The Most Comprehensive Organized Post: All Flammability Grades of Cat5e Cat6 Cat6a Cat7 and Cat8 Network Communication LAN Cables

LAN cables, such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8, have various flammability grades that indicate their level of fire resistance and where they can be safely installed. These grades are often defined by standards such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) in the United States. Here are the common flammability grades for these cables:

1. CM (Communications Multipurpose)

• Suitable for general-purpose communications wiring.
• Provides minimal fire resistance?(basic protection against fire).
• Used in residential and commercial environments?(buildings)?where minimal fire safety requirements are acceptable.

2. CMG (Communications General Purpose)

• Similar to CM but offers slightly better performance in vertical installations.
• Intended for general-purpose communications wiring?(commercial buildings and residential homes.)

3. CMR (Communications Riser)

• Suitable for vertical runs in riser spaces and prevents the spread of fire between floors.
• Higher fire resistance to prevent the spread of flames from floor to floor?(higher than CM and CMG).

4. CMX (Communications Limited Use)

• Designed for outdoor use or limited indoor applications.
• Typically used for single-family residences.
• Provides basic fire resistance but less stringent than CM or CMR.

5. MPG (Multipurpose General Purpose)

• Like MP but intended for general-purpose use.
• Designed for spaces where standard CM-rated cables can be used.
• Good flame resistance, better than CM and CMG, but may not be as high as CMP or MP.
• Provides adequate fire resistance for various applications.

6. MPR (Multipurpose Riser)

• Designed for vertical runs in riser spaces.
• Similar to CMR but intended for a broader range of multipurpose uses.
• With good flame resistance, prevents flame spread between floors in vertical installations.

7. CMP (Communications Plenum)

• The highest standard flammability grade for communications cables.
• Suitable for use in plenum spaces (areas used for air circulation, such as above drop ceilings or below raised floors).
• Designed to prevent the spread of flames and reduce the production of smoke and toxic fumes.

8. MP (Multipurpose Plenum)

• Designed for use in plenum spaces.
• Similar to CMP but used in a broader range of applications.
• Offers the same high level of flame resistance and low smoke emission.

9. MX (Multipurpose)

• Typically a marketing term; specifics can vary by manufacturer.
• Generally offers good flame resistance but not as stringent as CMP.

10. LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen)

• Not a flammability grade but a material specification.
• Produces minimal smoke and no halogenated gases when burned.
• Ideal for enclosed spaces with poor ventilation or where human safety is a primary concern.
• Often used in environments where smoke and toxic fumes are a significant concern, such as in confined spaces or areas with limited ventilation.
• Common in European installations and in spaces where air quality is a significant concern.

Flammability grades indicate the resistance of materials, particularly those used in network communication LAN cables, to fire. These ratings are crucial for determining their suitability in various environments, especially where fire safety is paramount.

Here’s how these flammability grades apply to Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8 LAN cables:

Cat5e:?CM, CMR, CMX, MP, MPG, MPR, CMP, LSZH

Cat6:?CM, CMR,CMX, MP, MPG, MPR,?CMP, LSZH

Cat6a:?CM, CMR, CMX, MP, MPG, MPR, CMP, LSZH

Cat7:?Typically available in CMR, CMP, LSZH; less commonly available in CMX, MP, MPG, MPR

Cat8:?Typically available in CMR, CMP, LSZH; less commonly available in CMX, MP, MPG, MPR

Each LAN cable type is available in different flammability grades, and?the choice of network cable and its flammability grade depends on the specific requirements of the installation environment, local building codes, and safety considerations. Always consult local regulations and standards to ensure compliance and optimal safety.

In order to make you understand it more easily, Fiberall made a?chart summarizing the flammability grades, their flame resistance levels, and typical applications:

In summary, CMP?and MP?typically represent the highest levels of flame resistance, especially for use in plenum spaces. LSZH?materials are notable for their low smoke and zero halogen properties but are not strictly a flammability rating. For environments where fire safety is critical, CMP-rated cables are generally the highest standard.

The contents above are also suitable for Cat5e Cat6 Cat6a Cat7 and Cat8?patch cords. Please consult Fiberall’s team if you need more detail about flame resistance?of network communication LAN cables.