards without the added cost of plenum-rated cables.

Installation Costs

Because Cat6 Plenum cables are more expensive to manufacture, the installation costs can be higher too. However, these higher costs are often justified by the added safety benefits in air-handling spaces. For less critical areas, Cat6 Riser can be a more economical choice.

Conclusion

Choosing the right cable for your commercial building is essential for both safety and performance. Whether you need Cat6 Plenum or Cat6 Riser, understanding the differences between these cables can help you make a smart decision.

Don’t compromise on safety; choose the right cable for your space. And if you are looking for high-quality network solutions, ATS Cables is the go-to option.

FAQ Section

What is plenum vs. riser?

Plenum cables are used in air handling spaces and have superior fire-resistant properties. Riser cables are designed for vertical spaces and offer lower flame resistance.

What is a plenum cable?

A plenum cable is a type of cable designed to be used in air ducts or other spaces where air circulates. It is built with fire-resistant materials to prevent the spread of smoke and flames.

What is the difference between plenum cable and non-plenum cable?

Plenum cables are fire-resistant and meet strict safety standards, while non-plenum cables do not meet these requirements and are not safe for use in air-handling spaces.

What does plenum mean in networking?

In networking, plenum refers to the space in a building used for air circulation, typically between floors or ceilings. Cables used in these spaces need to be plenum-rated for safety.

Where is plenum used?

Plenum cables are used in air ducts, ceilings, and other areas where air circulates. These spaces require fire-resistant cables to meet safety codes.

What are the benefits of a plenum?

The primary benefit of plenum cables is their fire safety features, designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke in high-risk areas.