Bulk Cat6 Copper cable has traditionally been used in buildings that have the potential to generate fires due to its flame-resistant properties. Now, thanks to advances in the manufacturing process, it’s being sold for commercial and residential applications as well. Keep reading to learn what a Cat6 plenum copper cable is and why you should use it?

What is Cat6 Copper Cable?

Bulk Cat6 copper cable is a specific type of twisted-pair cable that is designed for installation in a building’s ceiling or floor. There are two reasons for installing this cable in the plenums of buildings: it protects against fires, and it does not emit toxic smoke should it catch fire.

Bare Copper Cat6 cable can be run in various types of settings, including schools and office buildings. It has a high speed data transfer rate at up to 10 GBit/s over 50 meters. Over 100 meters, the Cat6 will relay data at blazing 10 GBit/s speeds. The bandwidth capacity of this cable is a whopping 550 MHz which can handle almost all ethernet applications.  Bare copper Cat6 cable is well-suited for fast-ethernet, gigabit ethernet, 10 gigabit ethernet, PoE, and PoE+/++.

It comes in two main different types: Cat6 plenum and Cat6 riser. 

Cat6 Plenum Copper Cable vs Cat6 Riser Copper

Cat6 plenum copper cable has 100% pure copper conductors and the Cat6 riser also has the same conductors. But the only difference between these two bulk Cat6 copper cables is that the riser-rated cable comes with a CMR jacket. And the plenum-rated cable comes with a CMP jacket.

Moreover, because of the different jackets these cables come in, they are for use in different applications. Cat6 riser copper is for use in indoor vertical runs whereas the Cat6 plenum copper cable is for use in indoor air-handling spaces. Such as in raised floors and above dropped ceilings and HVAC ducts.

Benefits of Cat6 plenum over Other Cables?

Cat6 has a lower attenuation and a higher bandwidth, which makes it ideal for high-speed data transfer. It also offers better protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI). These specifications make Cat6 plenum ethernet cable a popular choice in enterprise-level installations.

The benefits of Cat6 plenum ethernet cable over other ethernet cables include:

• Larger bandwidth, meaning it can handle more data. 
• More resistant to interference. 
• Easier to install. Unlike coaxial and twisted pair cabling, the Cat6 plenum does not require any special tools for installation.

Bare Copper Conductors

The bare copper Cat6 conductors of the cable are particularly important. In both Cat6 Plenum Copper Cable and Cat6 Riser Copper, 100% pure copper conductors are integrated.

These conductors are easier to terminate in connectors and keystone jacks as well as corrosion resistant. It is only because of these conductors that you can use PoE   applications. Furthermore, the bare copper conductors are well-suited for keeping the data signal integrity intact without losing data packets.

Difference Between Plenum and Non-Plenum Cables?

Non-plenum cables are typically for indoor use, where there is no chance of the cable being exposed to a combustible atmosphere. The most common type of non-plenum cable is UTP (unshielded twisted pair) which is made of pairs of solid copper wires that are twisted together and sheathed in a thermoplastic coating. 

Unshielded twisted pair cables have little or no protection against electrical interference because they only provide a layer of insulation between the two pairs of wires.

Plenum cables are for use in plenums or ducts, but they can also be run inside buildings if they are installed as part of an air-handling unit system.

How Do I Install Cat6 Ethernet Cable?

When you want to install a Cat6 ethernet cable, you will need a crimping tool and the proper connector. Make sure that the connectors are the correct ones for the type of cable that you are installing. For example, if you want to install a solid conductor cable, then you will need RJ-45 connectors.

If it is a stranded conductor, then choose STP connectors. After you have made your decision on which connector to use, pick up a crimp tool for your connector type.

Disadvantages of Using Cat6 Ethernet Cable

Cat6 ethernet cable is a great choice for many installations, but it has some disadvantages that you should be aware of. For example, it can be rather difficult to work with the thicker Cat6 cable. It’s also heavier and bulkier, making installation more difficult.

Additionally, it cannot be run in spaces where there are flammable gases or vapors due to the danger of ignition and subsequent fire.

You must be aware of these disadvantages before deciding which type of ethernet cable to use in your installation so you can make an informed decision about what will work best for you given your unique needs.

Why Use Cat6 bare copper plenum?

Cat6 bare copper plenum ethernet cable is a type of wire that has been designed for use in the plenum of a building. The purpose of this wire is: (1) to provide easy and reliable high-speed internet connectivity, and (2) to help reduce the risk of fires. 

By using Cat6 instead of lower quality wires, such as Cat5e or unshielded twisted pair, you can help make sure that your office stays up-to-date with technology while also staying safe.

Cat6 plenum vs Cat6a plenum

Both Cat6 plenum ethernet cable and Cat6a are cutting-edge ethernet cables. They are for use in offices, schools, and hospitals. However, there is one major difference between both. Cat6 plenum cable as well as Cat6 riser cable can handle 10 gigabit per second data transfer at only 50 meters. The Cat6a cable on the other hand can handle the same 10G speeds at up to 100 meters.

Conclusion

The Bulk Cat6 Copper Cable with the plenum jacket is ideal for indoor and outdoor runs. Be sure to install it in ducts and other air-handling spaces. It is efficient, cost-effective, everlasting, and delivers data at blazing speeds.