Which wire type can be used in a plenum environment?

In a plenum environment, the appropriate wire type is specifically designed to minimize the risk of fire and reduce the release of toxic fumes in case of a fire. The wire type indicated as FPLP, which stands for “Fire Power Limited Plenum,” is specifically rated for use in plenum spaces, where cables can be exposed to airflow for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

FPLP wires are constructed with a jacket that has low smoke and low flame characteristics, ensuring they are safer to use in these critical areas compared to other types of cables not specifically designed for such environments. This makes FPLP wires the ideal choice where fire codes and safety standards require specific insulations and materials to be used.

Other wire types such as FPL are also intended for power-limited applications but do not have the same plenum rating. CL2 and CL3 types are standard for non-plenum environments and are not designed with the necessary fire safety features required in a plenum area, where fire can quickly spread due to airflow. Therefore, FPLP is the correct choice for installations in plenum environments.