Fire Alarm Wire Types

How to Choose a Fire Alarm Wire

• There are three general categories of fire alarm wires: non-plenum, plenum and riser, each corresponding to another standardized category. Plenum cables are to be used in ducts or other enclosed air spaces, and are referred to as "FPLP." Non-plenum wires are used in surface wiring and are referred to as "FPL." Riser wires are used in vertical applications from floor to floor and are referred to as "FPLR." The names reflect how the specific wire should be installed.

Power Limited and Non-Power Limited

• Power-limited and non-power-limited fire alarm wire types are fairly similar. The primary difference comes down to what sections of the National Electrical Code (NEC) they comply with. Non-power-limited cables comply with NEC section 760-21 and 760-23. Power-limited cables comply with section 760-41.

Standards

• The standards in United States are regulated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which publishes the NEC standards. These standards regulate the installation of electrical wiring and equipment, which must be considered prior to starting any fire alarm wiring project. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and ASTM International also design standards and tests for various wire types, including fire alarm wires.

Safety

• Various safety precautions must be considered when thinking about fire alarm wires. These include voltage, chemical and abrasion resistance, and these factors must be taken into consideration to find the right type of fire alarm wire. There are also some general fire-related safety precautions to consider as well, including the fire resistance of the cable and smoke propagation, which are specially important for fire wires that must function under extreme situations and conditions. UL, NEC and other fire standard organizations oversee these safety regulations.