The Common Jacket Types Popular in Market

The world of networking cables is so diverse that there are various amounts of networking cables available in the market, and with each networking cable comes the numerous amounts of jacket types. According to that, I have decided to present the different jacket types to clarify the confusion between the different jackets.

First of all, a jacket is the outer sheath of the cable that protects the wire and the cable core from the different issues revolving around moisture, mechanical, flame, and chemical. Out of the numerous jacket types, the most commonly bought jacket types are CMP and CMR, also known as Plenum and Riser.

The Most Common Ethernet Cable Jackets

Fact: CMP is the only jacket type that is permitted in the Plenum Spaces

CMP denotes Communications, Plenum and is one of two top networking cable jackets for its fire strict properties which gives only this cable a permit to be used in the plenum spaces (construction spaces of the building i.e. air vents raised floors) of the building. CMP itself can replace any other jacket type and no other jacket type can fulfill the requirements of a CMP jacket type!

Fact: CMP can satisfy all of the other jacket types requirements; hence, it can replace any jacket type

CMR denotes Communications, Riser and is the second of the two top networking cable jackets which are used mostly in a the vertical setting, connecting the different floors of the building and sometimes in a horizontal setting from room to room if only the cable doesn’t pass the plenum space. This jacket type can be used instead of CL3R, CL2R, CATVR, CM, CMG, CL3, CL2, CATV, CMX, CL2X, CL3X,  and CATVX;  and just like for the other cables, CMP can replace this jacket too.

CM or CMG denotes Communications and are most commonly used as a commercial-grade communication cable which can substitute CL3, CL2, CATV, CL3X, CL2X, and CATVX. This cable is in-wall rated and is permitted for the usage of only 1 to 2 family residential riser applications.

CMX denotes Communications, Residential and is a residential grade jacket type. Such cables with this jacket type are limited to residential purposes or for other smaller applications where a very little amount of cables are used.

Cable TV Jacket Types for Video Cables (Community Antenna Television and Radio)

CATVP denotes Cable TV, Plenum and is the highest in the hierarchy. It befalls the category of Community Antenna Television and Radio Distribution Cables and can be used instead of any other cable in this category: CATVR, CATV, and CATVX.

CATVR denotes Cable TV, Riser and can be substituted for CATV, CATVX. Alongside CMP, CATVP and CMR can also satisfy the requirements of this cable.

CATV denotes Cable TV and can be substituted for CATVX. Alongside CMP, CATVP, CMR, CATVR, CM, and CMG can also satisfy the requirements of this cable.

CATVX denotes Cable TV, Residential where “X” is a residential suffix and this cable cannot be substituted for any jacket. Alongside CMP, CMP, CATVP, CMR, CATVR, CM, CMG, CATV, and CMX can also satisfy the requirements of this cable.

In a Plenum, the the cable must be rated CATVP; CMP, being higher rated, is a permitted substitution as well.

In a Riser, the requirements are a bit different.

For Riser: In one or two-family dwellings, CATV or CATVX may be used or any of the higher-rated substitutions: CM, CMG, CMR, CMP, CATVR, and CATVP. In a commercial building or multifamily dwelling, any of those cables are permitted if they are installed in metal raceways or located in a fireproof shaft having fire-stops at each floor. In those commercial buildings or multifamily dwellings, where there is no raceway or fire shaft, if the vertical run of the cable penetrates more than one floor, CATVR must be used or any of the substitutes: CMR, CMP, or CATVP.

Hierarchy of Video Cables

1. CATVP / Cable TV, Plenum
2. CATVR / Cable TV, Riser
3. CATV / Cable TV
4. CATVX / Cable TV, Residential

Class Jacket Types for Audio Interconnects and Speaker Wires

Class jacket types fall under the category of Audio Interconnects and Speaker Wires, and these jacket types exhume whether they can be installed in-wall or in other specific setting.

CL2 and CL3 are the only current Classes that are most commonly used today and they are referred to as Class 2 and Class 3. These classes are always suitable for in-wall installation but most of the times there is a suffix after the number that makes us wonder whether this change will be suitable for in-wall installation now? Well, it’s a maybe depending on the suffix.

