- A
PVC-jacketed cable
Why wrong: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) cables are not plenum-rated. They can produce dense toxic smoke in a fire and are not permitted in plenum spaces.
- B
Riser-rated cable
Why wrong: Riser-rated cables are designed for vertical runs through building floors, not for plenum air-handling spaces. They have less stringent fire resistance than plenum cables.
- C
Plenum-rated cable
Plenum-rated cables are specifically manufactured with low-smoke, fire-retardant materials to meet building codes for installation in air-handling spaces.
- D
Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cable
Why wrong: LSZH cables are used in Europe and in confined spaces to reduce toxic and corrosive fumes. While they are low-smoke, they are not necessarily rated for plenum spaces in North American codes.
Quick Answer
The correct choice is plenum-rated cable, which is required by most building codes for installation in air-handling spaces like drop ceilings or raised floors. This is because plenum-rated cable uses fire-retardant materials such as FEP or PFA, which produce minimal smoke and are self-extinguishing, preventing toxic fumes and flames from spreading through ventilation systems. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this concept tests your understanding of safety standards like the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must distinguish between plenum and PVC (riser-rated) cable. A common trap is assuming any cable works in a plenum space, but standard PVC-jacketed cable releases hazardous smoke and supports flame propagation, making it illegal there. To remember, think: “Plenum = Plastic that Fights Fire and Fumes,” or simply associate “plenum” with “plume-free” smoke.
N10-009 Network Implementation Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network implementation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A network administrator is installing cable in a plenum space (an area used for air circulation, such as above a drop ceiling). Which cable type is required by most building codes for such an installation?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Plenum-rated cable
Plenum-rated cable is required by most building codes (e.g., NFPA 70, National Electrical Code) for installation in plenum spaces because it is constructed with fire-retardant materials, such as FEP or PFA, that produce minimal smoke and are self-extinguishing. This prevents toxic fumes and flames from spreading through air-handling areas, ensuring safety in case of a fire. Standard PVC-jacketed cable would release hazardous smoke and support flame propagation, making it illegal in plenum spaces.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
PVC-jacketed cable
Why it's wrong here
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) cables are not plenum-rated. They can produce dense toxic smoke in a fire and are not permitted in plenum spaces.
- ✗
Riser-rated cable
Why it's wrong here
Riser-rated cables are designed for vertical runs through building floors, not for plenum air-handling spaces. They have less stringent fire resistance than plenum cables.
- ✓
Plenum-rated cable
Why this is correct
Plenum-rated cables are specifically manufactured with low-smoke, fire-retardant materials to meet building codes for installation in air-handling spaces.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cable
Why it's wrong here
LSZH cables are used in Europe and in confined spaces to reduce toxic and corrosive fumes. While they are low-smoke, they are not necessarily rated for plenum spaces in North American codes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'plenum-rated' with 'riser-rated' or 'LSZH', assuming any low-smoke cable suffices, but the exam specifically tests that only CMP meets the fire and smoke spread requirements for plenum spaces as defined by the NEC.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Plenum-rated cable (CMP) is tested under UL 910 (Steiner Tunnel Test) to ensure flame spread of less than 5 feet and peak smoke density below 0.5, whereas riser-rated cable (CMR) uses UL 1666 with less stringent smoke requirements. In real-world scenarios, a fire in a plenum space with non-plenum cable can rapidly spread toxic smoke through HVAC ducts, incapacitating occupants before flames reach them, which is why codes strictly mandate CMP for such areas.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this N10-009 question test?
Network Implementation — This question tests Network Implementation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Plenum-rated cable — Plenum-rated cable is required by most building codes (e.g., NFPA 70, National Electrical Code) for installation in plenum spaces because it is constructed with fire-retardant materials, such as FEP or PFA, that produce minimal smoke and are self-extinguishing. This prevents toxic fumes and flames from spreading through air-handling areas, ensuring safety in case of a fire. Standard PVC-jacketed cable would release hazardous smoke and support flame propagation, making it illegal in plenum spaces.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This N10-009 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the N10-009 exam.
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