{"id":11467,"date":"2025-09-10T09:35:42","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T01:35:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11467"},"modified":"2025-09-10T10:07:42","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T02:07:42","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-fire-ratings-for-communication-cables-cm-cmr-and-cmp-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/totcables.com\/?p=11467","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Fire Ratings for Communication Cables: CM, CMR, and CMP Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>{&#8220;main-title&#8221;:{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_title&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;main-title&#8221;,&#8221;title&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;subtitle&#8221;:&#8221;The NEC (National Electrical Code) defines three major fire rating categories for communication cables: CM, CMR, and CMP.  But what exactly do these ratings mean? How do CM vs. CMR differ? Can CMR cables be used in plenum spaces? And when should you choose CMP? Let\u2019s break it all down.&#8221;,&#8221;title_content&#8221;:{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_title_image&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;title-image&#8221;,&#8221;image&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/totcables.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Fire-Ratings-for-Communication-Cables-CM-CMR-and-CMP-Explained.jpg|433|800|11468&#8243;,&#8221;full_screen&#8221;:false,&#8221;full_screen_height&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;parallax&#8221;:false,&#8221;bleed&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;ken_burn&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;overlay&#8221;:&#8221;transparent-dark&#8221;,&#8221;breadcrumbs&#8221;:true,&#8221;white&#8221;:true,&#8221;position&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;}},&#8221;section_5ZtkF&#8221;:{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_section&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;section_5ZtkF&#8221;,&#8221;section_width&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;animation&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;animation_time&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_animation&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_delay&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_order&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;vertical_row&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;box_middle&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_styles&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;section_content&#8221;:[{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_column&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;column_vtfQF&#8221;,&#8221;column_width&#8221;:&#8221;col-md-12&#8243;,&#8221;animation&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;animation_time&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_animation&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_delay&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_order&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_styles&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;main_content&#8221;:[{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_wp_editor&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;Xhugf&#8221;,&#8221;css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_styles&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;editor_content&#8221;:&#8221;<\/p>\n<p data-start='265' data-end='549'>In structured cabling and data centers, cables are more than just signal carriers\u2014they also play a role in building safety. Fire risk is often underestimated, but the type of cable jacket you choose can directly impact <strong data-start='484' data-end='532'>flame spread, smoke, and toxic gas emissions<\/strong> during a fire.<\/p>\n<p>\\n\\n\\n<div id=\"attachment_11468\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-11468\" class='wp-image-11468 size-full' src='https:\/\/totcables.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Fire-Ratings-for-Communication-Cables-CM-CMR-and-CMP-Explained.jpg' alt='The Ultimate Guide to Fire Ratings for Communication Cables: CM, CMR, and CMP Explained' width='800' height='433'><p id=\"caption-attachment-11468\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Ultimate Guide to Fire Ratings for Communication Cables: CM, CMR, and CMP Explained<\/p><\/div>\\n<\/p>\n<p data-start='551' data-end='682'>The <strong data-start='555' data-end='589'>NEC (National Electrical Code)<\/strong> defines three major fire rating categories for communication cables: <strong data-start='659' data-end='679'>CM, CMR, and CMP<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<p data-start='684' data-end='849'>But what exactly do these ratings mean? How do CM vs. CMR differ? Can CMR cables be used in plenum spaces? And when should you choose CMP? Let\u2019s break it all down.<\/p>\n<p>\\n\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr data-start='851' data-end='854'>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<h2 data-start='856' data-end='889'>What Is a Cable Fire Rating?