CL2 and CL3 cables are typically used for low-voltage applications other than power or communications; such as speakers, audio/video signals, or computer data. These cables are designed to provide protection from both fire and electric shock. CL2 circuits are limited to up to 100VA of power at 30V, and up to 0.5VA between 30V and 150V. CL3 circuits can provide up to 100VA of power up to 150V. For most applications, CL3 cables can be installed in CL2 circuits, but CL2 cables cannot be used for CL3 circuits.

For now, CL3 can be substituted for CL2, CL3X, and CL2X. Alongside CMP, CL3P, CMR, CL3R, CM, and CMG can also satisfy the requirements of this cable. On the other hand, CL2 can be substituted for CL2X. Alongside CMP, CL3P, CL2P, CMR, CL3R, CL2R, CM, CMG, and CL3 can also satisfy the requirements of this cable.

Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 are for Remote-Control, Signaling, and Power-Limited Circuits.

CL3P denotes Class 3, Plenum and it is suitable for in-wall installation and so does CL2P denoting Class 2, Plenum. The prior of the two, because of belonging from the higher class, can be substituted for CL2P, CL3R, CL2R, CL3, CL2, CL2X, CL3X; whereas the latter of the to can only be a substitute for CL2R, CL2, CL2X. Alongside CMP, CL3P can also satisfy the requirements of CL2P.

CL3R denotes Class 3, Riser and as with the case of CL3P, this is also suitable for in-wall installation and the same goes for CL2R denoting Class 2, Riser. Where CL3R can be substituted for CL2R, CL3, CL2, CL3X, and CL2X, CL2R can be substituted for CL2 and CL2X. Alongside CMP, CL3P and CMR can also satisfy the requirements of CL3R; and CL3P, CMR, and CL3R can also satisfy the requirements of CL2R.

CL3X and CL2X denotes Class 3, Residential and Class 2, Residential, respectively; where the suffix “X” is a residential suffix signifying a lower grade than the plain jacket of the Class itself. Although CL2X and CL3X may be installed in raceways, but if they are under 1⁄4 inch diameter, they may only be installed in a 1 to 2 family a residential dwelling without a raceway.

In this, CL3X can be substituted for CL2X. Alongside CMP, CL3P, CMR, CL3R, CM, CMG, CL3, and CMX can also satisfy the requirements of this cable. As for CL2X, it cannot be substituted for any jacket. Alongside CMP, CMP, CL3P, CL2P, CMR, CL3R, CL2R, CM, CMG, CL3, CL2, CMX, and CL3X can also satisfy the requirements of this cable.

In a Plenum, CL2P or CL3P are required, and CMP is a permitted substitution.

In a Riser, it’s a bit different solution.

For Riser: If you’re in a single or two-family dwelling, CL2, CL3, CL2X, and CL3X may be used. In a commercial building or multifamily dwelling, any of those cables are permitted if they are installed in metal raceways or located in a fireproof shaft having fire-stops at each floor. In those commercial buildings or multifamily dwellings, where there is no raceway or fireproof shaft, if the vertical run of the cable penetrates more then one floor, CL2R or CL3R must be used or any of these substitutes: CMR, CMP, CL2P, or CL3P.

Hierarchy of Class Jacket Types

Class 3

1. CL3P / Class 3, Plenum
2. CL3R / Class 3, Riser
3. CL3 / Class 3
4. CL3X / Class 3, Residential

Class 2

1. CL2P / Class 2, Plenum
2. CL2R / Class 2, Riser
3. CL2 / Class 2
4. CL2X / Class 2, Residential

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What is the difference in AWG of CAT6 and CAT6a Plenum?

CAT6 Plenum cable is the standard for the sixth generation of twisted pair networking where it provides a spectacular result in the field of performance and speed. The reason behind it is, of course, the massive data transmission speed of 10 Gbps over a 100 meters wired network and the noise ratio is also reduced as compared to the previous categories with a performance frequency that can go up to 550 MHz.

Cat6 Plenum Cable

Contrary to Category 6, Category 6’s augmented - the advanced version - provides does even more in the sense of noise cancellation by providing a performance frequency of up to 850 MHz. This improvement in the bandwidth, signal-to-noise ratio, and crosstalk guarantees better broadcasting in the presence of any interference in the surrounding.

About American Wire Gauge
AWG is inversely related to the wire diameter, meaning the smaller the gauge, the larger the diameter of the wire. The large diameter of the wire means less electrical resistance for the signal it carries. Copper network cables with a smaller gauge are available in longer lengths because they allow signals to travel further, by offering less resistance. Also, less resistance means it’ll generate less heat.

