Re: using CAT5 for smoke detectors

[Effenpig1 <dirtyspicevent@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Jan 10, 11:49=A0pm, "Christopher Glaeser" <nos...@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> > Can't do it. NFPA72 says 18 gauge fire rated wire.
>
> An installer on another forum says he uses CAT5 for smoke detectors. =A0T=
o
> avoid nicks in the 24AWG and potential breakage, he strips the wire with =
his
> fingernails. =A0Says he's been doing it for years. =A0I had assumed CAT5 =
was not
> to code, hence my question.
>
> Best,
> Christopher

IMHO, It seems there are more installers who do things the wrong way
than the right way. Most of them can't be convinced of the error of
their ways because, as you mentioned, They've been doing it for years.
All it takes is one substantial loss with an investigation and it's
all over.

Most proper uses of cat5 require the use of some kind of crimp on
connector, which is kind of telling in itself. The conductors are too
fragile too be stripped and put under terminals.