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Low-Voltage Wire and Cable Selection Guide

Trying to find the right low voltage wiring and cable can be time-consuming. Read up on this guide to find out which type of cable is right for your next job — whether that be for a fire alarm, security, network or speaker installation.

What is a low-voltage cable?

A low-voltage cable is made up of five components: the conductors, shielding, jacket, insulation and drain wire. This type of cable can transmit a maximum of 50V to a connected device. If a device requires a low-voltage cable, then it cannot work with regular wiring and vice versa. Not all electronics can handle the same amount of voltage. Some might need more voltage, so a low-voltage wire or cable will not suffice. If a device requires a low-voltage cable, then it cannot work with regular wiring and vice versa.

 

Cable vs. wire

Wire and cable have many similarities, but one key difference sets them apart. A wire is a single electrical conductor, while a cable is multiple electrical conductors grouped together with one sheathing.

 

Industry standards

The National Electric Code (NEC), also named NFPA 70, is a set of regulations to practice safe electrical handling during installations and inspections. Revised every three years, the NEC code offers guidelines that help prevent fires and accidents from occurring. In it, the NEC covers specifications for different applications for wire such as fire alarm systems, communication systems, AV systems and more. Following these guidelines can help integrators choose the safest and most efficient wire or cable for their specific job.

Check your wire size

The American Wire Gauge, or AWG determines the thickness of the wire and how well energy can pass through the current without damaging your equipment. The bigger the number gauge is, the thinner the wire, and the shorter the distance it can run, whereas the smaller the number, the thicker the wire and the longer the distance it can reach. To see which AWG wire size to use for a specific application, use your cursor to hover over each module.

AWG22

Use this wire size for access control and security applications.

22 AWG

AWG20

Use this wire size for access control and security applications.

20 AWG

AWG18

Use this wire size for access control, fire and security applications.

18 AWG

AWG16

Use this wire size for fire and speaker applications.

16 AWG

AWG14

Use this wire size for fire and speaker applications.

14 AWG

AWG12

Use this wire size for fire and speaker applications.

12 AWG

Cable characteristics and features

Solid vs. stranded

Every installation needs a certain type of cable conductor to work properly. Conductor cables are grouped into two common categories: solid and stranded or multi-stranded. Stranded conductors contain smaller, thinner wires packed together in one single insulated cable. Stranded cables are highly flexible, easier to install in tight spaces and are adaptable to areas with vibrations. These conductors are great for speaker, access and security cables. Solid conductors offer one single copper wire and need to be handled a little differently than a stranded cable. Solid conductors are nonflexible which means they need to be installed in places that don’t require much movement such as walls, conduit and ceilings. This also makes them able to transmit data over long distances. Solid conductors make significant use of fire alarm, thermostat, coaxial and category cables.

Speaker Cables Access Security Cables

Shielded vs. unshielded

A cable’s shield helps protect it from outside interference that could disrupt the electrical signals. A shielded cable works best for noisier areas and where interference is higher than normal. This protective material helps prevent data loss and improves signal transmission to devices. A shielded cable is great for network, AV, speaker, access control and security applications. An unshielded cable can be used where less interference takes place in installations such as fire alarm, thermostat and networking cables. Unshielded cables offer less protection from electromagnetic interference, but they are easier to install and more cost-effective than shielded cables.

Fire Alarm Cables Thermostat Cables Networking Cables

Plenum vs. non-plenum vs. riser cables

The NEC references several cable ratings that dictate where a cable is supposed to be installed. If a cable is rated plenum that means it is installed in the air ducts at the top of ceiling. Plenum cables have fire-resistant features and give off less smoke than most cables, making them safer during a fire threat. Unlike plenum cables, non-plenum cables cannot be installed in the air ducts or in any plenum areas. Instead, non-plenum cables must be installed inside the walls and across open ceilings where the air is stagnant. Non-plenum rated cables have a jacket called PVC or polyvinyl chloride that contains chlorine. If PVC burns, it releases dangerous fumes into the air which could pose a health risk. Speaker wires and audio cables are commonly used with this type of cable. A riser cable is rated for vertical runs or along the floors. This cable is also known for being fire-resistant with little chance of creating a safety hazard during a fire.

Cable construction styles

A cable's construction style is one of the many characteristics that make up a cable. These styles are categorized into four different types. Each cable construction style reveals which applications it can be used for. The four main types are multiconductor, multipair, coax cable and composite cable.

ceilings speaker

What are multiconductor cables?

