Texas Fire Alarm License Practice Test

Which cable is specifically designed for vertical wire runs between floors?

1. Plenum cable

2. General purpose cable

3. Riser cable

4. Indoor rated cable

The correct answer is: Riser cable

Riser cable is specifically designed for vertical wire runs between floors, which is vital in multi-story buildings. This type of cable is constructed to meet fire safety standards, ensuring that it is less likely to propagate flames in the event of a fire. Riser cables typically have a fire-resistant jacket that helps to limit the spread of fire and smoke between floors where the cable is run vertically. In contrast, plenum cables are designed for use in air handling spaces and are usually used in horizontal applications. General-purpose cables do not have the same fire-resistance characteristics as riser cables, making them unsuitable for vertical installations where fire spread is a concern. Indoor rated cables may be used in spaces that are not exposed to external elements but are not specifically engineered for vertical riser applications, which increases the risk if a fire were to occur. Therefore, riser cable is the correct choice for ensuring safety and compliance in vertical runs between floors.