Fire alarm cable is a specific type of alarm cable or instrumentation cable that possesses certain features that make it suitable for its use. Unsurprisingly, and as you could have guessed, fire alarm cable is the cable that is used to monitor and control a fire alarm system.
As these systems are regulated and prescribed by law, it is imperative that they function as intended and that only components that are well designed for their use are put into place. As the security of inhabited buildings is of the utmost importance, these special cables can often be found classified accordingly in order to ensure their fitness for an application.
Power Limited vs. Non Power Limited - The basis of the difference between power limited and non power limited alarm cables has to do with their compliance according to the National Electric Code. To keep things as simple as possible, power limited cables can only be used with power limited circuits whereas non power limited cables can be used with circuits that are non power limited. They cannot be used interchangeably - power limited cables must be used with power limited fire alarm systems, but example.
Shielded vs. Unshielded - The difference between shielded and unshielded cables is easier to understand on its surface than the difference between power limited and non power limited cables. Shielded cables are larger, thicker and stiffer than equivalent unshielded cables and are designed to protect against electromagnetic interference, or EMI. This protection is most often necessary when a cable is exposed to the environment or must travel long distances, but an electrical engineer can probably clear up exactly when and where shield cables are necessary, as well as the difference between power limited and non power limited cables.
Heat Resistant - Consider this - fire alarm cables must allow for communication between the nodes of an alarm system, including smoke detectors, in the event of a fire. For this reason, they must not only be heat resistant, but also operational even when stressed by high levels of heat. Maintaining a high level of heat resistance ensured that these types of cables will work as intended, when needed.
Non Toxic - In addition, as these types of cables may by the nature of their occupation be exposed to high heat or fire, they are manufactured with insulation that will not release toxic fumes if it is burned. This increases the safety of their implementation in spaces that are habitable.
In the event that you came in search of fire alarm cable not for information but in order to find a supplier, then when you leave this page, make sure to visit EWCSWire.com. EWCS Wire, or the aptly named Electrical Wire and Cable Specialists, offers many different times of wire and cable on their website, and they offer excellent customer service as well.
Not sure what you need? Get in touch with them via a live chat on their website. You can also reach out to them by phone at 800-262-1598 or via email at sales@ewcswire.com.
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