Finer Points of Fire Alarm Cables

Before we get there, though, we have to take a look at what some of the more

obtuse points are and what they mean. Let’s start with the obvious - cables. Just

what is a cable and how is it different from a wire?

The answer is much simpler than you might have guessed and it is really not

technical at all. A wire is one strand of a conductor, which is likely to be copper as

that is widely used in circuitry. A cable is simply a number of wires wrapped

together. In other words, a wire is one strand and a cable is a bunch of them

together. You can’t get a cable unless you start with wire.

Then there is the concept of alarm cable. Alarm cable is simple the cable that is used

to construct the circuitry of an alarm system, but it possesses certain traits that make

it suitable to these applications, as you might have guessed. Additionally, fire alarm

cables possess traits that make them better suited to serve fire alarm systems than

other types of alarm cables.

Alarm cables, in general, must maintain constant monitoring and communication

between the nodes of a system, such as smoke detectors. Without constant

surveillance, the system would then be no good, as communication is its basic

purpose. As a result, most alarm cables draw very low voltage and can stay

operational even when little current is applied to them.

As you may have guessed, fire alarm cables monitor systems that are vital, in

accordance not only with the ideals of safety but with the law. If a fire alarm system

were to lose its function, it wouldn’t be much good to anyone.

High uptime is not the only thing that is required for

fire alarm cables. Fire alarm cables should also be

made with insulation that is heat resistant and does

not produce toxic smoke when heat is applied to

them. Since these cables may necessarily come into

contact with high heat, it is imperative that they

maintain their functionality.

You will also see some other terms associated with

fire alarm cables, such as shielded cables and cables

rated for riser or plenum space. To shed a little bit of

light on this, cables that are rated for plenum space

in a building can be wired through the open space

above the ceiling tiles. If they are riser rated, they

cannot be used in plenum space.

Shielded cables refer to cables that

have structural features that suit them

to be able to deflect electronic

interference, which becomes more

pronounced over long distances.

Unshielded cables have less protection

against electromagnetic interference

and are less suitable in situations

exposed to a lot of interference. Work

with an electrical engineer if you have

questions about when and where what

types of cables are suitable for use.

Of course, you could also reach out to

the specialists at EWCS Wire through

their online store, EWCSWire.com.

There you will find a team that is

ready and willing to help you and a

selection of products that can’t be

matched. Their expertise extends

much farther than fire alarm and other

security cables, though - on their

website you will also find a number of

other specialty cables and wires. Visit

their website, listed above, or contact

their team at [email protected].

Contact us

Electrical Wire & Cable Specialists

Add: 1511 SOUTH 47TH AVENUE SUITE 400,

PHOENIX, AZ, 85043

Phone: 800-262-1598

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.ewcswire.com