Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Plenum Rated Access Control Cable?
3. Specifications and Standards
4. Importance in Building Safety
5. Aston Cable Company Solutions
6. References

Introduction

In the field of building infrastructure, especially in access control systems, cabling plays a crucial role. A type of cabling known as plenum rated access control cable is essential in ensuring both the performance of the system and the adherence to building safety codes. The purpose of this article is to explain what plenum rated access control cable is, its specifications, and its importance, while also highlighting solutions offered by Aston Cable Company.

What is Plenum Rated Access Control Cable?

Plenum rated access control cable is a type of cabling specially designed to be installed in plenum spaces. A plenum space is an air handling space within buildings, often found between the structural ceiling and the dropped ceiling or under a raised floor. These cables are engineered to meet specific fire safety standards and are used to connect access control components such as card readers, electric door locks, access panels, and motion detectors.

Specifications and Standards

The specifications of plenum rated access control cables revolve around two main factors: flame resistance and low smoke production. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), plenum rated cables must pass rigorous fire safety tests. The cables are typically marked with the CMP (Communications Plenum) designation. They must withstand a flame test under NFPA 262 standard without spreading fire while limiting the release of smoke and toxic gases.

Technical parameters include:

• A temperature rating of -20°C to 75°C.
• Standard voltage rating of 300V.
• Shielding options include foil shield (F/UTP) or braided shield (S/FTP) to minimize electromagnetic interference.
• Gauge size usually ranges from 22 AWG to 24 AWG, depending on the application.

Importance in Building Safety

Plenum rated cables are crucial in maintaining building safety, primarily due to their fire-retardant properties. In case of a fire, these cables do not act as a conduit for flames and smoke, thereby preventing the spread of fire through the HVAC system. This feature is particularly important in commercial buildings, hospitals, educational institutions, and other environments where large gatherings of people are common.

Aston Cable Company Solutions

The Aston Cable Company offers a variety of plenum rated access control cable solutions designed to meet diverse needs. Their product line includes:

• PT-500 Series: Ideal for high-security installations, this series offers enhanced shielding and is capable of handling extended cable runs with minimal signal loss.
• PC-200 Standard Range: Suitable for general installations, providing high performance at a competitive price point.
• Premium Shielded Series: Designed for environments with high electromagnetic interference, featuring advanced shielding techniques to ensure signal integrity.

Aston Cable also provides custom cable solutions, offering variations in terms of gauge size, shielding, and insulation materials in order to suit specific project requirements.

References

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 262 Standard.
• National Electrical Code (NEC) Guidelines.
• Aston Cable Company Product Catalog.