[TriLUG] OT: how do I know if ethernet cable is plenum rated?

[Joseph Mack NA3T]

On Mon, 26 May 2008, Steve Holton wrote:

> Look for CMP, CL2P, or CL3P, but you may not find those.

googling for these strings and downloading a few catalogs, 
it seems that anything ending in P (plenum) or R (riser) 
will do (I haven't found the difference between these two 
yet).

When I last looked (maybe 10yrs ago) plenum grade meant 
suitable for a plenum (eg air conditioning ducts), whereas 
now plenum grade cable is required for elevated floors and 
false ceilings, anywhere that if there was a fire the cables 
are required not to release toxic fumes (it seems this is 
anything except PVC). I don't know why cables lying on a 
floor don't need to be plenum rated. Presumably by the time 
the fire gets to the floor you're dead or gone.

It turns out that only a small fraction of my cable is 
plenum rated. Oh well, cable is cheap and I have a crimper.

Thanks

Joe

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Joseph Mack NA3T EME(B,D), FM05lw North Carolina
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