What AWG is in Category 6 and 6a Plenum?
Category 6 consists of 22 to 24 American Wire Gauge, meaning the width of the wire would be a bit fatter than its predecessor. Contrary to this, the width of the wire of Category 6a cable would be even faster than the predecessor of the same category, as it is a 16 to 20 American Wire Gauge. This is one of the ways you can identify between the two wires - the width. Note that both these cables use the same connector of RJ45, just like the predecessor.

Cat6a Plenum Cable

What is the Plenum Jacket Type?
Just like Category 6 Standard, CAT6a Plenum Cable also comes in many variants of jacket types and the most common jacket type is Plenum. This is the reason you should know what is the difference between Plenum and non-Plenum cable so you can use them in a suitable setting.
Plenum jacket type is used in the plenum setting, which is the horizontal setting in the building and could be a viable host to heat such as air vents and raised up floors. In such places, it is recommended to use this jacket type as it has extra protection from heat and thus it protects from damage from fire - further saving from threatening causes like toxic gasses and visible smoke that can get out from the burning of the cable.
Therefore, if you are not installing the networking cable in the vertical setting then Plenum is recommended - otherwise, you might use non-Plenum cables.

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What’s new in CAT6 & CAT6a Plenums?

CAT6 Plenum is the sixth generation of networking cables with capabilities far beyond the time of its introduction in 2002. The specifications of this category were truly futuristics with its instinctive approach towards the next generation.

It won’t be wrong if we say that this cable saw the future and adapted it because 10 gigabytes of data transfer speed over the course of 100 meters and at the time when even internet was finding its way towards the surface was truly phenomenal.

Before we truly delve inside these two cables, it's better to understand the jacket type as well. In this scenario, Plenum is the jacket type of these two cables. The word plenum comes from the plenum space concept which is basically spaces that are meant for heat and cold air to pass through them, these spaces mostly include the air vents.

Now, the cables when putting in such spaces can be harmful to the environment for the very reason that they are less protective of the heat and hence can burn and produce visible smoke and toxic gasses. With such cases to be of an issue, there came plenum cables. These cables with their fire strict properties protect the environment.

Category 6’s Standard Plenum is one of the top 3 networking cables in the world right now and the very reason behind it is that they are very effective and are useful for a long term cycle. The specifications for this cable is a speed of 10 gigabytes that can travel the course of 100 meters giving the performance of up to 550 MHz.

CAT6a Plenum is the augmented type of Category 6. What’s different with its advance competitor per se, is the performance frequency. Although the speed of both these cables, standard and ‘augmented’, are similar, the difference in frequency is the real deal in the considerations of the consumers. This category’s augmented plenum gives a high bargain with a frequency of up to 850 MHz.

The real question is what’s new and if we compare these specifications to the predecessors we can easily determine that the predecessor lacked in speed where we are getting a speed of 10 gigs, the predecessor gave only 1 gig and also in the frequency department with twice to thrice as much frequency than the predecessor.

Hence, this is the very reason why these two networking cables are two of the top three networking cables in the market today and why they are really known to be the futuristic ethernet networking cables.

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What is CAT6 Plenum Cable?

CAT6 Plenum Cable is one of the most distinguished and futuristic cables that was introduced in 2002 and took the networking world by surprise by it’s faster than ever data transfer speed and a massive improvement on the lines of the performance frequency.

Category 6 is the sixth generation of networking cable and it is often referred to as the futuristic type of cable since its introduction in 2002. The reason behind that reference is its specifications that provide better quality and experience.

The specifications of Category 6 Standard Plenum Cable includes a data transfer speed of 10 ten times that of its predecessor, a speed of 10 gigabytes for a long haul of 100 meters and a frequency which provides a performance twice as much of up to 550 MHz.

This networking cable contains four pairs of wire and uses all four pairs for the purpose of signaling to obtain a high level of performance. Another important fact to consider is that the end the connector of this networking cable is the same, RJ-45 standard, as the previous generations of Ethernet cable.

Furthermore, the jacket type of networking cable is a very important aspect to focus on as well. There are two types of jackets that are folded onto the networking cable: Plenum and Non-Plenum. There are various other types further along the lines of non-plenum cables such as Riser, PVC, etc but the main jacket type that is taking over at the current moment is the Plenum.

