Skip to main content

What Matters in Fire Alarm Cables?

Fire alarm cables are the cables that carry power and information to and from the nodes on a fire alarm system. When one alarm node sounds off, the system communicates that information with the other sensors on the network as well as with any control center that operates them. These systems are a critical component of the safety of manmade infrastructures and are regulated as a matter of law.

That makes alarm wire and cable another matter that falls under this same umbrella of importance. Because an operable fire alarm system is so important to security as well as with legal compliance, it helps to understand the nature of the cables and wires that feed and service these systems. Here are some of the terms you are liable to come across in your search.

Riser rated vs. plenum rated - Riser rated cables are rated for use in the vertical spaces between the floors of a building, and plenum rated cables are rated for use in plenum space - the space above a drop ceiling.

Shielded vs. unshielded - Electrical circuits all produce and are subject to electromagnetic interference, which can slow down or otherwise negatively impact the practicality of a circuit. With alarm systems, EMI is a big concern because they are already operating with low voltages and the data they send and receive is critical. Shielded cables offer a higher degree of protection against EMI than unshielded cables.

Power limited vs. non-power limited - This is a little bit difficult to understand for those who are not particularly familiar with the National Electric Code, but it is a matter of compliance. Power limited cables can be used only with voltage up to a certain maximum amount, whereas non-power limited cables have a higher operable threshold. Power limited circuits are also typically controlled by a power-limiting source that will not allow the voltage to exceed a maximum value.

In addition to these qualifiers, you are also going to come across a few other important traits in fire alarm cables that are important to quality. For one thing, fire alarm wires and cables are rated to stand up to heat much better than other alarm cables. As alarm cables are smaller and more fragile that other cables and have smaller, thinner copper conductors, this is important to ensure they remain operable, especially considering they might sometimes be exposed to high temperatures.

On that same note, these types of alarm cables are usually also tested to ensure that they are fire resistant. That is, if their insulation does burn or is overheated, it does not produce toxic smoke, as this would only contribute to the hazard of the environment.

If you want to learn more about these types of cables or are only out to find some high-quality cables for your own projects, visit EWCSWire.com. EWCSWire is your prime choice for high quality electrical wires and cables and their customer service sets them apart. Don’t believe us - visit their site and see for yourself, or give them a call at 800-262-1598.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Find the Electric Wire Cable Your Business Needs

If you operate a business that deals with electrical wiring, it’s crucial to make sure you have the exact cables for the job at hand. Not having the right supplies for the job on hand can lead to costly delays. If your client is on a strict schedule, it could even cost you their business. Don’t let your business get caught in this kind of scenario, keep your inventory stocked with quality electric wire cable at a great price by visiting the Electric Wire and Cable Specialists(EWCS). At EWCS, we have been providing professionals with the cable they need for over 20 years. We know the quality matters, and we make all of our electrical cables right here in the USA from only the highest quality 100% copper wire. We make sure each product we offer has been certified by either a UL or ETL nationally recognized testing laboratory. When you buy our wire and cable, you know that you will receive a product you can install with confidence. No matter what job your business takes on,...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Importance of Fire Alarm Cables

There are few things more important than fire safety. Without the proper fire electrical equipment set up in a small home or a big building, one small fire that starts anywhere in the building can cause a huge safety issue. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of seven people die from fires on a daily basis. The fact that this could be prevented makes the situation that much worse. When any type of building gets ready for people to move into it, whether it’s to work or to live, one of the most important things to check is fire safety. Fires spread like no other, so ensuring that the building has the proper fire safety tools to help prevent fires from starting and spreading with no warning to the other occupants in the building is a major factor in the overall safety of the building. Besides actually having a smoke or fire detector in place, one of the most important things all fire alarms need to have to ensure the safety of the building’s occu...
Post a Comment
Read more

Common Questions About Security and Alarm Cables, Answered

Not sure which type of security or alarm cable your facility or system needs? Hopefully, these answers to common questions can help! What cable is used for alarm systems? Security and alarm systems are usually wired with small-gauge wire specifically designed for the purpose. For instance, many security systems are wired with 12 and 18 AWG gauge alarm wire, as these low-voltage applications do not necessarily require larger, heavier wires. However, larger or wire gauges may be required depending on the circumstances. Also, there are some unique requirements for some systems. For instance, fire alarm cables must be made with specific insulation that is heat resistant and which does not produce toxic smoke when burned. What gauge cable do you need for alarm systems? Only your specific system requirements can answer that question, but often large wire gauges (that is, smaller wires) are used as security and alarm cables because of the low-voltage, low-current application. What is ...
Post a Comment
Read more