 

 

 

ceilings speaker

What is a coaxial cable?

 

 

 

ceilings speaker

What are multipair cables?

 

 

 

ceilings speaker

What are composite cables?

 

 

 

Wire applications

Low-voltage wire is an important addition to the devices we use every day. There are several applications that wire and cable can be used in including network cables, access control cables, security cables, fire cables, speaker cables and much more.

What are Category Network cables?

All category cables or network cables include at least four twisted pairs and solid conductors that fit into one jacket. Built to carry broadband internet, the most common network cables are Cat6, Cat6a, Cat5 and Cat5e.

ceilings speaker

Cat6 vs. Cat6a

Cat6 and Cat6a cables are the latest versions and most improved types from Cat5 and Cat5e. Cat6 and Cat6a have many similarities such as they can both support up to 10 Gbps, but there are some features that make both categories stand out. Cat6a can reach a speed of up to 500 MHz with up to 328 feet (100 meters), whereas Cat6 can only transmit data up to 165 feet (37 meters) with a speed limit up to 250 MHz. Cat6 is cheaper to install than Cat6a due to Cat6a requiring thicker copper conductors and jackets.

Shop Cat6 Shop Cat6a

ceilings speaker

Cat5 vs. Cat5e

Cat5e is the enhanced version of Cat5 and transmits voice and video data. Cat5e can support a greater bandwidth up to 100 Mbs at 350 MHz. Cat5 can carry speeds up to 10 Mbs at 100 MHz. You can find both Cat5 and Cat5e available in up to 25 pairs. Cat5 is less expensive than Cat5e, but it is also slower.

Shop Cat5 Shop Cat5e

Access and security cables

An access control system provides security measures and limited access to buildings, doors, entry points, locking devices and many more. Selecting the right cable for your next access control and security job is the key to maintaining system performance. An access control system commonly requires four basic cable applications for connectivity. These include card reader, door strike, request-to-exit and door contact cables.

Card readers

Card reader cables come in 22 to 18 AWG sizes with a range of up to 15 conductors. These cables are most commonly used for proximity readers and keypads. Reader cables require a foil shield in order to cancel out outside noise and come with a PVC (flame retardant) or PP (thermoplastic) standard insulation.

Fire alarm cables

Fire alarm cables, whether it is for a conventional or addressable fire alarm system, are very dynamic when it comes to choosing where to install the cables. Learning about the different jackets and what they mean for each cable application will help you keep structures and people safe from a fire hazard.

What is an FPL cable?

A fire power limited cable (FPL) is used for general purpose use but cannot be installed in ducts, risers, plenums and environmental air spaces – otherwise if it is installed in a conduit. This type of cable can make vertical runs through passageways or in between floors of a building. FPL cables are all labeled as fire-resistant but have less protection against fire than plenum cables. All FPL cables are required to pass UL tests 1424 and 1581.

FPLR unshielded cables vs. FPLR shielded cables

Unshielded fire power limited riser cables (FPLR) are used when installing cables vertically on the structure. The most cost-effective option, this cable is ideal for basic installations whenever a shield or plenum insulation is not required. These fire alarm cables come in sizes 22 AWG through 12 AWG and include up to eight conductors. A fire limited riser shielded cable is designed with an aluminum foil shield to protect from outside interference as well as a drain wire that is an added protection against interference.

FPLP unshielded cable vs. FPLP shielded cables

Created for horizontal installations, unshielded fire power limited plenum cables (FPLP) offer added protection such as low-smoke plastics in the jackets that are made to stop the spread of fires. The FPLP cable can be used in ducts, plenums and other environmental air spaces. A shielded fire alarm cable has multiple cables inside the plenum and therefore contains a shield made up of aluminum polyester foil. The shielding blocks interference from interacting with each of the wires.

Speaker cables

Setting up a speaker system, whether for a home theater or a large arena, can be a tedious task. Connecting the right cable between each speaker can create a prestigious sound that everyone will be sure to notice. Read below to find out how you as the installer can achieve a high-quality audio atmosphere for your customers.

ceilings speaker

Installing speakers for the ultimate entertainment experience requires a solid wiring system. Choosing the right gauge size and type of wire will give your customers the high-quality sound they need. For indoor installations, you will need to choose UL-rated speaker wire labeled CL2 or CL3. This rating is used to install speaker wire inside the walls or ceilings. In-wall speaker wire is available in two conductors or four:

Shop 16-Gauge Wire with 2 Conductors Shop 14-Gauge Wire with 4 Conductors

ceilings speaker

For outdoor installation, choose a direct burial rated cable. This rating means cable can be buried underground in outdoor environments. Typically, these cables can withstand long-term exposure to moisture and are resistant to sunlight. It is recommended to choose a gauge size of 16 for wire runs less than 50 ft. and choose a 14-gauge size for thicker, longer runs for outdoor installations.

