Cat5e Ethernet cable is a twisted-pair cable used in computer networking. It provides secure data transmission up to 1000 Mbps. However, under Cat5e, there are two major divisions: Cat5e Plenum 1000ft and Riser. These two kinds of cables are considerably different in their structure and purpose of use. If you are wondering which one to buy, this guide is for you. Keep reading to find out the differences between the two cables.
What does the word Plenum Cable mean?
Cat5e Plenum 1000ft cables are specifically designed to operate in air plenum spaces, which are areas that provide circulation of air within a building. Most plenum spaces include raised floors and drops, in addition to vertical shafts. The plenum cables are manufactured using materials intended to reduce the emission of toxic fumes and smoke when a fire breaks out. That is important because such space might act as a passageway for spreading fire and smoke through a building.
Cat5e Plenum 1000ft Characteristics
Fire Resistance: The treatment materials employed are highly fire resistant. This is why the plenum-rated Cat5e ethernet cables cannot support nor yield to fire. Because the plenum cables have an outer jacket that is made from fire-resistant material, the inner conductors can also be designed so as to minimize heat and smoke generation in case of fire.
Low smoke emission: In case of fire, it emits less smoke from the plenum cables; hence, it will be less dangerous because the material inside the plenum cables is made this way that it will give very low levels of smoke in case of exposure to flame.
The reduction of toxin fumes: The cat5e plenum 1000ft are manufactured in a way that they reduce toxic fumes released; hence they would protect the health of occupants of the building. This is so because materials used for plenum cables are such that at the time of the fire incident, the release of harmful gases would be avoided.
Plenum Rating: Plenum-rated Cat5e ethernet cables are tested to support fire requirements and have a rating of "Plenum." The Plenum rating marks that the cable has been testified and approved to operate in air plenum space.
Using Cat5e Plenum 1000ft
The fire safety codes of plenum cables require many commercial and institutional buildings. For such purpose, plenum cables are applied in the following:
Raised floors
Drop ceilings
Vertical shafts
HVAC ducts
Data centers
Office buildings
Schools
Hospitals
What is Cat5e Riser Cable?
Riser-rated Cat5e ethernet cables are also supposed to run vertically in a building between floors. They will be utilized in connecting the network devices of different levels. The materials used to build the riser cables are also fireproof; however, they are not as strict as the plenum ones.
Main Characteristics of Cat5e Riser Cables
Fire Resistance: Cat5e riser ethernet cables are flame-retardant; however, they might not have the same resistance level as plenum cables. This is because the riser cables are normally made from materials impeding flames; however, they may not be as resistant as the plenum cables.
Vertical Runs: Riser cables are used primarily in vertical runs within a building. This simply means they are normally installed vertically in shafts or conduit to interconnect network devices between different floors.
Less Demanding Requirements: One of the chief reasons riser cables are so popular is that they have less strict fire safety requirements than their plenum brethren. This is because these riser cables are not expected to be installed in air plenum spaces.
In your selection between a plenum and a riser cable, you have to consider what best suits your network installation. Plenum cable is installed in air-plenum spaces. For cabling used for vertical runs between floors with no necessity to pass through a plenum space, you may consider using a riser cable.
Cat5e Plenum vs. Riser: Key Differences
Feature | Cat5e Plenum Cable | Cat5e Riser Cable |
Fire Resistance | Highly resistant | Flame-retardant |
Smoke Emission | Minimal | Moderate |
Toxic Fumes | Minimal | Moderate |
Intended Use | Air plenum spaces | Vertical runs |
Regulations | Mandatory in many buildings | Less restrictive |
Cost | Generally more expensive | Generally less expensive |
Additional Considerations
Cost: Compared to riser cables, Cat5e plenum 1000ft cables are more costly due to higher demands on fire safety. Materials used in the manufacturing and processing of plenum cables are way too costlier.
Performance: It is hard for a plenum and riser to differ in performance; they generally exhibit similar characteristics in the speeds at which data is transmitted, as well as in its reliability. This is to say that they can both support network speeds of up to 1000 Mbps.
Future Expansion: If you see expansion in the near future for your network, you will be better off when you pick the plenum cable to offer flexibility and also evade the possibility of code violation. This is because plenum cable has more possibility to fulfill the future fire safety regulations that may get even more stringent with time.
Conclusion
Cat5e plenum 1000ft and riser cables are quite important in network infrastructures. In addition, providing the information on their differences will be important for informed decisions when designing and installing your network. By selecting the right type of cable, you are sure to keep your network infrastructure safe and reliable.
