Glossary
The Information Technology (IT) world is full of abbreviations, acronyms and terms not found anywhere else. To help our customers keep it all straight, we are compiling a glossary of industry terms.
NOTE: These definitions are general in nature and are not intended for legal, code, or installation advice. When you are purchasing cable for a specific use, YOU are Responsible for knowing the applicable codes you need to adhere to and always use cable in its intended manner.
CM / CMR / CMP: These all indicate what kind of space cables can run in.
- CM/CMH/CMG : CM is used for general building wiring such as a residential house. CM cables are used in areas other than plenums and risers. CM is regular Communications cable. It has a low flame test (FT) rating, FT1. It is typically used for in-wall installations.
- CMR : The 'R' in CRM is for 'Riser'. Riser type cables are engineered to prevent the spread of fire from floor to floor and are suitable for vertical shaft applications.
- CMP : The 'P' in CMP is for Plenum. Cables meeting type CMP requirements are suitable for installation in ducts and plenums without the use of conduit. These cables are designed for fire resistance and low-smoke and toxin producing characteristics. It is designed for use in the space above the drop ceiling. This space is usually used for non-ducted return air for air conditioning systems and is called a Plenum.
Solid Wire : also called solid-core or single-strand wire, consists of one piece of metal wire. Stranded wire is composed of a bundle of small-gauge wires to make a larger conductor and more flexible than solid wire. Solid wire is generally used for in-wall wiring where there is little need for flexibility in the wire.
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