Re: Which security wire to use?

[G. Morgan <graham@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Don Wiss wrote:

>While renovating my kitchen I want to run inside the walls the wires for
>some security detectors. I understand I need 22 gauge 4 wire for the
>rate-of-rise and carbon monoxide detectors. But looking online I see I have
>a choice of solid or stranded. And shielded or not. For the one 500' roll
>that I would need to buy the prices are close enough that price isn't the
>issue.
>
>I would also run a wire for the door contact. It only needs 2 wire, but I
>don't want to buy another roll when 500' is more than enough for all three
>devices.

Don,

For the heat detectors and CO detectors you need to run fire-rated wire.
18 AWG, unshielded 4 conductor solid is preferable and if any of it will
go between floors you need riser rated wire (FPL-R).  The "P" stands for
plenum, which should always be used as non-plenum cable jackets give off
toxic fumes when on fire.

For the burglar alarm devices, 4 conductor 22 AWG stranded is preferred -
get plenum rated for that too.

You *could* use the fire wire for the burglar alarm devices, but it's too
hard to work with and harder to conceal for contacts.

So you should plan on buying two rolls, one for the fire devices 18G (and
CO detector) and another bag (500") or box (1000') of 4C 18G burglar
alarm wire.





--

They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety,
 deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Ben Franklin