What does Impact Protection(IK) Rating Mean?

What does Impact Protection(IK) Rating Mean?

The IK rating means the degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against external mechanical impacts or shocks in joules. The IK rating consists of two digits (00 to 10) after the term ‘IK’ (e.g. IK05).

IK ratings are particularly important for security equipment that may be fitted in an area that could be subject to rough environment attempted vandalism or other impacts. These ratings are also useful for other electrical equipment such as switches or keyboards.

IK ratings are an international numeric classification specified in accordance with IEC 62262:2002 and IEC 60068-2-75:1997.

IK Rating Impact Energy (In Joules)
IK00 no shock resistance
IK01 0.14 (hit with hand or fist)
IK02 0.20 (hit with hand or fist)
IK03 0.35 (hit with hand or fist)
IK04 0.50 (hit with hand or fist)
IK05 0.70 (hit with hand or fist)
IK06 1.0 (500 g fall from 20 cm)
IK07 2.0 (500 g fall from 40 cm)
IK08 5.0 (1.7 kg fall from 29.5 cm)
IK09 10.0 (5 kg fall from 20 cm)
IK10 20.0 (5 kg fall from 40 cm)
IK Ratings meaning

IK00 – No Protection against shock

IK01 – Protected against 0.14 joules of impact. The equivalent to the impact of a 0.25kg mass dropped from 5.6 cm above the impacted surface.

IK02 – Protected against 0.2 joules of impact. The equivalent to the impact of a 0.25kg mass dropped from 8 cm above the impacted surface.

IK03 – Protected against 0.35 joules of impact. The equivalent to the impact of a 0.2kg mass dropped from 14 cm above the impacted surface.

IK04 – Protected against 0.5 joules of impact. The equivalent to the impact of a 0.25kg mass dropped from 20 cm above the impacted surface.

IK05 – Protected against 0.7 joules of impact. The equivalent to the impact of a 0.25kg mass dropped from 28 cm above the impacted surface.

IK06 – Protected against 1 joule of impact. The equivalent to the impact of a 0.5kg mass dropped from 20 cm above the impacted surface.

IK07 – Protected against 2 joules of impact. The equivalent to the impact of a 0.5kg mass dropped from 40 cm above the impacted surface.

IK08 – Protected against 5 joules of impact. The equivalent to the impact of a 1.7kg mass dropped from 29.5 cm above the impacted surface.

IK09 – Protected against 10 joules of impact. The equivalent to the impact of a 5kg mass dropped from 20 cm above the impacted surface.

IK10 – Protected against 20 joules of impact. The equivalent to the impact of a 5kg mass dropped from 40 cm above the impacted surface.

Wired, Wireless or Wire-Free? Which Camera is Better for You?

Wired, Wireless or Wire-Free? Which Camera is Better for You?

Generally, there are three types of security surveillance cameras in the market. Depending on what you're looking for, wired, wireless or wire-free camera, either can be a good choice .

Wired Camera: Wired security cameras can be a little hard to install. Most time you will need to hire a professional installer to do the job. But you get what you paid for - they're ultra reliable for long term use. Wired cameras have to wire into a recorder box (or a PoE switch/injector), internet network and sometimes a power source (If they are not IP cameras).  They’re perfect for homeowners who want 24/7 constant security video surveillance on their outer boundary of a premises and who won’t need to move the cameras around. 

Wireless Camera: Wireless cameras is not really "wireless" that can be put anywhere you want. They are a bit easier to install than wired cameras, but they still need to wire into a power connection and connect wirelessly to your internet network (if there is a good signal coverage). These cameras can upload video to the cloud or a local storage drive (e.g. a SD card), but just like your home wireless network, the wireless signals interference is guaranteed. 

Wire-free: Wire-free cameras are the easiest wireless option for the lightest use. They don't provide constant 24/7 video recording like wired cameras. They still require wireless network connection (if there is a signal coverage). They only start working on demand or by motion-triggered events. But good thing is they don't use any wires at all. They run off of removable or rechargeable batteries and upload video to the cloud or a local storage drive (e.g. a SD card). That's why these kind of cameras are perfect for camping, wildlife observation or off-grid remote site surveillance.