What type of cabling should be used when installing networking cable in the air space between the ceiling and the roof of a building?

Using plenum-rated cabling is essential when installing networking cables in the air space between the ceiling and the roof of a building. Plenum spaces are areas used for air circulation in heating and air conditioning systems, and they have specific fire safety requirements. Plenum-rated cables are designed with a special insulation that reduces smoke and flame spread, making them suitable for these spaces where fire safety is a critical concern.

In contrast, while fiber optic, coaxial, and twisted pair cables can serve various networking purposes, they typically do not have the same fire safety ratings as plenum cables unless explicitly specified. Standard versions of these cables are not adequate for plenum environments because they may not resist the same level of combustion or emit harmful fumes if burned. Therefore, using plenum-rated cabling is not only a best practice but often a code requirement for safety in such installations.