You have new quote information. View My Dashboard ×
Customer #:
Ship To: {{vm.session.shipTo.lastName}} {{vm.session.shipTo.firstName}},
Change Customer/Ship To
Allied University
pleneum wire

What is Plenum Wire and Plenum Cable?

Plenum wire and plenum cable are rated for use in a building's plenum space, where strict fire safety standards apply.

These cables are specifically engineered for installation in plenum spaces—areas that handle air circulation in commercial and residential buildings. Plenum wire is commonly used for:

  • Communication systems (data and voice)
  • HVAC control circuits
  • Fire alarm and security wiring

Plenum-rated products meet flame-resistance and low-toxicity smoke standards. The outer jacket is typically made with flame-retardant materials such as PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) Non-Stick Resin or low-smoke PVC, which helps prevent the release of toxic fumes during a fire. This makes them compliant with many building codes and safety regulations.

What is Plenum Space?

Plenum space is the area in a building used for air circulation, often located above ceilings or below raised floors.

In commercial construction, a plenum space is any area that facilitates airflow for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These spaces are typically found:

  • Between the structural ceiling and drop ceiling
  • Under raised flooring systems

Because these areas circulate return or conditioned air, they are subject to stricter fire codes. Any wire or cable installed in a plenum space must comply with flame-retardant and low-toxicity standards—making plenum-rated cables a legal requirement in many jurisdictions.

Why is Plenum Cable and Wire Used?

Plenum cable is used to meet building codes that require flame resistance and low smoke emission in air-handling spaces.

Plenum-rated cable is a fire safety requirement in many commercial buildings. It's coated with flame-retardant materials, most commonly PTFE (Non-Stick Resin) or low-smoke PVC, to reduce the risk of toxic smoke and fire spread.

Key reasons for using plenum wire:

  • Meets legal codes in plenum airspaces
  • Reduces toxic smoke and emissions during fire
  • Limits flame spread in critical HVAC and communication zones

However, it's important to note:

  • Plenum cable is more expensive than non-plenum alternatives
  • It is stiffer and less flexible, making installation more difficult

While the upfront cost is higher, using the correct plenum-rated cable is essential for compliance, safety, and liability protection in fire-prone areas.

Which Cables are Made in a Plenum Version?

Twisted-pair and coaxial cables are commonly manufactured in plenum-rated versions for safe installation in air-handling spaces.

Plenum cable is available across several cable types, including:

  • Twisted-pair cables (e.g., Cat5e, Cat6)
  • Coaxial cables
  • Low-voltage communication wire
  • Fire alarm and security wire

Plenum versions are typically jacketed in:

  • PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
  • PVC with flame-retardant properties

These materials meet strict fire safety standards while maintaining signal integrity.

Trusted Supplier for Plenum-Rated Cable

Allied Wire & Cable offers a wide selection of plenum-rated wire and cable products engineered to meet national fire codes and commercial specifications. Browse our inventory or contact our team for custom orders and compliance support.

➡️ Shop Plenum Wire & Cable at AWC or request a quote today.

Related Articles