Keep Up to Code: Fire Alarm Cable Types

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Keep Up to Code Fire Alarm Cable Types
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One of the simplest components youll 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 Ill lay out the main types and go into some
detail on the specifics of Fire Alarm Cable.
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Power Limited vs. Non-Power Limited
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.
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General Purpose, Riser, and Plenum
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. Lets 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.
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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 arent required for, which will
mostly be surface cabling.
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Contact us
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