I was getting ready to install some additional Cat 5e and Cat 3 cables at a local church. They are also in the process of upgrading their sound system, which includes building a new sound booth. Portions of the project are being inspected, so it is especially important that we all stick to code requirements.

The contractor installing the new cabling for the sound system mentioned to me that I should not be running PVC wire in the attic over the suspended ceiling of the main meeting room. He said new NEC requirements call for Plenum-rated CL3 cable (new improved heat tolerance?), and because I was not in conduit, this situation called for it. He said it was no different than running it exposed inside the room.

The material for the ceiling is sheetrock, suspended by wires, similar (only much larger) to those used for T-Bar. The ceiling space is not a true plenum. All HVAC is ducted, not using the ceiling space as a duct.

Am I missing something here? Is there something new I don't know about? Is there a stricter requirement because this ceiling is over a high occupancy (1200 person) room? I would be hanging the cable with cable hangers, so I was never planning to have cable laying directly on the ceiling. I was confused by what he said. Unless there is a local requirement, does anyone know of any other requirement to use Plenum, or specifically Plenum CL3 cable in a non-plenum ceiling space?

Thanks!

Check your local building codes!

Nothing in the NEC 2002 about having to install plenium unless you are in a plenium raceway. all thats for is the nylon when it catches fire does not kill you with the gas it puts off. I would check local codes but I think this guy is pulling your leg.

As the others have stated, "check with your local inspector".
Local codes prevail, and a lot of them are really stupid!
We have a suburb that wants plenum cable even in conduit.


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Don't get me started!

As all have stated. Call the local inpectors office. Plenum cable is designed to not "kill" people in other parts of the building not affected by the fire. When in doubt or if there is any question, pull plenum. Think of the few cents more a foot as a liabilty insurance.

I'm trying to get the boss to try and go 100% plenum on all standard 4 pair cable.

Only cable i carry is Plenum. Don't have to worry about it.

OhioTelecom
Man how much money are you wasting every year on wire or what kida deal do you get?

If the cost can be passed on to the customer, and you can still make money, and you are able to sell the idea of plenum-only to customers, then more power to you. I would think you have to be a pretty good salesperson to do very well with that though. Then again, maybe the new regulations do the selling for you!

If a few hundred "wasted" dollars saves a life, then so be it. In my area most of the new buildings going up are plenum rated. Grant it PVC is cheaper, but it saves so much valuable room on my truck and warehouse not having to stock various types of cable. Actually the only cable we stock is Cat5e plenum, for the normal day to day stuff. Obviously on new builds that dont require plenum we go with PVC.

[This message has been edited by OhioTelecom (edited November 28, 2004).]