Finer Points of Fire Alarm Cables
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Transcript of Finer Points of Fire Alarm Cables
Before we get there, though, we have to take a look at what some of the more
obtuse points are and what they mean. Let’s start with the obvious - cables. Just
what is a cable and how is it different from a wire?
The answer is much simpler than you might have guessed and it is really not
technical at all. A wire is one strand of a conductor, which is likely to be copper as
that is widely used in circuitry. A cable is simply a number of wires wrapped
together. In other words, a wire is one strand and a cable is a bunch of them
together. You can’t get a cable unless you start with wire.
Then there is the concept of alarm cable. Alarm cable is simple the cable that is used
to construct the circuitry of an alarm system, but it possesses certain traits that make
it suitable to these applications, as you might have guessed. Additionally, fire alarm
cables possess traits that make them better suited to serve fire alarm systems than
other types of alarm cables.
Alarm cables, in general, must maintain constant monitoring and communication
between the nodes of a system, such as smoke detectors. Without constant
surveillance, the system would then be no good, as communication is its basic
purpose. As a result, most alarm cables draw very low voltage and can stay
operational even when little current is applied to them.
As you may have guessed, fire alarm cables monitor systems that are vital, in
accordance not only with the ideals of safety but with the law. If a fire alarm system
were to lose its function, it wouldn’t be much good to anyone.
High uptime is not the only thing that is required for
fire alarm cables. Fire alarm cables should also be
made with insulation that is heat resistant and does
not produce toxic smoke when heat is applied to
them. Since these cables may necessarily come into
contact with high heat, it is imperative that they
maintain their functionality.
You will also see some other terms associated with
fire alarm cables, such as shielded cables and cables
rated for riser or plenum space. To shed a little bit of
light on this, cables that are rated for plenum space
in a building can be wired through the open space
above the ceiling tiles. If they are riser rated, they
cannot be used in plenum space.
Shielded cables refer to cables that
have structural features that suit them
to be able to deflect electronic
interference, which becomes more
pronounced over long distances.
Unshielded cables have less protection
against electromagnetic interference
and are less suitable in situations
exposed to a lot of interference. Work
with an electrical engineer if you have
questions about when and where what
types of cables are suitable for use.
Of course, you could also reach out to
the specialists at EWCS Wire through
their online store, EWCSWire.com.
There you will find a team that is
ready and willing to help you and a
selection of products that can’t be
matched. Their expertise extends
much farther than fire alarm and other
security cables, though - on their
website you will also find a number of
other specialty cables and wires. Visit
their website, listed above, or contact
their team at [email protected].
Contact us
Electrical Wire & Cable Specialists
Add: 1511 SOUTH 47TH AVENUE SUITE 400,
PHOENIX, AZ, 85043
Phone: 800-262-1598
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ewcswire.com