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Cables: Understanding Cable Ratings

Your DVR / NVR system will normally include 60ft or 100ft of Ethernet cables for easy set up of Lorex cameras. Before installing Ethernet cables, it is important to understand how they are rated and certified.

Ethernet Cable Ratings

The outer part of the cable, which protects the interior wires, is called a jacket. Cable ratings apply to the cable jacket and their fire-resistance ability.

To find the cable rating, check the product's packaging or visit the product page.

CM or CMG Rating

  • CM (Communications Multipurpose) or CMG (General) cables are for general purpose use.

  • CM/CMG cables are suitable for in-wall installation in residential or single-story commercial buildings.

  • CM/CMG cables prevent fires from spreading to other parts of the building through the cable.

CMR Rating

  • CMR (Riser) cables are for buildings with multiple stories.

  • Riser cables are suitable for installation in walls and vertically in between floors that do not circulate air for HVAC systems.

  • Riser cables prevent fires from spreading between floors and are more resistant to fire than the CM/CMG cable.

CMP Rating

  • CMP (Plenum) cables are designed for “plenum” areas in buildings; “plenum” meaning spaces used for air circulation by an HVAC system (i.e., air ducts).

  • They are suitable for installation anywhere.

  • CMP cables will not combust, restricts the spread of fire, and does not emit toxic fumes when burning.

Note:

  • Lorex does not provide CMP rated cables.

  • For certain scenarios, you can use conduits if you are not using the correctly rated cable.

  • If you require cameras to run longer distances, you can purchase additional Ethernet cables.

Important icon IMPORTANT: If you are unsure or require more information, consult your local building authority for local building codes and standards.

Direct Burial Cables

Important icon IMPORTANT: Before digging or installing these cables, be sure to contact your local building authority for local building codes and standards.

Direct burial cables are designed to be buried underground and can withstand outdoor environments. They can be used with a conduit for extra protection.

Direct burial cable

Certification

UL logo

Underwriter Laboratories (UL) Cables

  • The majority of individual extension cables (or 4-packs of cables) sold by Lorex are certified by UL.

  • For over a hundred years, UL has provided safety-related certification and testing for commercial and consumer products.

  • UL rated cables from Lorex all contain a compliance mark, which identifies the UL certification details. Also printed on each cable is a Valid UL file number.

National Electric Code (NEC) and Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) Cables

  • The National Electrical Code (NEC) and Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) classify cables into several different categories.

  • The UL cables sold by Lorex meet the NEC & CEC standards for CMR (Riser) cabling.

For more information, visit the following articles:

Created:
Last update: 2021-01-08 17:50:04
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