<\/h2>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<p data-start='890' data-end='996'>A <strong data-start='892' data-end='913'>cable fire rating<\/strong> classifies how well a cable resists fire and controls smoke\/toxic gas emissions.<\/p>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<ul data-start='998' data-end='1222'>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='998' data-end='1062'>\\n\n<p data-start='1000' data-end='1062'><strong data-start='1000' data-end='1036'>CM (Communication Multipurpose):<\/strong> General-purpose rating.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='1063' data-end='1133'>\\n\n<p data-start='1065' data-end='1133'><strong data-start='1065' data-end='1095'>CMR (Communication Riser):<\/strong> Designed for vertical riser shafts.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='1134' data-end='1222'>\\n\n<p data-start='1136' data-end='1222'><strong data-start='1136' data-end='1167'>CMP (Communication Plenum):<\/strong> Highest fire resistance, designed for plenum spaces.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<p data-start='1224' data-end='1340'>These ratings are mandated by the NEC, and using the wrong cable in the wrong space can lead to safety violations.<\/p>\n<p>\\n\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr data-start='1342' data-end='1345'>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<h2 data-start='1347' data-end='1390'>Detailed Breakdown: CM vs. CMR vs. CMP<\/h2>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<h3 data-start='1392' data-end='1442'>1. <strong data-start='1399' data-end='1440'>CM Cable (Communication Multipurpose)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<ul data-start='1443' data-end='1767'>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='1443' data-end='1490'>\\n\n<p data-start='1445' data-end='1490'><strong data-start='1445' data-end='1460'>Definition:<\/strong> The most basic fire rating.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='1491' data-end='1655'>\\n\n<p data-start='1493' data-end='1655'><strong data-start='1493' data-end='1509'>Application:<\/strong> Suitable for <strong data-start='1523' data-end='1545'>residential wiring<\/strong> or office spaces where cables run inside walls but <strong data-start='1597' data-end='1652'>do not pass between floors or through plenum spaces<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='1656' data-end='1767'>\\n\n<p data-start='1658' data-end='1767'><strong data-start='1658' data-end='1679'>Fire Performance:<\/strong> Meets a <strong data-start='1688' data-end='1717'>basic vertical flame test<\/strong>; self-extinguishes but may produce heavy smoke.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<p data-start='1769' data-end='1822'>\ud83d\udc49 <strong data-start='1772' data-end='1785'>Keywords:<\/strong> <code data-start='1786' data-end='1801'>type cm cable<\/code>, <code data-start='1803' data-end='1820'>cm cable rating<\/code><\/p>\n<p>\\n\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr data-start='1824' data-end='1827'>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<h3 data-start='1829' data-end='1873'>2. <strong data-start='1836' data-end='1871'>CMR Cable (Communication Riser)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<ul data-start='1874' data-end='2178'>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='1874' data-end='1962'>\\n\n<p data-start='1876' data-end='1962'><strong data-start='1876' data-end='1891'>Definition:<\/strong> Also called <strong data-start='1904' data-end='1925'>riser-rated cable<\/strong>, designed for vertical cable runs.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='1963' data-end='2062'>\\n\n<p data-start='1965' data-end='2062'><strong data-start='1965' data-end='1981'>Application:<\/strong> Used to connect networks <strong data-start='2007' data-end='2025'>between floors<\/strong> in office or commercial buildings.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='2063' data-end='2178'>\\n\n<p data-start='2065' data-end='2178'><strong data-start='2065' data-end='2086'>Fire Performance:<\/strong> Passes a <strong data-start='2096' data-end='2116'>riser flame test<\/strong>, preventing flames from traveling vertically along a shaft.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<p data-start='2180' data-end='2237'>\ud83d\udc49 <strong data-start='2183' data-end='2196'>Keywords:<\/strong> <code data-start='2197' data-end='2214'>cm vs cmr cable<\/code>, <code data-start='2216' data-end='2235'>cmr cable meaning<\/code><\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<p data-start='2180' data-end='2237'>\u201cLearn more in our detailed comparison of <strong><a class='decorated-link' href='https:\/\/totcables.com\/news\/cm-vs-cmr-cable-whats-the-difference\/' rel='noopener' data-start='291' data-end='311'>CM vs CMR cable<\/a> <\/strong>and when to use each type.