What is plenum cable?
The plenum is hidden space within a building which is used for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) and to run cables.
Plenum space is normally above a suspended ceiling or under a raised floor. Buildings without plenum spaces will have cabling and HVAC ducts within plain view.
Plenum cable is cable which is rated to be run through plenum spaces.
Plenum cable must meet two requirements to meet most fire codes:
- Plenum cable must not burn easily
- Plenum cable must not emit toxic fumes when exposed to extreme heat
Because of these requirements, plenum cable is usually more expensive than non-plenum cable. Plenum cable is also more stiff and difficult to work with than regular network cable.
Most plenum cable is covered with Teflon or PVC.
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