When it comes to purchasing fire alarm cabling, there are a number of laws and specifications that need to be followed in order to keep your business and employees safe, especially in the case of an emergency. At Imperial Wire & Cable Co., we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the safety information that they need, along with the specialty wire and cable that they need to keep the world moving. We keep our customers up to date on the most recent information available, and we’re committed to helping you get the best price on the right fire alarm cable in bulk. Here are three of the most common questions that we receive regarding distinctions between types of fire alarm cable.
- What is Plenum rated cable? Plenum rated cable is a fire alarm cable that is required when running cable in return air spaces, like inside drop ceilings, ducts, or underneath raised floors. The materials required to pass plenum standards are much more expensive than non-plenum rated cabling, so this is a more expensive cable that meets many more safety standards than Riser cabling due to the strict material limits required to pass NEC standards.
- What is Riser rated cable? Riser rated cabling, sometimes referred to as PVC, is required when your fire alarm cable runs vertically between multi-story buildings in floor-to-floor wiring. As a general rule, Riser rated cables do not have to pass standards that are as rigorous as Plenum rated cabling, so they may be used for general purposes only. They are not suitable for use in areas considered high-risk, such as an air duct.
- What is the NEC? The NEC, or National Electric Code, is a universal resource for current code requirements, code changes, and safety standards for wiring applications. You should frequently be updating yourself on NEC standards that pertain to your area of business.
To learn the answers to all of your questions regarding wires and cables, contact us today.