Plenum Cable

When it comes to fire safety, the objective of installers and contractors is to protect life and property. As contractors and installers, we do this by restricting the spread of smoke and minimizing the sources of ignition and combustibility within the hair handling systems. The use of a plenum cable is the best way to accomplish this.

Below you will find information on Networking Plenum, Coaxial Plenum, and Security Alarm Plenum.

Air handling systems such as plenum spaces, air ducts, and ventilation shafts, are great places for fire to spread and smoke to build. Depending on your job, codes may require that cable be designed with specific material in order that they be non-combustible and produce a low amount of toxins and smoke. An example is NFPA 90A Section 4.3.10.2 where materials that are exposed to environmental airflow must be non-combustible, limited-combustible, and/or have a limited flame spread index. This code also designates that the smoke-developed index not exceed a certain amount (in this case 50). NFPA is not the only code that requires this. The NEC, the IMC, and the UMC all include requirements for cabling installed in plenum and airflow spaces.

How do we know whether a cable is plenum rated? Underwriters Laboratories (UL) sets the industry standard for plenum cable. Through rigorous testing, UL certifies cable as CMP that is suitable in plenum spaces. If your job requires plenum cable be sure to get cable with the UL marking on it.

For non-plenum required jobs, Primus Cable carries a fire-retardant cat5E and cat6 cable that is much less expensive while giving you the benefit of fire safety.

While local building codes determine the exact material that must be used in certain spaces, most abide by NFPA codes. Plenum cables fall under NFPA-262—the equivalent of UL-910 standard. These standards require low burn properties and low smoke density. Other tests include UL 723, which tests for surface burning characteristics of building material; UL 2043, which tests for fire heat and visible smoke release for “discrete products” and their accessories;” and UL 1424, which tests power-limited cables for flame travel in plenum spaces.

Primus Cable and Plenum Cable

With over a decade of experience in the industry, Primus Cable supplies some of the best wire and cable for security alarm, networking, home theater, and telecommunications. We carry standard, riser, and plenum cable across our product lines. Each of our Plenum Cables meet and exceed industry standards. They are intended to self-extinguish, zero-to-limited combustibility, and emit a low amount of smoke and toxins. Low Smoke Zero Halogen jacket (LSZH).

Plenum Networking Cable

A network begins in the data center in server racks and on LAN stations, running from the Ethernet switches and patch panels, through elevators shafts, air ducts, plenum spaces, and walls, all the way to your desk, your employee’s desk, and your customer’s desk. Your cable provides connectivity to many people, and it is a major aspect of any business construction. To handle the fire safety in plenum spaces, we carry UL certified plenum (CMP) cable and accessories.

Solid Bare Copper Cat5E Plenum Cable, CMP – High performance data cable that meets and exceeds industry standards. Our cat5E plenum provides you with 100-350Mhz of connectivity with low attenuation and excellent cross-talk characteristics. UL listed and ETL verified cable.

Solid Bare Copper Cat6 Plenum Cable, CMP – Our cat6 plenum cable is four twisted pairs made of a stout 23 AWG solid bare copper wire, ensuring a low resistance level and a robust cable connection. Compatible with 10/100/1000Base-T and 100Base-VG. Provides up to 600 MHz of connectivity.

Solid Bare Copper Shielded Plenum Cable, CMP – Almost the same cable as our Solid Bare Copper Cat6 Plenum Cable, CMP, except this is shielded. Shielding is the best way to combat electromagnetic interference, meaning this cable has even better cross talk characteristics and lower attenuation.

Cat5E MIG+ Keystone Jacks – Our MIG+ line is our premium line of products. Each is constructed of fire-retardant housing and Press-fit Technology that ensures gas-tight electrical connections. Speeds test up to 350 MHz.

Cat6 MIG+ Keystone Jacks – Engineered to deliver excellent performance. Perfect for any fire safe network that you are installing. Constructed of fire-retardant housing and Press-fit Technology for gas-tight connections. Speeds test up to 600 MHz.

Plenum Coaxial Cable

Coaxial cable has an array of uses: data networking, satellite, security alarm, home theater, and more. For this reason, we carry RG59 and RG6 plenum coax cable for CCTV and CATV.

RG59 CCTV Plenum Coaxial Cable – With standard and Siamese versions, our RG59 CCTV cable is 20 AWG solid bare copper conductor is shielded with 95% copper braiding for maximum signal retention and minimal impedance.

