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Plenum and Non-Plenum Spaces

In most regions, building codes permit only specially rated cables to be used in the plenum—those pockets of space used for air distribution in your server environment. These are normally the cavities above the false ceiling or below the raised floor. The codes are intended to reduce the chances or effects of a fire, because once a blaze reaches these spaces, there is little to stop its smoke and flames from spreading rapidly. Because plenum space is more vulnerable to fire, stricter standards are applied to its cabling.

While these regulations don't directly affect your decision of whether to run infrastructure above the ceiling or below the floor, be aware of what types of cables you must use when routing them through ...