cable_solutions_firealarm

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CABLE SOLUTIONS

Fire Alarm Cable

Plenum - FPLP Fire Alarm Cables

Riser - FPLR Fire Alarm Cables

Fire/Clad Armored Fire Alarm Cables

Shielded / Cabled

Part# Description Rating Part# Description Rating

85802 18/2 solid BC OAS FPLP 81802 18/2 solid BC FPLP






81202 12/2 solid BC FPLP

Shielded / Cabled Unshielded / Cabled

Part# Description Rating Part# Description Rating

98300 18/2 solid BC OAS FPLR 98820 18/2 solid BC FPLR







Unshielded / Parallel

Part# Description Rating98204 22/4 solid BC FPLR

98844 18/4 solid BC FPLR

Part# Description Rating

92852 18/2 solid BC FPL







LT543-06-01 re

Unshielded / Cabled

Coleman Cable Inc. 1530 Shields Drive Waukegan, IL 60085 800.323.9355 www.colemancab

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CABLE SOLUTIONS

Fire Alarm Cable

Review of Cable Requirements:All installations must follow guidelines established by the

National Electric Code. Below are some basic practices to

remember when installing power-limited fire alarm systems.

For a more in-depth review of requirements and installation

guidelines, refer to the NEC code book.

1. All cables must be listed by a Nationally Recognized

Testing Lab (UL, ETL, CSA, etc). Check all cables for the

proper markings. Refer to NEC Article 760.

2. Comply with local wiring requirements.

3. Only use conductors made of copper.

4. Test wiring for grounds, short circuits, and open faults

before the system is placed in operation.5. Always use the proper gauge of wire to avoid line loss.

6. Avoid interference when routing wire.

7. Installation to prevent the spread of fire from floor to floor.

8. A minimum of 6 inches of free conductor is required in each

electrical box to facilitate termination.

9. All wiring must be terminated with listed devices.

Plenum CMP FPLP

Riser CMR FPLR

General Purpose CMGCM

FPL

Type CM - Communications wire & cable

Type FPL - Power-limited fire alarm cables

Cable A shall be permitted to be used in place of Cable BA B

NEC Article 760Fire Alarm Systems

Applies to the installation of wiring & equipment of the fire alarm

systems including all circuits controlled and powered by the fire

alarm system

Cable Substitution Hierarchy

LT543-06-01 SEPT10 R3Coleman Cable Inc.

1530 Shields Drive

Waukegan, IL 60085

800.323.9355

www.colemancable.com

Identify the Application

Type of system: Fire detection & alarm notification, guard'stour, sprinkler water flow or sprinkler supervisory systems.

Where the cable will be installed: Ducts & plenums, conduit?

Distance cable will be run.

Whether the system is addressable, may need to meet

specific capacitance.

What Really Matters in Selecting the

RIGHT Fire Alarm Cable

Where the Cable will be installed:Cable rating is important, the NEC has 3 ratings FPLP, FPLR and FPL.

These ratings designate where and how the cable can be installed based on

the ability of the wire to reduce the spread of smoke and fire.

FPLP (Plenum): Type FPLP power-limited fire alarm plenum cable is listed

by the NEC as being suitable for use in ducts, plenums and other space used

for environmental air. All FPLP cables are listed as having adequate fire-

resistant and low-smoke producing characteristics and must pass both UL

test 1424 and NFPA 262.

FPLR (Riser): Type FPLR power-limited fire alarm riser cable is listed as

being suitable for use in a vertical run in a shaft or from floor to floor. All

FPLR cables are listed as having fire-resistant characteristics capable of pre-

venting fire from traveling floor to floor. Riser cables must pass both UL test

1424 and the vertical riser flame test UL 1666.FPL (General Purpose): Type FPL power-limited fire alarm cable is listed

by the NEC as being suitable for general purpose fire alarm use. This listing

excludes installation in riser, ducts, plenums and other space used for

environmental air unless the cable is installed in conduit. All FPL cables are

listed as being resistant to the spread of fire and must pass both UL test

1424 and vertical flame test UL 1685 or CSA vertical flame test.

Type of SystemIs the system microprocessor based and therefore sensitive to EMI and RFI?

If the system is computer based, a SHIELDED cable will protect the circuits

from this outside interference and keep the signal constant.

SHIELDED: Offers excellent protection against interference (EMI & RFI).

EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference): Electrostatic sparks or spiking

from motors, neon or fluorescent lighting ballasts or any other sources that

cause noise. Shielded cables should be considered for installations in

areas near dimmer panels and light switches, in parallel runs, near neon orfluorescent lights and near power cables.

RFI (Radio Frequency Interference): Some frequencies used for radio

communications have a tendency to become coupled onto conductors to

produce RFI.

UNSHIELDED: Cost effective where interference is not a concern.Distance the cable will run

Voltage drop should be calculated or refer to equipment manufacturers

recommendations. Knowing the distance the cable will run also helps

identify the right gauge size cable to select. Larger gauge for longer runs.

CapacitanceThe capacity of the insulation to hold an electric charge. Often, lower

capacitance (Picofarrads/foot = pF/ft.) translates to a higher performance

cable. May need to meet requirements for specific hardware systems.

Cabled (Twisted) vs. Straight-Lay (Zip or Parallel)

CABLED: Most common for fire alarm cable. Reduces crosstalk

interference from other signals (inside or outside the cable), especially over

longer runs.

STRAIGHT-LAY: Cost effective where interference is not a concern.

Solid vs. StrandedSOLID: Industry standard for most fire alarm cable. Solid conductors are

easier to terminate, often lower cost and have less attenuation/signal loss.

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