Is Cat6 Plenum Cable Worth the Investment? Here's What You Need to Know?
If you're in the market for Ethernet cable, you've likely come across the term "plenum cable " Plenum cable is a special type of cable that is designed for use in plenum spaces, which are the spaces in a building used for air circulation Plenum cable is made from materials that are less likely to catch fire and produce smoke than traditional Ethernet cables. But is Cat6 plenum cable worth the investment? In this article, we'll take a closer look at plenum cable and help you decide if it's the right choice for your needs
What is Plenum Cable?
Plenum cable is a type of Ethernet cable that is designed to be used in plenum spaces A plenum space is a space in a building that is used for air circulation. In most buildings, the plenum space is the area between the ceiling and the floor above it. Because plenum spaces are used for air circulation, the materials used in them must be less likely to catch fire and produce smoke This is where plenum cable comes in
Why Use Plenum Cable?
If you're installing Ethernet cable in a plenum space, you are required by law to use plenum cable. This is because plenum spaces are considered high-risk areas, and the materials used in them must be fire-resistant. Even if you're not required by law to use plenum cable, it's still a good idea to do so if you're concerned about fire safety
Cat6 Plenum Cable vs. Cat6 PVC Cable
Cat6 plenum cable is similar to Cat6 PVC cable in terms of performance. Both types of cable can support speeds of up to 10 Gbps over a distance of up to 55 meters. However, there are some key differences between the two
The main difference between Cat6 plenum cable and Cat6 PVC cable is the materials they are made from Plenum cable is made from materials that are less likely to catch fire and produce smoke than PVC cable Plenum cable is also more expensive than PVC cable
The Benefits of Cat6 Plenum Cable
The main benefit of Cat6 plenum cable is that it is safer than PVC cable Plenum cable is made from materials that are less likely to catch fire and produce smoke, which makes it a safer choice for use in high-risk areas like plenum spaces. Additionally, plenum cable is required by law in most areas if you're installing cable in a plenum space
The Downsides of Cat6 Plenum Cable
The main downside of Cat6 plenum cable is its cost. Plenum cable is more expensive than PVC cable, which can make it difficult to justify the added expense if you're not required by law to use it Additionally, plenum cable is more difficult to work with than PVC cable, which can make installation more challenging.
Who Should Use Cat6 Plenum Cable?
If you're installing Ethernet cable in a plenum space, you must use plenum cable by law. This is because plenum spaces are high-risk areas, and the materials used in them must be fire-resistant If you're not required by law to use plenum cable, but you're concerned about fire safety, you should consider using it
How Much Does Cat6 Plenum Cable Cost?
Cat6 plenum cable is more expensive than PVC cable The exact cost will depend on the length of the cable and where you purchase it from. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from two to three times as much for plenum cable compared to PVC cable
How to Install Cat6 Plenum Cable?
Installing Cat6 plenum cable is more challenging than installing PVC cable. This is because plenum cable is thicker and stiffer than PVC cable Additionally, you must use special connectors and tools designed for use with plenum cable If you're not experienced with installing Ethernet cable, you may want to hire a professional to do it for you.
What to Consider When Buying Cat6 Plenum Cable?
When buying Cat6 plenum cable, there are a few things you should consider:
Length: Make sure you purchase enough cable to reach from your network device to the endpoint.
Color: Choose a color that blends in with your surroundings or matches the decor
Connector Type: Make sure the cable comes with connectors that are compatible with your devices
Can You Use Cat6 Plenum Cable in Non-Plenum Spaces?
You can use Cat6 plenum cable in non-plenum spaces, but it's not necessary If you're not installing cable in a plenum space, you can use Cat6 PVC cable instead PVC cable is less expensive and easier to work with than plenum cable.
The Difference Between Cat6 and Cat6a Plenum Cable
Cat6a plenum cable is similar to Cat6 plenum cable in terms of performance, but it can support higher speeds over longer distances Cat6a plenum cable can support speeds of up to 10 Gbps over a distance of up to 100 meters, while Cat6 plenum cable can only support speeds of up to 10 Gbps over a distance of up to 55 meters.
How to Test Cat6 Plenum Cable?
To test Cat6 plenum cable, you'll need a cable tester. A cable tester will verify that the cable is properly terminated and that all of the wires are connected correctly. If the cable fails the test, you may need to re-terminate it or replace it