LANshack Ask the Expert - Expensive Cable

Expensive Cable

The simple answer is that plenum cable has a fire retardant outer jacket and is engineered to meet fire safety standards as dictated by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and also local and National electrical, building and fire safety codes. Most large commercial buildings utilize the dropped ceiling to return the conditioned air back to the air handler unit thereby making that ceiling a "return air plenum". The codes say that all material which enters that space will meet the required fire safety standards set out for plenum spaces by the NFPA. Plenum rated cable is more expensive because of the cost of the raw materials used to make it are high. Plenum spaces can also be found in other areas (like most raised computer floors for instance), and sometimes can be found in some residential and other types of structures. Since this matter deals with fire safety, we strongly encourage you to check with your local building, electrical and fire code officials before planning an installation.