CL3 Cable Definition
CL3 cable is a specific classification for electrical and communication cables used in residential and commercial buildings. The “CL” stands for Class, and it is a safety rating defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Its primary purpose is to indicate that the cable is safe to be installed inside walls, ceilings, and other enclosed spaces without the need for protective metal conduit. This makes installation faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective.
| Cable Type | Rated Temp. | Rated Voltage | Use Purpose |
| CL3 | 105℃ | 300V | Class 3 circuits |
CL3 cable is constructed of extremely pure copper conductors, PVC insulation, and PVC jacket. Option with even more robust and more durable structure is available, such as weather resistance, UV resistance, and abrasion resistance, etc.
Executed Standard
UL13 (Standard for Safety Power-Limited Circuit Cables)
This standard determines the requirements for cables used in power-limited circuits.
CL3 cable corresponds with UL13 standard for safety power-limited circuit cables. The purpose of the standard is to determine whether the cable is safe for installation in building for general purpose application. In practice, this means interior application, including in-wall application.
CL3 cable test is much complicated, for the cable is affected not just the only fire but also smoke. Moreover, CL3 cable incorporates not just cable but large cable trays.
Fire Resistance
The CL3 certification specifically permits the cable to be run in “plenums” (the open spaces used for air circulation in buildings), as well as in vertical shafts (risers) and general-purpose areas. There are two common sub-classifications:
- CL3R: The “R” stands for Riser. This cable has enhanced fire resistance for vertical installations between floors, designed to prevent fire from propagating up a cable shaft.
- CL3P: The “P” stands for Plenum. This is the highest fire-resistance rating for cables. Plenum cables have a special jacket (often FEP or PVC) that emits very low smoke and toxicity when burned. They are mandatory for use in air handling spaces (plenums) where smoke could be circulated throughout a building by the HVAC system.
Types of CL3 Cables
- CL3 Speaker Wire
For in-wall installation of home audio systems.
- CL3-Rated HDMI Cables
For running HDMI signals inside walls for clean setups.
- CL3 Ethernet Cables (Cat5e, Cat6, etc.)
For in-wall networking.
- CL3 Coaxial Cables (RG6)
For cable TV, satellite, or antenna installations.
Specification
CL3 cable is widely used in the installation of communication module, signal control system, intercoms, power limited control circuits, security system, sensors and control panels.
- 28AWGX1PAIR+28AWGX2C (Refer to CL2 Cable)
- 28AWGX1PAIR+26AWGX2C (Refer to CL2 Cable)
- 28AWGX1PAIR+24AWGX2C (Refer to CL2 Cable)
- 26AWGX2PR, 26AWGX3PR, 26AWGX4PR
| Item Name | 26AWGX2PR | 26AWGX3PR | 26AWGX4PR |
| Conductor: | TS7/0.16±0.007 | TS7/0.16±0.007 | TS7/0.16±0.007 |
| Insulation Diameter: | 0.92±0.08 | 0.92±0.08 | 0.92±0.08 |
| Jacket Overall Diameter: | 4.50±0.25 | 4.80±0.30 | 5.20±0.30 |