Plenum cable is cable rated by Underwriters Laboratories for installation in plenum spaces without conduit, generally using fluorocarbon-based fire-resistant materials.
Plenum cable is cable that has been rated and listed, typically by Underwriters Laboratories, for installation in plenum air-handling spaces without the need for conduit. To qualify, it must meet strict requirements for low flame spread and low smoke generation, since plenum spaces carry moving air that could otherwise spread fire and smoke. The insulation and jackets of plenum cable are generally based on fluorocarbon and other specially formulated materials that provide this fire performance.
Because plenum spaces are sensitive fire-safety locations, plenum cable allows communication and low-voltage wiring to be routed through them safely without additional conduit. This makes plenum cable essential where cable must pass through air-handling areas of a building.
In commercial and industrial facilities, plenum cable supports communication, AV, and control systems routed through plenum spaces. Selecting plenum-rated cable for these locations is part of meeting safety requirements and building a compliant system.
Because plenum spaces are sensitive fire-safety locations, plenum cable lets communication and low-voltage wiring be routed through them safely without additional conduit, which makes it essential wherever cable must pass through the air-handling areas of a building.
At Windy City Wire, the focus on low-voltage cable includes plenum-rated products for air-handling spaces. Supplying cable with the appropriate fire ratings helps commercial facilities apply the correct product wherever plenum conditions require it.
UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and NEC (National Electrical Code), which define plenum cable requirements