When it comes to something as important as fire safety and wiring fire alarms, it’s important to know exactly the right kind of cable you need in order to safely install your device. Certain kinds of cable are not designed for certain areas of your home or office, and may not properly fulfill their job in the event of an emergency.

Alarm and safety systems all require specific kinds of cable in order to function optimally and within code. When it comes to fire safety systems specifically, it becomes especially important to know your fire alarm cables to ensure that your alarm system works when you need it most during a fire related emergency.

Because fire alarm cables need to meet a certain level of standards in fire resistance depending on where they are located in a building, another factor you should consider when looking for your cables is if they have been approved by a national testing laboratory. At EWCS Wire, we ensure that not only are our cables constructed out of the highest quality materials, they meet all of the required standards and regulations.

It’s important to know the difference between the two primary kinds of fire alarm cables and what makes them suitable for their specific roles, if you intend on purchasing cable for any kind of project.

The Difference Between Riser and Plenum Rated Cable
Fire alarm systems require two different varieties of cable depending on where they are installed inside of a building, known as riser rated and plenum rated. There can also be shielded or unshielded variants of both depending on the level of safety you require.

The riser and plenum are areas of a building that are inside of either the walls or ceiling, and are used for various purposes, including wiring and ducts. A riser typically resides in a wall and passes through multiple floors, providing access to electrical systems at crucial junctures, while a plenum is a space in a ceiling typically used for ductwork.

Because of the amounts of air that pass through duct areas, plenum rated fire alarm cables are typically more fire-retardant than other varieties by necessity. Cable that needs to be integrated into a duct system should always have a specific type of plenum rated jacket that repels fire and melts in such a way that it will release a minimal amount of fumes.

Other kinds of alarm cables for fire emergency systems also need to have a certain level of protection as plenum rated ones, but not necessarily as much. Riser rated cables fall into this category. They are placed inside of areas in the walls where electrical systems are housed that pass through several floors of a residence. Because there is less air flow in these areas compared to inside a plenum, there isn’t such a need for them to be so fire resistant.

Both of these kinds of cable however meet a certain critical level of safety standards and are reviewed by a national testing laboratory as mandated by the National Electric Code and approved for use. When you are looking for the right cables for your fire alarm system, they must meet these important standards.

Once you understand the difference between the two varieties of cable, you can best make a decision as to what kind you need for your project. Depending on your specific needs, you may also want the shielded variant. These typically include an aluminum polyester foil shield that protects against outside interference, which is an important factor you want to consider if your alarm system is particularly sensitive.

Purchasing the Cable You Need Online Once you fully understand what kind of cable you need based on where it will be installed as well as whether or not it requires shielding, you need to find a reliable place to obtain it. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to order a wide variety of cables in many different sizes online, if you know where to look. The most important factor is choosing a manufacturer that knows cable and emphasizes product quality and customer service.

If you are looking for fire alarm cable online, it’s simple to order the kind you need right in our online store here at EWCS Wire. We specialize in having the best selection of high quality cable for any situation, including both riser and plenum fire alarm cables in both shielded and unshielded variants, in all the sizes you need.

Our goal is customer satisfaction, which is why we excel at fast shipping and getting the customer exactly what they need for their project. If you have any questions about the cables we carry in our store or on how fast we can get it to you, you can reach us here at sales@ewcswire.com or at 1-800-262-1598.