Cable Jacket Reference

The Importance of a Cable Jacket

The cable jacket isn’t just a finish—it’s the functional boundary that determines where a cable can go, how long it will last, and whether it passes inspection. It governs flame resistance in plenum zones, moisture protection outdoors, flexibility in vibration-prone installs, and chemical stability in sterile or corrosive environments. Every jacket type carries implications for compliance, durability, and lifecycle performance.

Choosing the wrong jacket isn’t a minor oversight—it’s a deployment risk. It can trigger inspection failures, degrade prematurely, or violate NEC and UL standards. That’s why jacket selection must be scoped by environment, mechanical demand, and regulatory profile—not just cost or convenience.

The guide below breaks down each jacket type by when to use it, why it’s selected, and where it belongs—ensuring every decision is grounded in standards alignment and field relevance.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

• When to Use: For general indoor installations in low-risk environments.
• Why to Use: Cost-effective, flexible, and abrasion-resistant. Routes easily through telecom rooms and riser spaces.
• Where to Use: Telecom closets, riser shafts, and interior zones where plenum rating is not required.

LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen)

• When to Use: In any plenum space or enclosed air handling zone where cables are exposed to airflow.
• Why to Use: Minimizes toxic smoke and halogen emissions. Complies with NEC Article 800 and UL 1685.
• Where to Use: All plenum spaces—above-ceiling return-air plenums, underfloor air distribution zones, and designated air handling systems.

PE (Polyethylene)

• When to Use: For outdoor, buried, or pole-mounted cable installations.
• Why to Use: Moisture-resistant, UV-stable, and rugged. Performs well in freeze/thaw cycles.
• Where to Use: OSP environments, underground vaults, aerial runs, and outdoor cabinets.

PUR (Polyurethane)

• When to Use: In high-flex, high-abrasion, or vibration-prone environments.
• Why to Use: Superior resistance to cuts, chemicals, and mechanical stress. Balances flexibility with toughness.
• Where to Use: Heavy equipment, robotics, industrial machinery, and mobile routing zones.

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

• When to Use: For temporary installs, mobile equipment, or retrofit zones requiring tight bends and cold resistance.
• Why to Use: Highly flexible and elastic. Performs well in low temperatures and dynamic routing scenarios.
• Where to Use: Temporary cabling setups, field testing environments, mobile platforms, and retrofit installations.

XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene)

• When to Use: In high-voltage, high-temperature, or electrically demanding environments.
• Why to Use: Excellent dielectric strength and thermal stability. Resists cracking under thermal stress.
• Where to Use: Power distribution systems, engine bays, control panels, and industrial zones.

PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene / Teflon)

• When to Use: In extreme environments requiring chemical inertness and high-temperature tolerance.
• Why to Use: Chemically inert, flame-resistant, and low-friction. Ideal for contamination-sensitive zones.
• Where to Use: Aerospace systems, cleanrooms, corrosive industrial zones, and mission-critical installations.

Silicone

• When to Use: In high-temperature, flexible, or contamination-sensitive environments.
• Why to Use: Exceptional flexibility, thermal endurance, and microbial resistance. Chemically inert and non-reactive.
• Where to Use: Medical facilities, cleanrooms, foodservice zones, and aerospace installations.

Expanded Deployment Notes

• Plenum-rated jackets (LSZH, CMP) are mandatory in all plenum spaces—no exceptions.
• Outdoor-rated jackets (PE, PUR) must be verified for UV resistance, moisture ingress protection, and freeze/thaw durability.
• High-flex jackets (PUR, TPE, Silicone) are preferred in vibration zones and dynamic routing scenarios. Confirm bend radius and fatigue resistance.
• Chemical-resistant jackets (PTFE, PUR, Silicone) are essential in foodservice, cleanroom, and industrial zones. Verify cleaning protocol compatibility.
• Inspection readiness requires jacket type documentation, labeling, and standards cross-reference (NEC, UL, CSA).
• Temporary deployments must use jackets rated for repositioning and short-term exposure. Tag and log all temporary installs per NEC.
• Specifier logic must align jacket selection with mounting method, environmental zone, and lifecycle expectations. Never select based on cost alone.