Cat6a Ethernet cable comes in several different types, each with its own special use cases. The major types of this cable are the Cat6a plenum and Cat6a riser 1000ft. Understanding the differences between the cable types will help you determine which type is best for your application so that you don’t waste time and money on Ethernet cable that doesn’t fit your specific needs. This blog explores the different types of Cat6a cable and when to use them. Read on to find out more.
Types of Cat6a Ethernet cable
Cat6a plenum 1000ft is used to run cables in ceilings, walls, or floors that are used for heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning systems. Cat 6a riser cable can be installed on the floor from the ground up through a building’s ceiling structure. The difference between these two types of ethernet cable is that Cat 6a plenum ethernet cable has a higher fire rating.
Differences Between Plenum And Riser Cables
Plenum cables are made with a fire-retardant material, which prevents them from emitting toxic fumes or smoke when they burn. They are typically used in areas that have the potential for fires like data centers, server rooms, or warehouses. Riser cables are made with non-fire retardant materials, which means that if they catch on fire, they will emit toxic fumes or smoke. They are typically used in places like offices where there is no risk of fires.
Difference Between Cat6a Plenum And Riser Ethernet Cable?
The main difference between the Cat6a plenum cable and the riser ethernet cable is that Cat6a plenum 1000ft is for plenum spaces, while the riser ethernet cable is for both the plenum space as well as the general area.
The additional shielding on the Cat 6a plenum design ensures it won’t interfere with other cables or electronics; the lack of this shielding on a standard ethernet cable could lead to interference.
Which Cat6a Cable To Use: Riser or Plenum
You may be wondering whether to use the Cat6a plenum or the Cat6a riser 1000ft. That’s a good question! There are many reasons you might need ethernet cable in your home, office, or building. From the cables’ labels, you can tell that the Cat6a riser is meant for use on open ceilings, and the Cat6a plenum is meant for use in enclosed spaces like walls or floors.
The difference between these types of cable has to do with how much the cables can handle in terms of heat. As an example, say you have an open-concept design for your office space with no ceiling or air conditioning.
Is Cat6a Plenum better than Cat6a Riser 1000ft?
The biggest difference between the plenum and riser cable is the jacket. Plenum-rated cables are designed with a fire-retardant material that will not ignite if exposed to extreme heat. This makes them ideal for use in air return ducts, which often can be found inside commercial buildings.
Riser cables, on the other hand, do not have this insulating material. Instead, they are coated with a flame-resistant substance called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This makes them perfect for use in office environments where there is less risk of fire accidents.
How do I Know if my cable is Plenum-rated?
You will know that your cable is plenum-rated because it will be labeled as such. The cables are also usually orange in color, which makes them easy to spot if they’re near other cables. However, this is not always the case as some manufacturers may use colors other than orange for their plenum-rated cables. If you are unsure about the rating of a cable or want to test it yourself, you can do so with a flame test. For this method, you will need two things: a lighter or match (or something else that can produce an open flame) and a strip of paper that is long enough to wrap around the entire length of the cable in question.
Is Cat6 better than Cat6a Cables?
Some people may be wondering if Cat6 is better than the Cat6a cable. The answer is not as simple as a yes or no. It all depends on the installation and what you’re trying to achieve in your network. For example, Cat6a cables can handle up to 10 GBit/s over 100 meters, while Cat6 Ethernet cable can only handle 1 GBit/s at the same distance.
That being said, some installations may need the fast data transfer speeds that Cat6a offers, so it’s best to research what your needs are before deciding which cable you should use for your installation.
Which Type Of Ethernet Cable To Choose?
The type of ethernet cable you choose depends on the environment in which you will use it. There are two main categories: plenum ethernet cables and riser ethernet cables. Plenum cables are typically for office buildings or other commercial settings because they don’t produce toxic smoke if they catch fire.
Riser ethernet cables can be used outside or wherever there is a chance that the cable could get wet or damaged. Additionally, riser cables emit toxic smoke should they catch fire so they must not be installed in indoor open spaces. But in indoor enclosed spaces such as walls, elevator shafts, etc, you can use them.
Conclusion
In short, the difference between these two types of ethernet cable is that Cat6a plenum 1000ft cable has a higher fire rating as compared to the riser. Moreover, Cat6a plenum ethernet cable runs in ceilings, walls, or floors that are used for heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning systems. Whereas the Cat6a riser 1000ft runs in indoor enclosed spaces and outdoors.
