cable - what kind?

[Lynne Desrochers]

We are doing some renovations. One of my cabling quotes came back indicating they would be using Cat5e plenum. What is that? Is that what you all would recommend? Thanks in advance!

[Jeff Zylstra]

The "plenum" rated cable has to do with what it does in a fire. IE Smoke, toxicity, etc...  If any of this cable is to be run in a cold air return or something like that, then by building code, it has to be plenum rated.  Unfortunately, if you have a "drop ceiling", that can be considered a cold air return and you'll need to use the plenum rated wire.


http://www.l-com.com/content/FAQ.aspx?Type=FAQ&ID=4838

[Orlando Alonzo]

I believe the plenum portion refers to the outside housing of the cable. Makes the cable tougher for pulling through in commercial spaces. Cat5e is fine. I'm just curious why not Cat6?

[Lynne Desrochers]

I don't know why not Cat6? Is that what all of you would use now? Thanks!

[Bloody Jack Kidd]

Cat5e will do GBit - but I'd think most new installs are Cat 6.  As Jeff noted, plenum is for code compliance when it comes to fires.

[Billy Welsh]

Check with your landlord (if you have one) on the plenum.  In a typical office building with dropped ceilings it is required.

And CAT 6 is now considered the standard - usually not much price difference these days from 5e.

[Jeff Zylstra]

A quick check on the internet says that for 1,000 of cable, the price difference is about $75.  I would go with CAT 6, since it "future proofs" you to whatever extent that is possible.  

[Hans Manhave]

The longer your run, the more it will matter if you have the Cat5e or Cat6 when you are running 1Gb.  I have been told that devices may connect with Cat5e and form a 1Gb connection, but that such connection will be subpar as compared to Cat6.

[Lynne Desrochers]

Thanks everyone! You have another satisfied customer!