Re: Which security wire to use?

[Pat <pat@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Wed, 05 Jun 2013 06:50:59 -0500, G. Morgan
<graham@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>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.
Why is solid preferred for the fire devices.  I am not questioning
that it is, but just interested in the reason.

Pat