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.

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