CL4P & CL4Z Power Cables: Latest Updates on UL 1400-2 Compliance

Summary: Power cables are essential for safe and efficient power distribution, and with evolving standards, staying updated on industry regulations is critical. The latest updates to UL 1400-2 requirements impact CL4P and CL4Z-rated cables, ensuring better performance and safety. Remee Wire & Cable continues to lead the way in compliant and high-performance solutions. In this article, we explore these updates, their significance, and how Remee Products meet the latest standards.

Did you know that improper power cable selection can lead to electrical failures and safety hazards? As NEC standards evolve, ensuring compliance with CL4P and CL4Z ratings is crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and reliability in cabling systems.

Remee Wire & Cable has proactively adapted to these changes, offering high-quality PowerPipe™ distribution cables as part of their line of Activate™ powered cable solutions that meet the latest requirements. Understanding these updates will help businesses and installers choose the right cables for various applications while ensuring compliance with industry standards.

What Are CL4P and CL4Z Rated Cables?

Class 4 (CL4) fault-managed power cables are designed for 450V applications, providing reliable performance in critical environments. The two primary categories include:

• CL4P (Plenum-Rated):

This rating indicates that the cable is suitable for use in plenum spaces. Plenum spaces are areas used for environmental air circulation, such as above suspended ceilings or under raised floors. Cables installed in these spaces must meet stringent fire safety requirements to limit the spread of fire and smoke. CL4P-rated cables are designed with materials that produce low smoke and low flame spread, making them safe for plenum environments.

• CL4Z (Zero-Halogen Rated):

This rating signifies that the cable is suitable for use in riser applications. Risers are vertical pathways that run between floors in a building. Like plenum spaces, riser pathways can facilitate the spread of fire and smoke. CL4Z-rated cables are designed to prevent the propagation of fire from one floor to another, ensuring safety in multi-story buildings.

Understanding UL 1400-2

UL 1400-2, published in January 2022, outlines rigorous safety and performance criteria for Class 4 cables used in fault-managed power systems. Unlike Class 2 and 3 cables, Class 4 systems support higher voltages (up to 450V) and integrate real-time fault detection to shut off power during emergencies.

Key UL 1400-2 Requirements for Power Cables:

• Voltage Tolerance:

Rated for 450V, with thicker insulation or advanced “thin-wall” designs.

• Safety Testing:

Includes crush resistance, dielectric withstand, and flame exposure tests.

• Installation Flexibility:

Approved for plenum (CL4P), riser (CL4R), and general-purpose (CL4) use indoors, outdoors, or in direct burial.

• Current Ratings:

Cables with 18–24 AWG conductors must pass heating tests and display FMP-XXA markings.

If you have questions about choosing the right CL4P and CL4Z-rated cables for your project, Ask an Expert at Remee.

The Impact of UL 1400-2 Updates on the Industry

The updates to UL 1400-2 have several important implications for various stakeholders in the electrical and cabling industries:

• Manufacturers:

Cable manufacturers, including Remee Wire and Cable, need to adapt their product design and testing processes to meet the new performance requirements outlined in UL 1400-2. This may involve using different materials, implementing more rigorous testing protocols, and potentially redesigning their CL4P and CL4Z rated cable offerings to meet evolving standards.

• Installers:

Electrical contractors and installers need to be aware of the updated standard to ensure that they are selecting and installing compliant cables in fault-managed power systems. Understanding the new performance requirements will help them choose the appropriate Class 4 cable for specific applications and ensure that installations meet the latest safety and performance benchmarks. 

• Specifiers and Engineers:

Architects, engineers, and system designers who specify cabling for projects need to incorporate the UL 1400-2 updates into their design specifications. This will ensure that the selected power cable solutions meet the required performance standards for fault-managed power systems, contributing to the overall reliability and safety of the electrical infrastructure.

• End-Users:

Building owners, facility managers, and end-users of fault-managed power systems will benefit from the enhanced safety and reliability provided by cables that comply with UL 1400-2. By ensuring that compliant CL4P and CL4Z rated cables are used in their systems, they can minimize the risk of power delivery issues and enhance the overall performance and safety of their electrical infrastructure.

While these updates may require adjustments from manufacturers and other stakeholders, they ultimately contribute to safer and more efficient power delivery. 

Comparison: Class 4 vs. Traditional Power Cables

Feature	Class 4 Cables (CL4P)	Class 3 Cables
Voltage Rating	Up to 450V	Up to 300V
Power Capacity	~2,000W	~100W (PoE systems)
Fault Management	Real-time monitoring	Not available
Installation Scope	Indoor/outdoor, direct burial	Limited to low-risk environments

Key Changes in UL 1400-2 for Power Cables

1. Improved Fire Safety Standards

• CL4P and CL4Z cables must pass enhanced flame and smoke tests.
• Reduced toxic emissions ensure compliance with safety regulations.

2. Enhanced Electrical Performance

• New insulation materials improve conductivity and efficiency.
• Reduced signal interference ensures stable power distribution.

3. Strengthened Mechanical Durability

• More robust jacketing materials enhance resistance to wear and tear.
• Increased longevity minimizes maintenance costs.

These updates make UL 1400-2 a critical benchmark for selecting high-performance Class 4 fault-managed cables.

Remee Wire and Cable: Leading the Class 4 Revolution

Remee Wire & Cable has emerged as a pioneer in UL 1400-2-compliant solutions, with their Activate™ PowerPipe™ cables certified for plenum (CL4P), which are also suitable for riser (CL4R) applications, and certified for wet location applications (CL4Z).

Why Choose Remee’s Power Cables?

• Certified Safety:

Rigorously tested at Intertek’s ETL Labs for NEC compliance.

• Versatility:

Hybrid copper-fiber designs support applications from PONs to DAS and micro cell antennas.

• Sustainability:

Aligns with renewable energy trends, including solar/wind farm projects.

Applications of Class 4 Fault-Managed Power Systems

From PoE lighting and camera cabling to industrial applications, Class 4 cables enable:

• High-Power IoT Networks: Support LED lighting, security cameras, and wireless APs over a single cable.
• 5G Infrastructure: Power rooftop macro-cells and small-cell networks.

With UL 1400-2 updates, businesses must choose the right power cables to meet evolving safety and performance standards. Stay ahead of industry changes and ensure a safer, more efficient electrical system with Remee Wire & Cable!