Ethernet Cable Jacket Ratings and Ideal Applications

Ethernet Cable Jacket Ratings and Ideal Applications

Ethernet cable (LAN Cables )  jackets protect the internal wires, and types like PVC are for general indoor use, LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) is for high-traffic public spaces, and Plenum and Riser are required for specific installation locations within buildings to meet safety codes and prevent fire hazards, with Plenum cables used in air handling spaces and Riser cables for vertical runs within walls.

Key Ethernet Cable Jacket Types

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):

• • Characteristics: Flexible, common, and cost-effective for general indoor environments like homes and offices.

• • Limitations: Not UV-resistant, can release toxic smoke when burned, and is not suitable for high-risk areas.

LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen):

• • Characteristics: Designed to emit minimal smoke and no toxic halogen gases when exposed to fire.

• • Use: Mandatory for enclosed or high-risk public spaces, including hospitals, data centres, and airports, to prioritize human safety.

Plenum:

• • Characteristics: Made from flame-retardant materials that prevent fire spread and produce low levels of smoke.

• • Use: Essential for installation in air-handling spaces, such as HVAC ducts and under raised floors, which often require specific flame-retardant ratings.

Riser:

• • Characteristics: Contains mild fire retardants.

• • Use: For general use in vertical shafts or runs within walls of a building, as it is rated to prevent fire from spreading between floors.

Why Jacket Types Matter

• Safety & Compliance: The correct jacket type is critical for meeting local building codes and safety regulations, ensuring the cable does not contribute to fire spread or toxic smoke.
• Application Suitability: The jacket’s material determines its durability, resistance to UV light, moisture, abrasion, and its fire safety properties, dictating the environment it can be safely installed in.
• Performance: While the internal Category (Cat5e, Cat6, etc.) determines transmission performance, the jacket choice ensures the overall cable system is safe and reliable for its intended location