The world of networking is complex and ever-changing. New technologies are rolled out at a faster pace than we can catch up. Take Ethernet cables, for example, they come in multiple jackets and each has specific features designed for specific applications. PVC and plenum ethernet cables are two cable jacket examples.
Do you know the difference between them? Do you know what purpose each cable serves in networking? Well, read this article if you don’t. We will discuss what plenum cables are and their uses. We will also look into PVC cables. Their specifications and uses. Finally, we will compare both types of cables. Stick till the end to find interesting facts about networking cables.
What is Ethernet Cable jacket rating?
Riser, plenum, and PVC are the common ethernet cable ratings. It specifies the type of space they should be installed in. Ethernet cable jacket is based on safety requirements. For example, a plenum space demands a certain safety requirement, and a riser space has other specific safety requirements. Based on these requirements, ethernet cable jackets are designed and rated. Read more about it in the next parts.
Plenum cables
Plenum-rated cables are designed for installations in plenum-rated spaces. A plenum-rated space has free air circulation. For example, the space below a raised floor or the space above dropped ceilings. So, plenum-rated cables acquire their name from the space they are designed for. In this case, cables that are safe for installation in plenum-rated spaces are called plenum cables.
These cables are made from specific materials as per the demands of their designed application space. As we said, plenum spaces have air circulation. In such spaces, the risk of fire hazards is higher. In the case of a fire, the plenum cable will not emit toxic smoke. It is designed to do the opposite: stop the fire from propagating.
A plenum cable in short is the one that should not catch fire, and if it does, it shouldn’t emit toxic smoke because the smoke can be inhaled by people in the building which could be fatal for them.
The material from which plenum jackets are made is called fluorinated ethylene polymer FEP. It is a tough jacket material with properties like fire resistance, water resistance, UV light resistance, dust resistance, no smoke emission, etc.
PVC cables
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. It is a compound that is tough, waterproof, and long-lasting. It is the ideal material to make ethernet cable jackets that are used in outdoor spaces.
Uses of plenum ethernet cables
As implied by the name, plenum cables are used in plenum spaces. But the great thing about these cables is that they can also be used in other spaces such as outdoors. Because these cables have the best safety features and they can be used in spaces with lesser safety requirements.
Uses of PVC ethernet cables
PVC cables are used in outdoor spaces. The fact is that these cables are long-lasting and safe, but in case of a fire hazard, they can emit toxic gases. If these cables are installed indoors, in a fire situation, the people in the building can inhale them which can turn out to be fatal.
Plenum cables vs PVC cables
Plenum ethernet cables are specifically designed for indoor spaces where air can circulate. Such as a dropped ceiling or a raised floor. The security features of these cables are top-notch and their application is flexible. Meaning, they can also be installed in spaces with lesser safety requirements.
On the other hand, PVC cables are designed for outdoor use. The PVC cable jacket is flammable and emits toxic fumes when it burns. It also lacks fire-resistance properties.
Fact: Ethernet cables were invented by Robert Metcalfe and David Boggs in Palo Alto, California.
Conclusion
The main difference between Plenum and PVC cables is their application and the application of both types of cables is defined by their features. As clearly stated earlier, Plenum cables possess fire-retardant, water-resistant, UV light resistant, and dust resistant properties while PVC cables are only water-resistant.
In the event of a fire, PVC cables will burn like gas and will emit toxic gases.
