How do I know if a wire is plenum rated?

How do I know if a wire is plenum rated?

Look for CMP(means Communications Plenum Cable) ,CL3P(Shielded Multi-Conductor Plenum Security Cable) , or CL2P(Class 2 plenum cable ) marked on the cable. Plenum cable is covered with a fire proof plastic layer of either a low-smoke polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a fluorinated ethylene polymer (FEP).

How do you identify a plenum ceiling?

A plenum ceiling is one that uses the space between the top of the suspended ceiling and the bottom of the floor above to handle air for ventilation. All suspended ceilings are not plenums; some may use HVAC ductwork to move air to returns and diffusers located in the ceiling tiles (a ‘dead’ ceiling).

Which wire type can you run in a plenum?

Plenum cables are coated with flame retardant and made using special plastics that don’t smoke nearly as much as other plastics to help prevent this problem. Any cable that you run through plenum spaces must be plenum rated, even wiring used for information transfer, like Cat5 wiring.

What do Romex numbers mean?

Romex will be labeled with “12-2” or “12-3”. The first number indicates the gauge of the wire. You choices are typically 10, 12, or 14 gauge. The second number indicates the number of conductors. A 12-2 Romex will have a black(hot) and a white(neutral) wire as well as an unsheathed copper wire for ground.

What is Fplp wire?

3) FPLP which is a power limited plenum cable and they are recognized by the NEC for use in air ducts and plenum spaces and any other space that is used for the flow of environmental air. All FPLP cables are listed as having adequate fire-resistant and low-smoke-producing characteristics as well.

What is Type FPL wire?

FPL (Fire Power Limited) Fire Alarm Cable is non-plenum rated for use in general purpose fire alarm installation. FPLP (Fire Power Limited Plenum) Plenum Fire Alarm Cable is used in horizontal overhead installations such as, duct work or other space that is used for the flow of environmental air.