Why and When To Use Riser Rated Cables

Riser Cabling (Introduction)

NEC's Riser-Rated Cables are designated as CMR. It is one such cabling solution that satisfies all of the installation's fundamental fire resistance requirements.

The HVAC system is an excellent illustration of this. It employs a ducted-return layout due to the presence of some independent ducts. Apart from using the entire space right above the central drop ceiling, their primary role is to recirculate air into the system. 

It may assist you in preventing smoke or harmful gases from spreading throughout the HVAC system. When comparing the primary differences between riser-rated cable and plenum, pricing is the most crucial factor to consider. In addition, if you're using it for the first time, you should be aware of the amount of smoke produced if you burn it. Compared to riser-rated cables, plenum cables have higher fire resistance, minimizing fire risk from the structure.

When Should Riser-Rated Cables Be Used?

In most building codes, only bulk riser cables are allowed to be used in the air ducts. However, when it comes to public venues like schools, airports, hospitals, and cities, riser-rated cables' need for and usefulness is apparent.

As a result, the most frequent Riser-Rated Cables run beneath the drop ceiling and those that run beneath the floor. Most commercial buildings with HVAC systems will have air ducts supplying air from the outside HVAC unit to the structure's interior. On the other hand, the return air will circulate throughout the central open space, which is above the drop ceiling. As a result, it will be designated as a plenum space.

All of these areas are critical for air circulation. However, because of the faster rate of airflow, they are providing a significant fire hazard. If you use a plastic cable for this space, the fire will spread significantly faster, resulting in dense hazardous smoke being distributed throughout the main building.

The primary objective of these bulk riser cables is to prevent the fire from spreading along the main cable and into the entire building. It is where the use of Riser-Rated Cables comes into play.

What are the benefits of Riser-Rated Cables?

The outside jacket of Riser-Rated Cables is constructed of a fire-resistant substance such as Teflon. Its primary goal is to prevent the fire from spreading ultimately. When a fire hazard occurs, Riser-Rated Cables are manufactured solely to: Add some constraints on flame propagation at a distance of five feet.

Limit the amount of toxic smoke that is released. Self-extinguishing is a term used to describe a substance that is capable of Cable Jacket Material.

Cat6 riser cable is made of low-quality PVC, which is likely to discharge hazardous chemicals or dense smoke. As a result, there's a chance you'll inhale some toxic fumes from the fire. As a result, it can operate at temperatures ranging from 0 to 70 degrees Celsius.

When it comes to Cat6 riser cable, it's important to note that it's made of high-quality PVC that produces little smoke and has outstanding electrical qualities. In addition, you'll notice that it adds up to some chemical resistance. It even emits some less hazardous smoke from the fire. It operates at temperatures ranging from -25 to 125 degrees Celsius.

Safety Requirements

Both Cat6a riser cable and plenum cables, on the other hand, fulfill a variety of safety criteria that differ from one another. They function as Underwriter Laboratories certified copper cables, ensuring that they are 100 percent robust copper cables. However, the distinction is that Cat6a riser cable will meet some of the UL1666's fundamental safety standards, which are a bit linear.

Cat6 plenum cable, on the other hand, frequently fulfills some of the most basic safety standards of the UL910, which is known as the strictest kind of safety standard. It is the fundamental reason why, in comparison to Cat6 riser cable, the demand for Cat6 plenum cable is much higher nowadays. These Cat6 plenum cables can be used to replace Cat6 riser cable in most situations. It's impossible to undo.

Conclusion:

The majority of consumers prefer plenum cables due to their sophisticated features. However, when it comes to outside use, the most popular method is to use a riser cable. Because harsh weather conditions can easily damage the cable, it's always better to choose the cheapest alternative, which is riser-rated cable.