Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Alarm Wiring - What Type?
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TXBiglug
08-21-07, 01:01 PM
OK Guys,
Thaks for answering my previous questions and I apologize in advance for what seems like beating a dead horse.
As I mentioned before, I am building a new home. I have been studying my options on smoke, fire, CO and entry alarms since my previous visit here.
The trouble I seem to be having is surrounding fire/smoke alarm wiring. If I use direct wired 120VAC smoke detectors, they only require 3 wires, typically wired with 14/3 I'm assuming because it's convenient and readily accessible to residential electricians when no alarm system is present.
When I went to the local "Big Box Store" last weekend, I found 3,5,7 multiconductor 18 ga wire for sprinklers and 24 ga. multiconductor wire for communications/thermostats.
Two separate issues....does fire alarm cable have to be a fire rated, "riser rated" jacket or what? Can any 18 ga wire be used? Where do you find this stuff in 18ga/4Cond?
Secondly, can CL2 "general use communications" (i.e. t-stat) cable be used for contacts, motion, etc...? I understand that you all recommend 4 conductor for all installations for simplicity and spare conductors.
By the way, I decided to split the fire alarms into 2 groups instead of wiring all of them back to the panel.
One last note, I had considered installing hardwired 120VAC smoke alarms initially with alarm system alarms later but wiring is in 2 different classes because one is 120VAC panel service and the other is 24V low voltage. Seems like I'll have to wire both kinds if I want flexibility.
Thanks and sorry for seeming redundant but finding supplies isn't as easy as I'd hoped.....
Thaks for answering my previous questions and I apologize in advance for what seems like beating a dead horse.
As I mentioned before, I am building a new home. I have been studying my options on smoke, fire, CO and entry alarms since my previous visit here.
The trouble I seem to be having is surrounding fire/smoke alarm wiring. If I use direct wired 120VAC smoke detectors, they only require 3 wires, typically wired with 14/3 I'm assuming because it's convenient and readily accessible to residential electricians when no alarm system is present.
When I went to the local "Big Box Store" last weekend, I found 3,5,7 multiconductor 18 ga wire for sprinklers and 24 ga. multiconductor wire for communications/thermostats.
Two separate issues....does fire alarm cable have to be a fire rated, "riser rated" jacket or what? Can any 18 ga wire be used? Where do you find this stuff in 18ga/4Cond?
Secondly, can CL2 "general use communications" (i.e. t-stat) cable be used for contacts, motion, etc...? I understand that you all recommend 4 conductor for all installations for simplicity and spare conductors.
By the way, I decided to split the fire alarms into 2 groups instead of wiring all of them back to the panel.
One last note, I had considered installing hardwired 120VAC smoke alarms initially with alarm system alarms later but wiring is in 2 different classes because one is 120VAC panel service and the other is 24V low voltage. Seems like I'll have to wire both kinds if I want flexibility.
Thanks and sorry for seeming redundant but finding supplies isn't as easy as I'd hoped.....
MrRonFL
08-21-07, 07:14 PM
Truth be told, pretty much any 18 gauge wire will work just fine for the smoke detector alarm loops. "fire wire" (Fire Power Limited Cable: Type FPL, FPLR, FPLP) is really required were you are talking about a real fire alarm system (UL standards).
Smaller wire than 18 gauge tends to be problematic with the connectors on most smoke detectors.
The alarm panel makers universally specify a minimum of 22 gauge wire, so if your choice is 24 or 18, get the 18 gauge.
The old standard used to be 22-4 telephone wire, but that stuff has become harder to lay hands on without ordering.
Smaller wire than 18 gauge tends to be problematic with the connectors on most smoke detectors.
The alarm panel makers universally specify a minimum of 22 gauge wire, so if your choice is 24 or 18, get the 18 gauge.
The old standard used to be 22-4 telephone wire, but that stuff has become harder to lay hands on without ordering.
Integrator97
08-21-07, 08:04 PM
According to NFPA Codes, you should use FPL/R/P fire alarm wire, or that can be substituted with CM/R/P communication wire. CL2/3 shouldn't be used, technically.
As far as the rest of the wiring, I prefer stranded over solid conductors but that's just me. You should be able to order 22/2 & 22/4 and 18/2 & 4 or find it at you local telecom supplier. A couple that are located all over are graybar, and anixter. They sell to anyone. Call a local phone or alarm contractor and ask if there is somewhere local.
As far as the rest of the wiring, I prefer stranded over solid conductors but that's just me. You should be able to order 22/2 & 22/4 and 18/2 & 4 or find it at you local telecom supplier. A couple that are located all over are graybar, and anixter. They sell to anyone. Call a local phone or alarm contractor and ask if there is somewhere local.