What does the term "plenum-rated" indicate about a cable?

The term "plenum-rated" specifically refers to cables that are designed for installation in air handling spaces, commonly referred to as plenum spaces, which are areas within buildings where air circulates for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Plenum-rated cables are constructed with a fire-resistant jacket that emits low smoke when it burns, which is essential in these environments where the need to minimize smoke and toxic fumes in the event of a fire is critical for safety. This characteristic makes them suitable for use in areas where air flows through, as these cables can reduce the risk of fire hazards that could potentially spread throughout the building via the ducts and air handling systems.

The other options describe different properties that may be relevant to other types of cables, but they do not accurately reflect what "plenum-rated" indicates. The focus on low smoke emission and fire resistance makes "B" the appropriate choice for describing the characteristics of plenum-rated cabling.