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\\n\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr data-start='2239' data-end='2242'>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<h3 data-start='2244' data-end='2289'>3. <strong data-start='2251' data-end='2287'>CMP Cable (Communication Plenum)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<ul data-start='2290' data-end='2653'>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='2290' data-end='2376'>\\n\n<p data-start='2292' data-end='2376'><strong data-start='2292' data-end='2307'>Definition:<\/strong> <strong data-start='2308' data-end='2330'>Plenum-rated cable<\/strong>, engineered for use in air-handling spaces.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='2377' data-end='2497'>\\n\n<p data-start='2379' data-end='2497'><strong data-start='2379' data-end='2395'>Application:<\/strong> Required in <strong data-start='2408' data-end='2425'>plenum spaces<\/strong> such as ceilings, raised floors, and HVAC ducts where air circulates.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='2498' data-end='2653'>\\n\n<p data-start='2500' data-end='2653'><strong data-start='2500' data-end='2521'>Fire Performance:<\/strong> Passes the <strong data-start='2533' data-end='2554'>plenum flame test<\/strong>; offers the <strong data-start='2567' data-end='2594'>highest fire resistance<\/strong> and produces <strong data-start='2608' data-end='2638'>minimal smoke and toxicity<\/strong> when burned.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<p data-start='2655' data-end='2726'>\ud83d\udc49 <strong data-start='2658' data-end='2671'>Keywords:<\/strong> <code data-start='2672' data-end='2684'>cmp vs cmr<\/code>, <code data-start='2686' data-end='2704'>cmr vs cmp cable<\/code>, <code data-start='2706' data-end='2724'>cmp cable rating<\/code><\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<p data-start='2655' data-end='2726'>\u201cFor a deeper look, check our article on <strong><a class='decorated-link' href='https:\/\/totcables.com\/news\/cmp-cable-explained-why-plenum-rated-cable-is-required\/' rel='noopener' data-start='411' data-end='426'>CMP cables<\/a><\/strong> and why they are required in plenum spaces.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\\n\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr data-start='2728' data-end='2731'>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<h2 data-start='2733' data-end='2781'>CM vs. CMR vs. CMP: Side-by-Side Comparison<\/h2>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<div class='_tableContainer_1rjym_1'>\\n<\/p>\n<div class='_tableWrapper_1rjym_13 group flex w-fit flex-col-reverse' tabindex='-1'>\\n<\/p>\n<table class='w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)' data-start='2783' data-end='3558'>\\n<\/p>\n<thead data-start='2783' data-end='2910'>\\n<\/p>\n<tr data-start='2783' data-end='2910'>\\n<\/p>\n<th data-start='2783' data-end='2805' data-col-size='sm'>Feature<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th data-start='2805' data-end='2835' data-col-size='sm'>CM (General Purpose)<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th data-start='2835' data-end='2871' data-col-size='sm'>CMR (Riser)<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<th data-start='2871' data-end='2910' data-col-size='sm'>CMP (Plenum)<\/th>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/thead>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tbody data-start='3039' data-end='3558'>\\n<\/p>\n<tr data-start='3039' data-end='3168'>\\n<\/p>\n<td data-start='3039' data-end='3061' data-col-size='sm'><strong data-start='3041' data-end='3060'>Fire Resistance<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td data-start='3061' data-end='3091' data-col-size='sm'>Basic flame resistance<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td data-start='3091' data-end='3127' data-col-size='sm'>Prevents flame spread in risers<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td data-start='3127' data-end='3168' data-col-size='sm'>Highest fire safety; low smoke\/toxins<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr data-start='3169' data-end='3299'>\\n<\/p>\n<td data-start='3169' data-end='3191' data-col-size='sm'><strong data-start='3171' data-end='3187'>Applications<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td data-start='3191' data-end='3221' data-col-size='sm'>Residential, office walls<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td data-start='3221' data-end='3257' data-col-size='sm'>Vertical risers, multi-floor runs<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td data-start='3257' data-end='3299' data-col-size='sm'>Plenum spaces (HVAC, ceilings, floors)<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr data-start='3300' data-end='3428'>\\n<\/p>\n<td data-start='3300' data-end='3322' data-col-size='sm'><strong data-start='3302' data-end='3310'>Cost<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td data-start='3322' data-end='3352' data-col-size='sm'>Lowest<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td data-start='3352' data-end='3388' data-col-size='sm'>Medium<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td data-start='3388' data-end='3428' data-col-size='sm'>Highest<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<tr data-start='3429' data-end='3558'>\\n<\/p>\n<td