RG6 CCTV Plenum Coaxial Cable – Similar to our CATV version, this cable is 18AWG copper coated steel conductor. 60% aluminum braid shielded and aluminum PET foil shielded. Sweep tests up to 3 GHz.

We also carry any coaxial cable connectors and coax tools for a reliable connection every time.

Security Alarm Plenum

Security Alarm is a broad category that covers applications such as access control, card readers, door contacts, locking power, scanners, fire alarm systems, and many other signals.

Access Control Plenum Cable– We carry a 1000’ access control cable and a 500’ version. This cable has been designed for easy installation on a single pull and to meet the requirements of the most demanding Building Access and Control Systems. Each cable is equipped with various cable counts and gauges.

Unshielded Plenum Fire Alarm Cable – We carry a full line of Unshielded FPLP fire alarm cable, ranging from different gauges to how many conductors. The max temperature on our fire alarm FPLP cable is 75° C (167° F) and can handle up to 300V

Shielded Plenum Fire Alarm Cable – Similar to our Unshielded FPLP, the shielded FPLP cable protects against electromagnetic interference, which is any electro static spike that causes noise, and protects against radio signal interference, which is any outside signal attached to an outside conductor. Shielded fire cable is ideally used near light panels, switches, any situation where there are parallel runs, and other densely packed electronic areas.

Plenum Fiber Optic Cable

Armored Fiber Optic Plenum – Interlocked armor fiber optic cables provide for an extremely well protected cable package ideally suited for harsh environments. The cable design offers the system designer a product that can be installed in high traffic areas where added mechanical protection and security are required.We carry many variations of Plenum Armored Fiber. Variations cover Ohm rating, strand/cladding size, strand count.

Breakout Plenum Fiber Cable - Breakout Plenum Cable is ideal for installations requiring an extremely rugged and reliable cable design where maximum mechanical and environmental protection are necessary. We carry many variations of Plenum Armored Fiber. Variations cover Ohm rating, strand/cladding size, strand count.

Distribution Plenum Fiber Cable – Distribution Plenum Rated Fiber Optic Cable is used in trunking, LAN and distribution applications where small size, lightweight, and versatile installation capability are required for ducts, plenums, and air handling spaces. It’s ideal configuration for a single termination point requiring multiple fibers. We carry many variations of Plenum Armored Fiber. Variations cover Ohm rating, strand/cladding size, strand count.

Micro-Distribution Plenum Fiber – Fiber Micro Distribution Plenum Cable is composed of single tube or two to six sub units, an optional central member, aramid yarn, an aramid ripcord, and a PVC outer jacket. Each sub-unit consists of 12 colored glass fibers surrounded by aramid yarn with a PVC jacket 2.95mm in diameter. We carry many variations of Plenum Armored Fiber. Variations cover Ohm rating, strand/cladding size, strand count.

Plenum Simplex Fiber Cable - Simplex cables are designed for general fiber patch cord production where consistency and uniformity are vital for fast, efficient terminations. Primus Cable simplex cables are offered in several outside diameter sizes and meet all tooling and termination requirements. We carry many variations of Plenum Armored Fiber. Variations cover Ohm rating, strand/cladding size, strand count.

Plenum Duplex Fiber Cable – Similar to our Simplex Plenum, this a duplex version. We carry many variations of Plenum Armored Fiber. Variations cover Ohm rating, strand/cladding size, strand count.

Loose Tube Plenum Fiber - Primus Cable's dry loose Tube Cable is composed of one to six sub-units, water blocking yarn, an optional central strength member, water blocking tape (only for 72 fiber) an aramid ripcord, and a PVC outer jacket. Each sub-unit consists of 12 colored glass fibers and water swellable yarn with a PVC jacket 3mm in diameter. We carry many variations of Plenum Armored Fiber. Variations cover Ohm rating, strand/cladding size, strand count.

As cabling contractors, you will run into requests for plenum rated cable. The reason being is that cable presents a fire hazard into the building. Cable and wire can serve as a pathway for fire to travel as well as releasing hazardous toxins and smoke into the atmosphere. In areas where environmental airflow occurs (plenum spaces), fire is fueled by the airflow, increasing the risk of fire spread. For this reason, plenum cable has a jacket designed to self-extinguish and produce a low amount of toxins and smoke upon burning.

For highest fire safety, it is best to assume all drop-ceilings are plenums, whether or not they are officially designated as one. Ductwork disconnection can also occur due to building damage, adverse environmental factors, or simply negligence. Be sure to get plenum cable if there is any question about fire safety.

For any questions or inquiries, please feel free to give us a call. 951-824-1571