What is the difference between Plenum and Non-Plenum Network Cable?
There are so many cab options that it is almost impossible to list them all.Vendors have their own lines of cable depending on your preference, as the variations have continued to grow.
There are some things that are constant when it comes to choosing the right cable.The first thing you can do is decide whether or not to install a cable.The issue is not the cable itself, but the jacket surrounding it.You have another decision to make after choosing fiber or copper.It may seem like a small thing, but it's important since there are so many differences between the two.
The name of the cable is plium-rated.The air in a building can circulate between the drop and standard ceiling in the plenum spaces, thus aiding in heating and cooling functions.Since the cable is considered to be freely installed, it is often required when no conduit is used.
Fire and smoke can travel quickly.The levels of toxicity in the smoke would be lower if the cable was coated with a jacket made of flame resistant material.The smoke from the cable is less toxic because of the special jacketing.
The less expensive of the two choices is non-plenum cable.Since the decision on the type of cable jacketing is made by the building owner or end user, you are likely to see many projects stipulating non-plenum to save on costs.Most schools insist on using plenum-rated cable due to insurance requirements.
Non-plenum is almost ubiquitous in projects where it isn't required.It is not uncommon for the cost of the cable to be one-third of what it would be in the plenum.As more and more businesses are becoming saddled with higher insurance premiums, some may choose to spend the extra money upfront for plenum in case of fire.Companies can lower their liability by taking fire safety precautions.
In schools and hospitals, plenum cable is used because it is less toxic.The potentially toxic smoke emissions from a fire could prove to be deadly because of the number of people contained in these facilities.The structural setup of certain facilities, such as warehouses and distribution centers, seem to lean toward non-plenum.
The biggest difference between the two is cost.It's important to always remember two things.
Make sure that the project requires the use of plenum cable.Explain to the customer that the cost savings of going with the PVC version may make them very grateful.
When estimating a project, always check with your vendor or supplier to make sure that the pricing you are receiving is for non-plenum cable.This can save you a lot of money.
The client has the final say.Some people are bound by factors that they can't control and their choices may not be their own.With most things in business, cost is usually a primary deal maker or deal breaker, and the plenum/non-plenum decision is definitely one that falls into this category.