What are the scary three words regarding networking “No Internet Connection”? The scariest of all time means you are bound to wait for your internet connection to respond so that you will end up sending a file or start watching your favorite show.
Are you here to look for a better option to upgrade your networking cabling infrastructure well, if the answer is yes? You have landed on the right page which discloses the Cat6 Ethernet Cable and its variants like Cat6 Riser (PVC) and Cat6 Plenum (HDPE). It is supposed to be the best ethernet cable ever to support fast data transmission.
In this blog, let’s delve into the world of network cabling that describes the qualities of Plenum and Riser along with the Cable attributes. How bulk Cat6 Cable will help you upgrade your network infrastructure? Read this guide to learn more.
Understanding Cat6 Plenum Vs Riser Cables
There is a lot to learn about buying the right need for the cable installation just like Plenum vs Riser both are different LAN jackets. Both meet the fire safety standards of the buildings and are used for indoor wiring. Here I am gradually explaining each cable type separately so you will understand the differences properly. With the premium jacket Plenum (CMP).
What Is Plenum and Plenum Cabling?
In higher buildings, you see there are airy spaces like Plenum HVAC spaces (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) that have a very high supply of air and oxygen. And as we all know oxygen is necessary to light anything on fire. Similarly, keeping this thing in mind a highly strong fire-resistant jacket is made to withstand fire incidents.
Ethernet cables specifically Cat6 Plenum cables come with problem solvers to these areas. If you need to know what plenum spaces are you might know about the Attics, Drop ceilings, raised floors, ventilation ducts, Plenum HVAC systems, and all the horizontal shafts that come under plenum spaces.
But let’s not make it more difficult so here are the outer jacket specs of Cat6 Plenum 1000ft bulk cable. You know bulk cables are used for thousands of feet of installation needs when you are not aware of the required lengths.
The plenum cable is made of High-Density Polyethylene material (HDPE), a highly flame-retardant chemical that gives strength to bear harsh temperatures. That’s not it, the plenum is also LSZH material that halts the toxic smoke emission. All in all, it is difficult to burn plenum (CMP) jackets.
As Cat6 Plenum ethernet cable is expensive due to its highly fire-resistant properties if something happens to the cable it might cost you another bulk buying of cable. So always choose where to install the right cable.
What is Riser and Riser Cabling?
The riser is the same as the plenum of the outer jacket but with a different chemical composition Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) which is less fire resistant if compared to the Cat6 Plenum. The risers are the vertical spaces inside the buildings.
Did You Know — Plenum (CMP) and Riser (CMR) are both Indoor Cables that are only feasible to use for indoor installations.
The riser space requires fewer fire-resistant cables as there is no air or oxygen supply in riser spaces. And that is why the riser cables are cost-effective. Cat 6 riser cable is cost-effective but only if you want to install the cable at riser spaces.
You should forbid using riser cables as a substitute for plenum cables as if they catch fire the consequences are fatal as the toxic smoke will travel through the ducts and may suffocate the environment.
Cat6 riser 1000 ft cable is good for residential and commercial needs but when you are going to install the cable for industrial applications, it is recommended to use Cat6 plenum bare copper cable. The Cat6 riser 1000ft cable is the best choice for those who are searching for quality cable at a lower price. You can check the price of Cat6 Plenum Cable and Cat6 Riser Cable for your buying needs.
Key Differences: Cat6 Plenum and Cat 6 Riser Cable
For a better understanding of the Plenum vs Riser jackets of Cat6 ethernet cable, review the table below. It will give you an idea of what category you will buy.
| Features | Cat6 Plenum Cable | Cat6 Riser Cable |
| Application | Plenum cables can be used for both horizontal and vertical shafts of the building | Riser jackets are only good for vertical shafts. Avoid using it in plenum spaces |
| Fire Safety | High fire-resistant material with LSZH properties (Low Smoke Zero Halogens) | Fire-resistant but not strictly regulated |
| Cost | ($$$$) Plenum cable is an expensive option for cabling | ($$$) Cat 6 riser cable is a cost-efficient option |
| Bending Radius | Original diameter (OD) 6.00 mm and 2.4 cm inside radius | 5.90 mm original diameter (OD) and 2.4 cm inside radius |
| Installation Temperature | -20oC to 60oC ±5oC | -10oC to 60oC ±5oC |
| Storage & Operating Temperature | -20oC to 60oC ±5oC | -10oC to 60oC ±5oC |
When You Need Plenum vs Riser Cables
There are two considerations about buying the cable jacket — residential or commercial and industrial use. What are the practices that you should follow to identify installing the right cable in a building?
Plenum Cable Needs
- If you are upgrading networking infrastructure for commercial or industrial setup, use Cat6 plenum 1000ft cable, a bulk cable to idealize the fire safety and the right need for the cable length.
- Cat6 plenum ethernet cable with copper conductor is feasible for longer-distance transmission needs. The copper will provide the best performance.
- Also, the Cat6 Plenum can be used for the vertical runs of the building to make it fireproof.
Riser Cable Needs
- Best for residential, small offices, and SMEs for getting the right speed and less fireproofing requirements.
- Budget-oriented cable and able to survive the longer lifespan due to the copper conductor inside the core.
- Only for vertical installation. Do not use Cat6 riser cable as a substitute for plenum cables.
Final Thoughts
For every bulk ethernet cable, the three types of cable jackets are most commonly practiced Plenum vs Riser are for indoor installation needs. Whereas, a direct burial jacket is for outdoor installation needs.
For different installation needs choose the right jacket and avoid using Plenum vs Riser Cat6 cables for outside installation. It will shorten the lifespan of the cable.
