What rated cat5e or cat6 do I need CM, CMR or CMP

Hello, I am fixing to insall network cable from my office to various rooms throughout my house, including a media player in the gameroom. I am leaning towards cat6 and actually just bought 300ft today. When I pulled it out of the box I noticed it's rated cat6 4/pr UTP #24 TYPE CM which is just general purpose communications. My question is, what do I need in my house if I'm going from one room, up the wall, into the attic and down several walls to each room. CM-General purpose, CMR - Riser or CMP - Plenum rated?

 

you dont need the plenum , its for use in areas that are rated for HVAC return air .

 

Ok, I figured that, but I bought this cat6 cable an it's rated cm/cmg and I think the only difference between it and cmr is that cmr burns a little slower. I guess my question is: Does running CM/CMG cable in the attic and up through your walls meet the electric/fire code?

 

It probably depends on where you live and what type of building. I was told that plenum is used for commercial jobs because it does not burn and any catX is fine for homes.

 

this is one case where "upgrading" really doesn't buy you much, if anything. Cat5e is Cat5e. Get a good quality wire and good connectors and be meticulous about the installation - your network is only as good as its weakest connection.

as for Cat 6, be careful. Last I checked (somebody correct me if this has changed) the spec for Cat6 was not final. This means that different manufacturers may interpret various 'drafts' differently, or may anticipate something another vendor doesn't. I've read several sources that say if you really want Cat 6 then EVERYTHING should be from the same vendor.

on the other hand, cat5/5e IS published so everybody has to meet the same spec - you can mix vendors without a problem.

I can't stress the importance of a solid installation enough. One marginal crimp, loose/broken wire, etc and you'll pull your hair out trying to track it down.

-art-