Among all these terms cm cmr and cmp are the most common ethernet cable ratings specified by the national electric code nec.
Cm rated cable means.
Cable jacket ratings uses and substitutions when installing cabling in walls and ceilings it is important to use cables that meet the local code requirements.
Cm cmg communications cable for general purpose use.
Cmr cable often called riser rated cable is constructed to prevent fires from spreading floor to floor in vertical installations.
This is the next step up.
In the case of cm the standard outlines general use or use in cases where the fire code does not place any restrictions on cable type.
Cables often have a cm cmg or cmr rating as defined by the national electrical code nec.
When installing ethernet cable in walls or ceilings you may encounter terms like cm cmr cmp or some others like pvc and lszh.
These cables do not spread flame to the top.
That doesn t mean that your local electrical inspector won t allow these to be installed in wall but it does raise the possibility.
What do these acronyms mean and why do they matter.
Some of the cables we carry aren t nec rated so they re missing from the table below.
Another common cable rating is cm which denotes communications cable such as cat 5e or cat 6 networking cable.
Do you know what these terms really mean and which one does your project actually need.
Cl2 and cl3 cable doesn t reduce smoke or gases but minimize the possibility of shock.
Or cmr rated cable.
Often this type of cable meant for home usage will carry an x suffix signifying that it is intended for use in buildings where the cable is enclosed in a non combustible conduit.
What is cmp rated cable.
Cm cmg are the most commonly used commercial grade communication cable.
Local codes are typically based on the national electric code nec published by the national fire protection association.
All of the canare cables belden 1808a and bjc yc 2 s video cable.
A cmr rating means the cable can be used in the risers of commercial buildings because they limit the spread of flames better than cables in the cl cm family.
Plenum cables are the highest standard and can safely be substituted for any other cable type such as riser cm cl2 or cl3 cables.
All of them are in practical terms suited for in wall.
Cmx is a residential grade cable.
Guide to cable ratings.
It is intended for general use within buildings in accordance with the nec article 800 53 e 1.