Plenum has a very important task to perform and it is better understood under the shade of a concept known as the plenum space concept. Plenum space is any space inside the building that isn’t for human occupancy and is a breathing zone of heat such as the air vents, the raised floors for wired connections, etc.

These spaces can damage the cable by burning it and hence it can result as a harmful thing for the environment and the people. The reason behind which are the toxic gasses and visible smoke that is produced by the burning of the cable. Breathing in such gasses can make you sick and the fire hazard can corrode the building.

To deal with this problem, plenum jackets on the cables were introduced. This jacket type has fire strict properties to protect the cable from burning. This is the reason why this jacket type is getting more and more common.

Another thing to look into is that you can’t replace plenum cables with non-plenum cables but you can replace non-plenum cables with plenum cables. According to law, you can’t use non-plenum cables in plenum spaces or else you’ll be violating the law. This is because of the very reason of how dangerous it can get.

The uses of CAT6 Cable are a lot as it’s a massive upgrade even if we just compare it to its one down predecessor. This massive speed of 10 gigabytes can offer you a faster sharing of files, as well as a faster LAN connection and it can do much more. It is known as a multimedia cable as well, because of the reason that you can share videos, pictures, audio in a much shorter time.

In short, Category 6 Plenum is a safer, faster, and a better networking cable by a long shot. It is because of this reason why this networking cable is known as one of the top three networking cables in the world.

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Solid Cable vs. Solid Copper vs. Solid Copper UL

Patch, Cord and Ethernet cables fall into many categories. They all serve the purpose of linking up computing devices to construct a network. They are important components of any internet-bound system as data is transmitted over these precious but apparently very minor looking entities.

A cable streamlines the process of communication. Stronger connections between peers largely depend upon the type and quality of the cable. We will be discussing some of the salient features of three types of cables to ease out the task of a digital user and that of network developers.

CCA

The term CCA stands for Copper Clad Aluminum cable and also called Solid Cables. Solid cables are composed of two primary metals that are Copper and Aluminum. Copper forms an exterior sheath of insulation and supports the structure of the cable. Aluminum conducts electrical impulse and lies beneath the surface of Copper.

These cables have the following advantages over its competitors:

Lighter in weight:

Copper Clad Aluminum cables are lighter in weight in comparison to other series of interconnecting devices. This is a huge plus and bonus because they are easy to handle and can be transported over long distances with ease. Additionally, they won’t create much of a hassle during the process of construction of a network.

Saves money:

Sometimes the owners of the networks are too conservative in dealing with monetary issues of an organization. As network cables are considered lesser in value and essence in comparison to other computing apparatus, the owner naturally desists from spending much on cables. They became an optimum choice in such cases because it is less expensive in comparison to most of the other series of interconnecting devices.

Cat5e Solid Cables / Cat6 Solid cables do transmit data and electrical signals in a network but there are some of the negative aspects which must be considered before opting for them.

Overheating:

They can heat up easily once they are spread out over longer distances. They can handle the pressure up to a certain length, which in most cases is around 100 meters, but will give eventually during longer journeys. So there is every chance of data loss.

Less flexible:

They are vulnerable to damage once they are bent or twisted beyond certain limits. This exerts an extra amount of pressure on the user as he has to be over-conscious when handling CCA cable.

BARE COPPER

Bare Copper wires use pure copper to transmit data, sometimes the word Solid Copper Cable is also used. Solid Copper wires consist of a single strand of Copper to conduct data. Stranded Copper wire more than one strands of Copper which can be twisted depending upon the needs and requirements of the network.

Pure Copper cables have advantages which makes them a useful choice in constructing a network:

Ductility:

Copper cables are highly ductile which means it won’t deform under stress or application of force.

Conductivity:

Copper is a very good conductor and won’t easily heat up or degenerate. The chances of data losses are minimal with its use.

Disadvantages:

One of the most important disadvantages associated with the use of Copper wires is that it will corrode over a certain period of time. Copper is chemically active and reacts with atmospheric oxygen to form an oxide of iron which streamlines the process of rusting.

BARE COPPER UL

UL is a certification which approves a device for most convenient use. Underwriter Laboratories (UL) have listed down certain standards (parameters) to analyze the quality and productivity of a device.

UL certified Bare Copper Cables are ductile, tensile, electrically charged up, more explicit, sustainable, cost-effective, affirmative and supportive to accommodate multidimensional and massively built organizations and networks.

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