Here looking for information on security and alarm cables? You’re in the right place. See if the answers to your questions appear below.
What Is Security Alarm Cable?
Security alarm cable, also sometimes called station wire, is a special type of electrical conductor that is used to control security and alarm systems, such as fire alarm systems. Security alarm cable generally is rated to a relatively low voltage and therefore is of a somewhat thin gauge – although this can vary.
However, despite the name, security alarm wire and cable can also be used effectively for sound and intercom systems, lighting control, automation control, video surveillance, environmental control, and more.
What Sorts of Insulation Are Used?
Many different types of insulation are used in security alarm wire but one of the most common types is PVC, or polyvinyl chloride. PVC is a relatively durable synthetic that is not a good electrical conductor, which makes it a good insulator. It is also relatively resistant to heat and fire, and exhibits reasonable chemical resistance. In the case of fire alarm cable, flame-resistant insulation is necessary and there are standards for toxic smoke production and self-extinguishing features.
What Are the Different Types of Alarm Wire?
There are several different types of security alarm cable; among these are the following.
Type 1: Type 1 security and alarm cables are made with LSNH (low-smoke non-halogen) materials and the conductors are individually tinned to resist corrosion.
Type 2: Type 2 cables are made with PVC insulation and have tinned conductors as well, but since PVC is not as suitable as LSNH materials, these types are generally reserved for non-public installation.
Type 3: Type 3 cables are more affordable than the first two types and are made with tinned aluminum conductors, instead of copper. They are also made with PVC insulation. They are neither as durable nor as safe under high heat as the previous two types.
What Do “Riser” and “Plenum” Rated Mean?
Riser space is the space that communicates between floors of a building; plenum space is the space underneath a raised floor or a drop-ceiling. There are different requirements for each type of rating and they should not be used interchangeably..
What Does “Shielded” Mean?
Shielding an electrical conductor (any conductor, not just those used for alarm and security systems) helps prevent EMI, or electromagnetic interference, from scrambling the signal. While a potential concern for any system, it is even more important in communications systems in which the fidelity of information transmission is central to operation.
Where to Get Security Alarm Cables?
Are you interested in learning more about security and alarm cable, such as fire alarm cable? Visit EWCS Wire. Not only do they sell a wide range of security and fire alarm cables, but they also sell a variety of other specialized types of conductors, such as aluminum wire, triplex and quadruplex wire, pump cable, marine cable, flexible welding cable, solar panel cable and much more. Visit their website or get in touch with them for more information.
