What is the primary characteristic of riser-rated cable?

Riser-rated cable is specifically designed for use in vertical spaces, such as the areas between floors in a building. These spaces, often referred to as riser shafts, provide a pathway for various types of cabling to run vertically throughout multi-story structures. The primary characteristic of riser-rated cables is that they are engineered to limit the spread of fire within these vertical pathways, which is critical for ensuring safety in case of a fire incident. This type of cable typically has a fire-resistant jacket that meets specific safety standards, helping to contain flames and prevent them from traveling upwards through the cable pathways.

While options regarding underground use, high-voltage applications, or outdoor settings may refer to other types of cables suited for those environments, they do not capture the essence of what riser-rated cables are intended for. Riser-rated cables focus on the vertical transport of data and maintaining safety standards within building structures.