data-start='3429' data-end='3451' data-col-size='sm'><strong data-start='3431' data-end='3448'>Compatibility<\/strong><\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td data-start='3451' data-end='3481' data-col-size='sm'>For basic installs only<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td data-start='3481' data-end='3517' data-col-size='sm'>Can replace CM<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<td data-start='3517' data-end='3558' data-col-size='sm'>Can replace both CM and CMR<\/td>\n<p>\\n<\/tr>\n<p>\\n<\/tbody>\n<p>\\n<\/table>\n<p>\\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<p data-start='3560' data-end='3580'><strong data-start='3560' data-end='3578'>Rule of thumb:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<ul data-start='3581' data-end='3825'>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='3581' data-end='3603'>\\n\n<p data-start='3583' data-end='3603'><strong data-start='3583' data-end='3601'>CMP \u2265 CMR \u2265 CM<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='3604' data-end='3825'>\\n\n<p data-start='3606' data-end='3825'>Higher-rated cables can always substitute for lower-rated ones, but <strong data-start='3674' data-end='3702'>not the other way around<\/strong>. For example, a CMP cable can be used in riser or general applications, but a CMR cable cannot be used in plenum spaces.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr data-start='3827' data-end='3830'>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<h2 data-start='3832' data-end='3875'>Real-World Example: Cat6 Cable Ratings<\/h2>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<p data-start='3876' data-end='3973'>The concept of CM, CMR, and CMP applies directly to Ethernet cables such as <strong data-start='3952' data-end='3970'>Cat6 and Cat6A<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<ul data-start='3975' data-end='4235'>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='3975' data-end='4039'>\\n\n<p data-start='3977' data-end='4039'><strong data-start='3977' data-end='3995'>Cat6 CM Cable:<\/strong> Best for small office or residential use.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='4040' data-end='4129'>\\n\n<p data-start='4042' data-end='4129'><strong data-start='4042' data-end='4061'>Cat6 CMR Cable:<\/strong> Ideal for vertical risers between floors in commercial buildings.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='4130' data-end='4235'>\\n\n<p data-start='4132' data-end='4235'><strong data-start='4132' data-end='4151'>Cat6 CMP Cable:<\/strong> Required in <strong data-start='4164' data-end='4198'>data centers and plenum spaces<\/strong> where safety standards are strict.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<p data-start='4237' data-end='4302'>\ud83d\udc49 <strong data-start='4240' data-end='4253'>Keywords:<\/strong> <code data-start='4254' data-end='4271'>cat6 cmr vs cmp<\/code>, <code data-start='4273' data-end='4300'>is cmr cable plenum-rated<\/code><\/p>\n<p>\\n\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr data-start='4304' data-end='4307'>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<h2 data-start='4309' data-end='4362'>Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cable Fire Rating<\/h2>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<ul data-start='4363' data-end='4604'>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='4363' data-end='4432'>\\n\n<p data-start='4365' data-end='4432'>For residential or small office use \u2192 <strong data-start='4403' data-end='4415'>CM cable<\/strong> is sufficient.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='4433' data-end='4501'>\\n\n<p data-start='4435' data-end='4501'>For riser shafts or multi-floor networks \u2192 Choose <strong data-start='4485' data-end='4498'>CMR cable<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n \\t<\/p>\n<li data-start='4502' data-end='4604'>\\n\n<p data-start='4504' data-end='4604'>For plenum spaces or mission-critical facilities \u2192 Only <strong data-start='4560' data-end='4573'>CMP cable<\/strong> meets the required standard.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/li>\n<p>\\n<\/ul>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<p data-start='4606' data-end='4739'>\u26a1 Always remember: <strong data-start='4625' data-end='4675'>Higher fire rating = higher safety (and cost).<\/strong> Never substitute lower-rated cable in high-risk environments.<\/p>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<p data-start='4606' data-end='4739'>\u201cWondering which fire rating to choose for Ethernet? See our full breakdown of <strong><a class='decorated-link' href='https:\/\/totcables.com\/news\/cat6-cmr-vs-cat6-cmp-which-one-should-you-choose\/' rel='noopener' data-start='572' data-end='599'>Cat6 CMR vs CMP cables<\/a><\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\\n\\n\\n<\/p>\n<hr data-start='4741' data-end='4744'>\\n\\n<\/p>\n<h2 data-start='4746' data-end='4765'>Call to Action<\/h2>\n<p>\\n<\/p>\n<p data-start='4766' data-end='4941'>Looking for <strong data-start='4778' data-end='4850'>Cat6, Cat6A, or fiber optic cables with CM, CMR, or CMP fire ratings<\/strong>?