Jacket material and ratings help determine whether a cable suits indoor, plenum, or outdoor and direct-burial installations: PVC jackets support many indoor patching applications, plenum-rated jackets are designed for air-handling spaces, and polyethylene jackets with water-blocking gel help protect direct-burial cables from moisture. Check markings such as plenum, FT6, FT2, or CMG against the installation location and local code before selecting a jacketed cable.

Choose plenum-rated jacketed cables for runs through air-handling spaces, such as above suspended ceilings, where the cable’s fire-safety rating supports that installation environment. Choose direct-burial jacketed cables for underground or outdoor runs, where a polyethylene jacket and water-blocking gel help protect the cable from moisture and the elements.

Easy-to-strip jackets help installers remove the outer covering cleanly, reducing the chance of damaging conductors before termination. For network patch cables, a defined minimum bend radius supports neater routing through racks and enclosures while helping maintain the cable’s intended performance.

Shielded jacketed cables include a conductive layer that helps reduce electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference, making them well suited for runs near motors, power wiring, or other noise sources. Unshielded jacketed cables lack that added protection and can suit lower-interference areas, while shielded installations require compatible connectors and proper grounding practices.