When it comes to choosing the right Ethernet cable for your network, you have a number of options to choose from. Two popular options are the Cat6a plenum and Cat6a riser cable, but which one is better? In this article, we’ll explore five reasons why Cat6a plenum cable may be the better choice.

Cat6a Plenum vs Cat6a Riser

Before we delve deeper into the reasons why the Cat6a plenum cable is a better choice as compared to its riser counterpart, we ought to understand the basic difference between them. At this stage, we also need to understand what the Bulk Cat6a cables are in general. 

Bulk Cat6a cables are 1000ft ethernet cables that are used in LAN networking. Whether it is a commercial or a residential wired network, these cables are used everywhere. 

There are two types of these cables: Cat6a plenum and Cat6a riser 1000ft. 

The main difference between both is that they both have different jackets. The plenum-rated cable comes in a CMP jacket and the riser-rated cable comes in a CMR jacket.  

Depending on the type of cable jacket, bulk Cat6a cables are installed in their designated spaces. The plenum is installed in indoor horizontal runs, HVAC ducts, and in open spaces. Whereas the riser cable is installed in indoor vertical runs, elevator shafts, between floors, and in similar contained spaces. Let’s now look at why the plenum is a better choice for networking as compared to the plenum. 

1. Better Fire Safety Features

One of the main differences between the Cat6a plenum cable and the Cat6a riser cable is their fire safety features. Cat6a plenum 1000ft is designed for use in the plenum space of a building. This is the area between the ceiling and the floor above it. 

As such, it is required by building codes in many areas. Because it is made from materials that do not release toxic fumes when they burn.

On the other hand, the Cat6a riser 1000ft is not designed for use in the plenum space. It is also not required to meet the same fire safety standards. It may be suitable for use in other areas of a building. But it is not the best choice for installations in the plenum space.

2. Lower Loss and Higher Bandwidth Capability

Another advantage of the Cat6a plenum cable is its lower loss and higher bandwidth capability. The bulk Cat6a plenum is made with bare copper wire, which is a highly conductive material. It is able to transmit signals with minimal loss. 

This makes it an ideal choice for high-bandwidth applications such as video streaming and online gaming.

Cat6a riser cable, on the other hand, is typically made with copper-coated wire. It has a higher resistance and may result in higher signal loss. This can be a problem if you are using the cable for applications that require a stable, high-quality connection.

3. Better Durability

In addition to its performance capabilities, the Cat6a plenum 1000ft is also known for its durability. The bare copper wire used in the construction of the Cat6a plenum bulk is able to withstand wear and tear better. 

This feature makes it a good choice for installations in high-traffic areas or for use in harsh environments. 

Cat6a riser cable, on the other hand, may not be as durable due to the use of copper-coated wire. 

This can be an issue if you are installing the cable in an area where it is likely to be subject to abuse or wear and tear.

4. Complies with Building Codes

As mentioned earlier, Cat6a plenum cable is required by building codes in many areas due to its fire safety features. If you are installing network cables in a commercial building, you’ll likely need to use plenum cables to comply with local building codes. 

This is not an issue with the Cat6a riser cable, as it is not designed for use in the plenum space.

5. More Affordable in Bulk

Finally, Cat6a plenum cable is often more affordable when purchased in bulk. Many online retailers and wholesalers offer discounts on bulk Cat6a Cables. 

This makes both the Cat6a plenum 1000ft as well as Cat6a riser cable attractive options for ethernet cabling. However, the plenum being a superior cable is chosen more often than the riser. 

Conclusion

Overall, Cat6a plenum cable is a superior choice to Cat6a riser cable in many cases. It offers better fire safety features, lower loss, and higher bandwidth capability, better durability, and is more affordable. If you are in need of high-quality bulk Ethernet cables for your network, consider opting for Cat6a plenum 1000ft.