How Many Types Of Cables Can Be Used In Fire Alarm Systems?

  There are two types of categories divided for cables in fire alarm systems and all the cables have their different and unique purpose depending upon the place where the alarm system will be installed.

 Power limited Fire Alarm Cables

1) FPL- which is a power-limited fire alarm riser cable that is usually the least expensive because it is the most basic type of fire alarm cable and is also recognized by the NEC (National Electric Code). FPLR cables are suitable or we can say specially designed for use in a vertical run through a shaft or from floor to floor within a building.

2) FPLR Shielded- A FPRL shielded is a power-limited fire alarm shielded cable, has the same components as the standard FPLR but includes an aluminum polyester foil shield and drain wire to protect against outside interference.

3) FPLP-  FPLP is a kind of cable that is a power the NEC recognizes limited plenum cable and them for use in air ducts and plenum spaces and any other space that is used for the release of natural air. These cables are usually a bit more expensive due to the additional engineering and protection they have to offer. All FPLP cables are listed as having enough fire-resistant and low-smoke-producing features as well.

4) FPLP Shielded- All FPLP shielded cables are power limited plenum fire alarm cables with an aluminum polyester foil protection and drain wire to stop all the additional interference within a cable.

Non-Power Limited Fire Alarm Cables

1) NPLF-  NPFL or we can say non-power limited fire alarm cables that are recognized by the NEC and are suitable for all general fire alarm cable uses. They cannot, however, be used in the riser, ducts, or plenum spaces that are used for environmental airflow unless they are properly installed within a conduit.

2) NPLFP-  These cables are non-power limited fire alarm cables that are also known by the NEC but these cables are only suitable for installation in ducts, plenums, and other spaces where environmental air flows.

If we are talking about fire alarm systems then only copper conductors can be used for fire alarm systems. You can use conductors of average sizes that are 18 AWG and 16 AWG (installed in a raceway, enclosure, or listed cable)  In case they do not supply a load that exceeds the ampacities given in 402.5.

 The different detector, different wiring. 

●      Diagram of wiring of Heat Detector in Home (AC)


●     Wiring of Conventional Fire Alarm System


●     Wiring of Addressable Fire Alarm System


●     Wiring of Intelligent Fire Alarm System


●     Wiring of Wireless Fire Alarm System




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