Keep Up to Code Fire Alarm Cable Types

Keep Up to Code: Fire Alarm Cable
Types

One of the simplest components you’ll make
use of during the install is the cabling that
strings everything together, but you may be
surprised that it is broken down into several
different designations of cable types by the
NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)
and NEC (National Electric Code), with each
type being useful for its own set of scenarios.
Sound confusing? Well, here I’ll lay out the
main types and go into some detail on the
specifics of Fire Alarm Cable.

The first thing you will want to consider
before starting your project is whether or not
your setup will require the use of Non-Power
Limited cable, as all of the subtypes fall into
one of these two categories. The difference in
which you use all depends on how high a load
the cables will have to bear. This is where the
regulations come in: the NEC defines any
application with a load in excess of 300 volts
to require the use of Non-Power Limited
cables. In practical terms, this means that only
larger commercial alarm systems are likely to
have to make use of these, and the vast
majority of other cases will be fine with just
Power Limited cable.

As mentioned above, there are three main ‘subtypes’ of alarm cable that are each held to their
own set of NEC standards which define their safety thresholds and how and where they can be
used. Plenum cable is held to the highest standard of the three, general purpose (also known as
Non-Plenum) is the lowest, and riser is in the middle. Let’s look at what makes them different.

Plenum cable is made to be used in areas of buildings called ‘plenum spaces.’ A plenum space is a
space - typically a duct or drop ceiling - where airflow is promoted for the purposes of heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Due to the enclosed yet breathable nature of these spaces
they present a high risk for the spreading of fires, which is why plenum cabling is the most tightly
regulated of the three types. Per NFPA code, plenum cable must always be used in any plenum
space. However, it is also important to note that since plenum cable is the most fire-resistant of the
three, it can be used anywhere the other two types can, but not the other way around. The NEC
abbreviation for it is FPLP (Fire Power Limited Plenum) when Power Limited, and NFPLP when
not.

Riser cable, or FPLR as it is shortened
to, is the next step down from plenum,
and serves a fairly similar purpose. Like
plenum, it is jacketed in a fire resistant
jacket. Rather than be used in plenum
spaces, though, riser cable is required for
areas that run vertically between levels of
a building, and are meant to help contain
a fire to one floor.

Lastly we have regular old general use cabling, or as it is usually known, Non-Plenum (FPL). The
least strictly regulated of the three, it is still a type of fire alarm cable and therefore does have fire
resistant capabilities. Non-plenum cable is suitable for use in any scenario that the other two aren’t
required for, which will mostly be surface cabling.

Contact us

ElectricalWire & Cable Specialists
Add: 1511 SOUTH 47TH AVENUE SUITE 400, PHOENIX, AZ, 85043
Phone: 800-262-1598
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ewcswire.com