Plenum Fiber Optic Cable

According to the National Electric Code (NEC), a plenum is a “compartment or chamber to which one or more air ducts are connected and forms part of the air distribution system.” The plenum, or the space above an acoustical tile ceiling, would run above the other rooms in the same building, or be open to ducts connecting it to other parts of the building.

The plenum space is typically used to house the communication cables for computer and telephone networks in the building. However, use of plenum areas for cable storage poses a serious hazard in the event of a fire, because once the fire reaches the plenum space, there are few barriers to contain the smoke and flames. Material burning in a plenum air space releases smoke and fumes which can travel throughout the whole building.

In the past, burning cable had been a significant culprit in the release of toxic gasses during fires. During a fire, some of these materials can be toxic and jeopardize the safety of occupants during a fire. However, the plenum rating for cable now requires flame retardant jacket and insulation materials to mitigate this issue.

The NEC can still allow non-plenum cable, but the prevailing codes are generally the local or municipal building codes. Check with your local municipality for the current code requirements for plenum fiber or building cable in general.

Remee Plenum Fiber Optic Cable Offering

Remee designs and manufactures plenum fiber optic cable in a number of variations, such as:

• Bulk cable for vertical or horizontal runs
• Patch cord cable
• Single mode or multimode
• Simplex, duplex and breakout styles
• Indoor Cables – these cables are used only within buildings for either vertical or horizontal runs, and must have a flame retardant jacket
• Indoor/Outdoor Cables – these cables are designed to withstand the stresses and conditions of outdoor environments, but also have flame retardant jackets and can be routed indoors
• Composite cable
• Hybrid cable
• Custom cable constructions

Other Indoor Fiber Optic Cables

Remee features other indoor fiber optic cables, such as:

1. Riser rated OFNR fiber optic cable

a. Distribution fiber
b. General purpose
c. Loose Tube

2. Plenum rated OFNP fiber optic cable

a. Distribution fiber
b. General purpose

For more specific information about a non-standard fiber optic cable to meet your needs, please complete our Fiber Design Guide.