When selecting cable for a residential, commercial, or industrial installation, choosing the correct cable jacket rating is just as important as choosing the cable itself. CL2, CL3, CM, CMR, and CMP ratings identify where a cable can be installed and how it performs in the event of a fire.
Understanding these ratings helps ensure safety, code compliance, and long-term performance for networking, audio, and low-voltage installations.
What Are Cable Jacket Ratings?
Cable jacket ratings are safety classifications that define a cable's resistance to flame spread and smoke generation. Different installation environments require different cable ratings to comply with local building and fire codes.
Using the proper cable rating helps protect people, equipment, and property while ensuring your installation meets code requirements.
What Is CL2 Cable?
CL2 (Class 2) cable is commonly used for low-voltage audio and speaker wire installations. It is designed for residential and commercial applications where low-voltage signals are transmitted between audio equipment and speakers.
Common CL2 applications include:
- Home Theater Systems
- Wall Speakers
- Ceiling Speakers
- Multi-Room Audio Systems
- Background Music Systems
For in-wall audio installations, browse our Speaker Wires collection.
What Is CL3 Cable?
CL3 (Class 3) cable is similar to CL2 cable but is rated for higher voltage applications. Both are commonly used for speaker wire installations, but CL3 offers additional voltage capacity where required.
Popular speaker wire options include:
- 12/2 Speaker Wire
- 12/4 Speaker Wire
- 14/2 Speaker Wire
- 14/4 Speaker Wire
- 16/2 Speaker Wire
- 16/4 Speaker Wire
- 18/2 Speaker Wire
What Is CM Cable?
CM stands for Communications Multipurpose Cable and is used for general communications and networking applications.
CM cable is commonly found in:
- Home Networks
- Office Networks
- Structured Cabling Systems
- Data Communications
- Security Systems
Common examples include Cat5e Ethernet Cable, Cat6 Ethernet Cable, and Cat6A Ethernet Cable.
What Is CMR Cable?
CMR stands for Communications Multipurpose Riser. CMR cable is specifically designed for vertical cable runs between floors in multi-story buildings.
Browse our collection of Riser Ethernet Cable for riser-rated installations.
What Is CMP Cable?
CMP stands for Communications Multipurpose Plenum. CMP cable is designed for installation in air-handling spaces such as plenum ceilings and HVAC return air areas.
Browse our collection of Plenum Ethernet Cable for plenum-rated installations.
CL2 vs CL3 vs CM vs CMR vs CMP Comparison
| Rating | Typical Application | Fire Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| CL2 | Speaker Wire & Audio Systems | Good |
| CL3 | Higher Voltage Audio Systems | Good |
| CM | General Communications Cable | Standard |
| CMR | Vertical Riser Installations | Higher |
| CMP | Plenum Air Spaces | Highest |
Shop Ethernet Cable by Installation Type
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- Indoor Ethernet Cable
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Conclusion
CL2, CL3, CM, CMR, and CMP cable ratings identify where a cable can be safely installed and how it performs under fire conditions. Selecting the proper cable rating is essential for code compliance, safety, and reliable long-term performance.
Before beginning any installation, verify local building code requirements and choose the cable rating that matches your installation environment.