Security and alarm cable might not keep the lights on, but they sure do make it possible to keep the lights on. If you aren’t directly familiar with the roles that security and alarm cable fill, then here is what you need to know. Most building wire is used for carrying power to a building to power its lighting, appliances and equipment. Building wire is typically capable of carrying 600 volts, although there are larger wires that can carry much more, and thinner wires and cables that can only carry less. In addition, some other types of wires are specially designed for a specific purpose. For example, security cable cannot carry enough current to power a building’s lighting, but there’s a very specific reason for that.

Alarm cables, like Belden security and alarm cables, are specifically designed to allow for monitoring of systems and communication between the nodes on the system. When it comes to alarm systems like fire alarm systems or security systems, communication and monitoring is every bit as critical of function as lighting is for a building. This is true if only for no other reason that there are codes that require alarm systems to be properly maintained and serviceable before a building can be used. Security and alarm systems do not, typically, require a large amount of power to remain operational, and therefore, a lot of these types of wires and cables are low voltage, drawing very little power.

In addition to being low voltage to remain operational even with a limited power supply, some special types of cable, like fire alarm cables, are insulated with material that will not produce toxic smoke if it is heated. At the same time, they are rated to continue to perform even when they are exposed to high heat, as might sometimes happen in a fire.

Alarm and instrumentation cable is not only used for the monitoring of alarm and security systems, however. Similar low voltage cables can also be used to control and operate PA systems, audio systems and other forms of instrumentation systems. In this way, you can see that, while these wires and cables do not keep the lights on themselves, they are critical to the functions that enable the lights to remain on.

If you’re looking for the highest quality instrumentation cable in the industry, you can’t go wrong with Belden security and alarm cables, and you can find these at EWCS Wire at EWCSWire.com. There you can find not only Belden cables but an assortment of other multi conductor cables instrumentation and alarm cables. In addition to their collection of security and alarm cables, you can find many other specialty cables and wires on their website, including but not limited to armored cables, marine battery cables, welding cables and much more. All of this comes in addition to a myriad of building wire and cables, tray cables and aluminum building cable. Visit their website, EWCSWire.com today, and if you have any questions, reach out to them at 800-262-1598.