Choosing the right fire alarm cable is essential for compliant, reliable signaling in commercial and residential fire protection systems. This guide highlights 5 top-rated 2 hour (FPLR/PLenum) and related fire alarm cables, covering riser, plenum, and general indoor installations. Each product listing includes essential specs, shielding, and conductor details to help you compare performance and code compliance. Use the buyer’s guide below to weigh flame retardancy, jacket type, and installation environments before purchasing.
| Product | Length | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| EWCS 18 AWG 2/C Shielded Fire Alarm Cable (500 ft) | 500 ft | Riser / FPLR rated, shielded, two solid copper conductors, red jacket |
| Syston 18/2 Fire Alarm Wire (100 ft) | 100 ft | Plenum-rated, UL/ETL listed, unshielded, pure copper conductors |
| EWCS 18 AWG 2/C Shielded Fire Alarm Cable (1000 ft) | 1000 ft | Riser-rated, shielded, red jacket, heavy spool |
| EWCS 18 AWG 2/C Plenum Rated Fire Alarm Cable (1000 ft) | 1000 ft | Plenum-rated, low-smoke PVC jacket, multiple jacket colors |
| Cableague 18/2 Fire Security Alarm Cable (200 ft) | 200 ft | CMP/CL3P listed, shielded option, indoor low voltage use |
EWCS 18 AWG 2/C Shielded Fire Alarm Cable (500 ft)
This NEC-approved FPLR-rated cable is designed for fire alarm and signal control circuits between floors or in non-plenum spaces. It features two solid bare copper conductors (Black and Red), a shielded aluminum Mylar layer, and a 24 AWG tinned copper drain wire. The Red PVC jacket provides a durable, heat-resistant enclosure rated for up to 300 volts and 75°C. A rip cord aids stripping, and the 0.155 inch diameter helps determine space requirements in trays and conduits. Includes marked footage on the jacket for remaining length.
Key features
- Riser / FPLR rated for between-floor installations
- Shielded construction with aluminum Mylar shield
- Two solid 100% copper conductors, 300V/75°C
- Red PVC jacket with rip cord; 0.155″ diameter
Syston Fire Alarm Wire 18/2 (100 ft)
Built with solid bare copper conductors for maximum conductivity, this 18 AWG cable is designed for a variety of fire protective signaling circuits, including smoke detectors, strobes, pull stations, and more. It is FPLP/CMP/CL3P/FT6/Plenum-rated, making it suitable for plenum spaces and air distribution ceilings. The cable’s indoor/outdoor compatibility and UL/ETL listing support versatile installations while maintaining safety standards in high-heat environments.
Key features
- Multiple applications for fire protective signaling systems
- Solid bare copper conductors for reliability
- Plenum-rated CMP/CL3P/FT6 wiring
- Suitable for ceilings and air handling spaces
EWCS 18 AWG 2/C Shielded Fire Alarm Cable (1000 ft)
This long-length shielded option mirrors the 500 ft version with a Red PVC jacket and a shielded aluminum Mylar layer. The 18 AWG, two-conductor design provides reliable signaling across longer runs in buildings with dense cabling. Not intended for outdoor use or direct burial, it ships on a plywood spool with footage markings for easy inventory management.
Key features
- Two solid copper conductors, shielded
- Riser-rated, 300V/75°C
- Red jacket with length markings; 0.155″ diameter
- UL/NEC-compliant for fire alarm circuits
EWCS 18 AWG 2/C Plenum Rated Fire Alarm Cable (1000 ft)
Designed for plenums, this plenum-rated 18 AWG fire alarm cable uses a low-smoke PVC jacket and comes in multiple color options to aid circuit identification. It carries NEC 760 FPLP, 800 CMP, and 725 CL2P ratings and is suitable for spaces used for air distribution. The two solid copper conductors ensure robust signal transmission in indoor emergency systems, with insulation that reduces smoke and toxic gas generation in case of a fire.
Key features
- Plenum-rated CMP/CL3P/FT6 with low-smoke PVC jacket
- Two solid copper conductors, 300V/75°C
- Color options for circuit identification
- Great for ceilings and air handling plenums
Cableague 18/2 Fire Security Alarm Cable (200 ft)
This 18 AWG, CMP/CL3P shielded or unshielded option supports indoor low-voltage use for doorbells, burglar systems, and alarm controls. The cable provides reliable conductivity with solid bare copper conductors and PVC insulation. It is UL-listed and ETL-compliant, meeting essential safety standards for fire alarm signaling and security installations in commercial and residential applications.
Key features
- CMP/CL3P listed for fire alarm and security applications
- Solid copper conductors with PVC insulation
- Shielded or unshielded variants available
- Indoor low-voltage compatibility
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
When selecting fire alarm cable, several factors influence performance, safety, and code compliance. Consider the following perspectives to align with project requirements:
- Riser vs. Plenum ratings: Use FPLR/FT4/FT6 rated cables for vertical runs between floors; choose FPLP/CMP/CL3P/FT6 for plenums where air handling occurs. Plenum-rated cables reduce smoke and toxic gas generation in the event of a fire.
- Conductor configuration: Two-conductor cables are common for basic loops, while shielded variants reduce electrical interference in signal lines. Shielded cables are preferred in environments with electromagnetic noise or long cable runs.
- Conductor material: Pure copper conductors offer consistent conductivity and reliability. Avoid copper-clad alternatives if signal integrity is critical.
- Jacket material and color: Red jackets are typical for fire alarm circuits and provide visibility. Low-smoke PVC jackets are advantageous in enclosed plenum spaces.
- Voltage and temperature ratings: Most fire alarm cables operate around 300V with temperature ratings up to 75°C. Confirm compatibility with the system’s power and environmental conditions.
- Installation environment: Indoor vs. outdoor suitability matters. Many cables are not recommended for direct burial or outdoor exposure unless specifically rated.
- Length and spool handling: Longer runs may require higher-length reels (1000 ft) to minimize splicing. Spool dimensions and footage markings help manage inventory on-site.
- Code compliance: Ensure the selected cables meet NEC, UL, and ETL listings for the intended jurisdiction. Plenum and riser ratings are common code considerations in commercial buildings.