Fire Alarm Cable- Types

Using the correct fire alarm cable is essential for ensuring that the fire alarm system works effectively and appropriately. If you are thinking of installing a fire alarm in your home/ office, there are many types to choose from. A brief understanding of each type can help you decide which would be best for your specific needs.

Fire alarm cables come in three broad types: Plenum, Non-Plenum and Riser. Here is a brief description of each of them:

Plenum (FPLP)

Plenum cables are used in ducts or other air spaces in buildings, either above drop ceilings or under raised floors. They are fire resistant and produce minimal smoke. To be fit for installation in the above-mentioned areas, a fire alarm cable must meet the strict requirements of flammability and low smoke generation. There are two types of plenum cables:

·         Multi-conductor plenum cables: These are available with a fully annealed, solid bare copper conductor and premium-grade Flexguard PVC insulation. They are commonly used for wiring fire alarms, smoke detectors, voice communications, burglar alarms and fire protective circuits.

·         Mid-capacitance plenum cables: These come with a red jacket and with a ripcord for easy critical circuit identification. They are specifically designed for use in fire alarm systems, voice communications, smoke detectors and pull boxes.

Non-Plenum (FPL)

Non-plenum cables are suitable for general purpose fire alarm use. They are not suitable for installation in plenum, ducts or other spaces used for return air. However, they are perfect for general purpose fire alarm applications, including surface wiring for smoke alarms. There are three types of non-plenum cable:

·         Multi-conductor non-plenum cable: This is commonly used for fire alarm wiring, smoke alarms, burglar alarms, fire protective circuits and voice communications.

·         Mid-capacitance non-plenum cable: This is suitable for addressable fire alarm systems, fire alarm systems, voice communications, smoke detectors and pull boxes.

·         Multi-paired non-plenum cable: This is commonly used in the wiring of fire alarms, smoke alarms, voice communications, burglar alarms and fire protective circuits.

Riser (FPLR)

Riser cables are designed for use in riser applications, meaning they can be used in cable pathways that run vertically from floor to floor. They have fire-resistant characteristics which help prevent a fire from spreading to multiple floors of a building. A multi-conductor riser cable is one type of riser cable.

·         Multi-conductor riser cable: Common applications of this cable include fire alarm wiring, smoke alarms, voice communications, burglar alarms and fire protective circuits.