Cat 5 Cable

[Alwayslearningelec]

Is it code that cat 5, 6 etc. cable has to be enclosed min a raceway above a hung( gypsum board) non accessible ceiling?
I see jobs that specs reads it needs to be in a conduit and some jobs that it does not.
Why is it that you can run MC above a gyp ceiling but not a cat 5 cable?



Thanks.

 

[infinity]

Not required to be in a raceway. If the area above the ceiling is used as a return air plenum then the cables must be plenum rated. The raceway will allow you to pull in additional cables through the non accessible ceiling in the future if they're left with some extra room and not stuffed to capacity.

 

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

You’re going to see a ton of things specd on jobs, that are not a code requirement, but the designer, engineer, or owner wants it that way.

 

[petersonra]

Cat5 and Cat6 cables are for class 2 circuits. The rules for such circuits are pretty clear.