When it comes to networking, one of the most important components is the cable. Choosing the right cable can make a huge difference in the speed and reliability of your network. In particular, Cat6 cables are known for their high-speed data transfer & reduced crosstalk compared to other types of cables. But when it comes to choosing between Cat6 Plenum & Non-Plenum cables what’s the difference? Let’s dive into the details.
What is Cat6 Cable?
Before we delve into the differences between Plenum and Non-Plenum Cat6 cables, let’s first establish what Cat6 cable is. Cat6 cable, short for Category 6 cable, is a type of Ethernet cable used for wired networking. It is an improvement over its predecessor, Cat5e, and is capable of delivering higher data transfer speeds with reduced crosstalk.
Cat6 cable is designed to support data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps and is suitable for a wide range of applications, including home and office networks, data centers, and more. It is available in both shielded and unshielded varieties.
What is Plenum Cable?
Plenum cable is a type of cable that is specifically designed for use in air handling spaces, such as the area above a suspended ceiling or below a raised floor. These spaces are commonly used for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and as such, require a special type of cable that meets certain safety standards.
Plenum cable is made with a special type of plastic that is low-smoke and low-toxicity. In the event of a fire, Plenum cable releases less smoke and toxic fumes than other types of cable, which makes it safer for use in enclosed spaces where people may be present. Plenum cable is required by law in some buildings, such as schools, hospitals, and government facilities.
What is Non-Plenum Cable?
Non-Plenum cable, on the other hand, is a type of cable that is not specifically designed for use in air handling spaces. Non-Plenum cable is made with a different type of plastic that is not as fire-resistant as Plenum cable. In the event of a fire, Non-Plenum cable can release more smoke and toxic fumes than Plenum cable, which can pose a greater risk to people who may be present.
Non-Plenum cable is typically less expensive than Plenum cable and is often used in areas where safety requirements are not as strict, such as residential buildings or small offices.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between Cat6 Plenum cable 1000ft and Non-Plenum cable ultimately depends on your specific needs and the requirements of your building. If you are installing cable in an air handling space, such as a drop ceiling or raised floor, you may be required by law to use Plenum cable.
Even if Plenum cable is not required by law, it may still be a good idea to use it in certain situations, such as in buildings where people are present, or in areas where a fire could spread quickly. Plenum cable can provide an extra layer of safety in the event of a fire, which can help protect both people and property.
On the other hand, if you are installing cable in an area where safety requirements are not as strict, such as a residential building or small office, Non-Plenum cable may be a more cost-effective option. Non-Plenum cable is generally less expensive than Plenum cable, and can still provide reliable data transfer speeds for most applications.
What are the Differences Between Cat6 Plenum and Non-Plenum Cable?
The main differences between Cat6 Plenum and Non-Plenum cable are their safety rating and performance.
Safety Rating
Cat6 Plenum cable has a special fire-resistant coating that makes it safe to use in plenum spaces. It meets the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) safety standards, which are required by building codes in many areas.
Cat6 Non-Plenum cable, on the other hand, is not fire-resistant and should not be used in plenum spaces. It is not rated for safety in the same way that Cat6 Plenum cable is, and should only be used in areas where air circulation is not necessary.
Performance
Cat6 Plenum cable is rated for higher performance than Cat6 Non-Plenum cable. It can support data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps, making it ideal for high-speed networking applications.
Cat6 Non-Plenum cable is also capable of supporting data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps, but it is not rated for the same level of performance as Cat6 Plenum cable.
