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what is ft4 cable used for<\/p><\/div>\\n<\/p>\n
This guide explains what FT4 cable<\/strong> is, where it\u2019s used, and why it matters for building safety and code compliance.<\/p>\n \\n\\n\\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n FT4<\/strong> is a flame test rating<\/strong> used in Canada<\/strong>, specified under the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC)<\/strong>. It refers to a cable’s fire resistance performance<\/strong> when tested in a Vertical Flame Test for Cables in Cable Trays<\/strong> (CSA C22.2 No. 2556 \/ UL 1685).<\/p>\n \\n\\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n The cable can limit flame spread<\/strong> when installed vertically on a cable tray or wall.<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n It has medium flame-retardant properties<\/strong>\u2014suitable for most commercial and residential installations.<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n It does not produce excessive smoke or dripping<\/strong> when exposed to flame.<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n<\/ul>\n \\n\\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n FT4-rated cables are suitable for general-purpose installations<\/strong> in non-plenum spaces<\/strong>, such as:<\/p>\n \\n\\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n In commercial and industrial buildings<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Between panels, switches, and machines<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n<\/ul>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n Behind walls, in ceilings, or conduit<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Anywhere that doesn\u2019t require FT6 (plenum-rated) or FT1 (low risk) cable<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n<\/ul>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n Ethernet cables (Cat5e, Cat6, etc.) labeled FT4<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Low-voltage control and automation wiring<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n<\/ul>\n \\n\\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n According to the Canadian Electrical Code<\/strong>, FT4 cables are approved for use in:<\/p>\n \\n\\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/tr>\n \\n<\/thead>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/tr>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/tr>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/tr>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/tr>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/tr>\n \\n<\/tbody>\n \\n<\/table>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p><\/div>\n \\n<\/p><\/div>\n \\n<\/p><\/div>\n \\n<\/p>\n Important:<\/strong> FT4 is a fire rating\u2014not a weatherproof or voltage rating\u2014so you must still choose a cable suitable for the electrical and environmental conditions.<\/p>\n \\n\\n\\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/tr>\n \\n<\/thead>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/tr>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/tr>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/tr>\n \\n<\/tbody>\n \\n<\/table>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p><\/div>\n \\n<\/p><\/div>\n \\n<\/p><\/div>\n \\n<\/p>\n If you’re installing cables in plenum spaces<\/strong> (air return ceilings, HVAC shafts), use FT6-rated cable<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \\n\\n\\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n Look for printed markings on the cable sheath such as:<\/p>\n \\n\\n<\/p>\n
\\n\\n<\/p>\nWhat Is FT4 Cable?<\/h2>\n
\u2705 What FT4 Means:<\/h3>\n
\\n \\t<\/p>\n
\\n\\n<\/p>\nWhat Is FT4 Cable Used For?<\/h2>\n
\ud83d\udd0c Power and Control Wiring<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\ud83c\udfe2 Residential and Commercial Buildings<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\ud83d\udda5\ufe0f Data and Communication Systems<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\\n\\n<\/p>\nWhere FT4 Cable Is Approved for Use<\/h2>\n
\\n<\/p>\n\\n<\/p>\n
\\n<\/p>\n Environment<\/strong><\/th>\n FT4 Cable Allowed?<\/strong><\/th>\n \\n<\/p>\n Residential homes<\/td>\n \u2705 Yes<\/td>\n \\n<\/p>\n Commercial buildings<\/td>\n \u2705 Yes<\/td>\n \\n<\/p>\n Conduits and raceways<\/td>\n \u2705 Yes<\/td>\n \\n<\/p>\n Air plenums (HVAC spaces)<\/td>\n \u274c No (use FT6 instead)<\/td>\n \\n<\/p>\n Outdoor\/buried locations<\/td>\n \u26a0\ufe0f Only if additionally rated for sunlight or direct burial<\/td>\n
\\n\\n<\/p>\nFT1 vs FT4 vs FT6: Flame Ratings in Canada<\/h2>\n
\\n<\/p>\n\\n<\/p>\n
\\n<\/p>\n Rating<\/strong><\/th>\n Flame Resistance<\/strong><\/th>\n Typical Use<\/strong><\/th>\n \\n<\/p>\n FT1<\/strong><\/td>\n Basic<\/td>\n Single cables in open air<\/td>\n \\n<\/p>\n FT4<\/strong><\/td>\n Medium<\/td>\n General building installations<\/td>\n \\n<\/p>\n FT6<\/strong><\/td>\n High (Plenum)<\/td>\n Inside air ducts or plenums<\/td>\n
\\n\\n<\/p>\nHow to Identify FT4 Cables<\/h2>\n