Quick question about plenum cable and conduit.

[cymon]

Hi, I'm currently working on a medium-sized network install. I'm wondering if plenum-rated cable is required if all of the runs are totally enclosed in conduit. I'm going to have some runs passing through a drop ceiling, however, I'd like to put the runs in conduit since this is a laboratory building and I want to have them protected.

 

[dashpuppy]

Hi, I'm currently working on a medium-sized network install. I'm wondering if plenum-rated cable is required if all of the runs are totally enclosed in conduit. I'm going to have some runs passing through a drop ceiling, however, I'd like to put the runs in conduit since this is a laboratory building and I want to have them protected.

Hope you are pulling all the cable at one time through that conduit. Your on the right track for protection, is it plastic or metal ? How many cables are going through it ? How long is the run ?

 

[k1pp3r]

I guess the first question is are you licensed to do this work. and the second question is, are you required to be licensed in your state to do this work

 

[dashpuppy]

I guess the first question is are you licensed to do this work. and the second question is, are you required to be licensed in your state to do this work

sounds like a dick head question, HOWEVER it is very very very good one. he also didn't state if he is doing it at home or for a business. If it's for a business, make sure you are licensed and have insurance.

J'

 

[B1zz]

to flat out answer the question, per spec: plenum rated cable is only required when the cable(whether in conduit of any type or not) lies in a space or duct that carries/passes air. (thus the name "plenum")

so if it's just being pulled above a drop ceiling and the air is ducted and not actually being pushed thru the ceiling as if it were duct work, then no, plenum is not needed. safer bet to use? sure.

edit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plenum_cable

pretty good diagrams and explanation there.

 

[dashpuppy]

edit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plenum_cable

pretty good diagrams and explanation there.

More information, thanks

 

[k1pp3r]

sounds like a dick head question, HOWEVER it is very very very good one. he also didn't state if he is doing it at home or for a business. If it's for a business, make sure you are licensed and have insurance.

J'

Oh it was a dick head question no doubt lol. But it is very important, in addition, some buildings REQUIRE you to use union labor for cable work

 

[Adam]

Your actually better asking your fire inspector in your area these questions... it varies with each place and each county. Here in NY Suffolk County fire laws are different then nassau county and way different then the NYC laws...

 

[ghost6303]

so if it's just being pulled above a drop ceiling and the air is ducted and not actually being pushed thru the ceiling as if it were duct work, then no, plenum is not needed.

this is actually not true, atleast not in my area.

where i am, the building code says that any area that is capable of ducting air, which includes drop ceilings, especially those that span more then one room in width, and wall spaces that span more then one floor in height, need plenum rated cable. you need to check your local building code to be sure.

 

[jeffmoss26]

...you need to check your local building code to be sure.

Quoted for truth. In many cities, mine included, you have to run plenum anywhere in a business...I suppose if the run was totally in conduit, you wouldn't need plenum cable...but I feel like that would get pretty expensive.