<br data-start='4851' data-end='4854'>\ud83d\udce9 Contact us today for expert guidance and the best pricing on communication cables.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;}]}],&#8221;section_settings&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;},&#8221;scripts&#8221;:{},&#8221;css&#8221;:{},&#8221;css_page&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;template_setting&#8221;:{&#8220;settings&#8221;:{&#8220;id&#8221;:&#8221;settings&#8221;}},&#8221;template_setting_top&#8221;:{},&#8221;page_setting&#8221;:{&#8220;settings&#8221;:[&#8220;lock-mode-off&#8221;]},&#8221;post_type_setting&#8221;:{&#8220;settings&#8221;:{&#8220;image&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/totcables.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Fire-Ratings-for-Communication-Cables-CM-CMR-and-CMP-Explained.jpg|433|800|11468&#8243;,&#8221;excerpt&#8221;:&#8221;The NEC (National Electrical Code) defines three major fire rating categories for communication cables: CM, CMR, and CMP.\\n\\nBut what exactly do these ratings mean? How do CM vs. CMR differ? Can CMR cables be used in plenum spaces? And when should you choose CMP? Let\u2019s break it all down.&#8221;,&#8221;extra_1&#8243;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;extra_2&#8243;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;icon&#8221;:{&#8220;icon&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;icon_style&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;icon_image&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;}}}}<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>{&#8220;main-title&#8221;:{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_title&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;main-title&#8221;,&#8221;title&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;subtitle&#8221;:&#8221;The NEC (National Electrical Code) defines three major fire rating categories for communication cables: CM, CMR, and CMP. But what exactly do these ratings mean? How do CM vs. CMR differ? Can CMR cables be used in plenum spaces? And when should you choose CMP? Let\u2019s break it all down.&#8221;,&#8221;title_content&#8221;:{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_title_image&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;title-image&#8221;,&#8221;image&#8221;:&#8221;https:\/\/totcables.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/The-Ultimate-Guide-to-Fire-Ratings-for-Communication-Cables-CM-CMR-and-CMP-Explained.jpg|433|800|11468&#8243;,&#8221;full_screen&#8221;:false,&#8221;full_screen_height&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;parallax&#8221;:false,&#8221;bleed&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;ken_burn&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;overlay&#8221;:&#8221;transparent-dark&#8221;,&#8221;breadcrumbs&#8221;:true,&#8221;white&#8221;:true,&#8221;position&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;}},&#8221;section_5ZtkF&#8221;:{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_section&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;section_5ZtkF&#8221;,&#8221;section_width&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;animation&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;animation_time&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_animation&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_delay&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_order&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;vertical_row&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;box_middle&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_styles&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;section_content&#8221;:[{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_column&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;column_vtfQF&#8221;,&#8221;column_width&#8221;:&#8221;col-md-12&#8243;,&#8221;animation&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;animation_time&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_animation&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_delay&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;timeline_order&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_styles&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;main_content&#8221;:[{&#8220;component&#8221;:&#8221;hc_wp_editor&#8221;,&#8221;id&#8221;:&#8221;Xhugf&#8221;,&#8221;css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_classes&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;custom_css_styles&#8221;:&#8221;&#8221;,&#8221;editor_content&#8221;:&#8221; In structured cabling and data [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11468,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11467","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Ultimate Guide to Fire Ratings for Communication Cables: CM, CMR, and CMP Explained<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The NEC (National Electrical Code) defines three major fire rating categories for communication cables: CM, CMR, and CMP.But what exactly do these ratings mean? 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