Best Armoured Fire Alarm Cable Options for 2026
Armoured fire alarm cables provide reliable performance in harsh or high-traffic environments. This guide highlights five top plenum-rated and non-plenum options, focusing on solid copper conductors, fire-resistant ratings, and suitability for indoor/outdoor use. Each entry includes key features to help you compare applications like signaling, detectors, alarms, and control circuits. Read on to find cables that balance safety, conductivity, and ease of installation.
| Product | AWG / Conductor | Length / Kit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syston 18/2 Plenum-Rated (100 ft) | 18 AWG, 2 conductors | 100 ft | FPLP CMP CL3P FT6 |
| Syston 14/2 Plenum-Rated (250 ft) | 14 AWG, 2 conductors | 250 ft | FPLP CMP CL3P FT6 |
| Syston 16/2 Plenum-Rated (1000 ft) | 16 AWG, 2 conductors | 1000 ft | FPLP CMP CL3P FT6 |
| EWCS 18 AWG 2/C FPLP Plenum Rated (500 ft) | 18 AWG, 2 conductors | 500 ft | FPLP Plenum Rated |
| Cableague 18/4 CMP/CL3P Shielded (100 ft) | 18 AWG, 4 conductors | 100 ft | CMP/CL3P, Shielded |
Syston Fire Alarm Cable, 18/2 Plenum-Rated
Designed for fire protective signaling circuits and critical alarm components, this 18/2 cable uses solid bare copper conductors for optimal conductivity. It is rated FPLP/CM P/CL3P/FT6, making it suitable for plenum spaces where air distribution and fire safety are concerns. The construction supports a range of applications, including smoke detectors, strobes, pull stations, and microprocessor/addressable control systems. The UV-resistant outer jacket adds outdoor resilience, while the overall spec emphasizes reliability in indoor/outdoor installations.
Syston 14/2 Plenum-Rated Fire Alarm Cable
The 14/2 variant extends similar advantages to larger conductor capacity, enabling robust signaling and control across more complex systems. Pure copper conductors support high conductivity, while the FPLP/PLENUM-RATED rating ensures safety in air-filled spaces. Applications include fire protective signaling circuits, voice communications, and addressable controlled systems. The cable is designed for indoor/outdoor use, with UV resistance and a robust outer jacket to resist environmental exposure.
Syston 16/2 Plenum-Rated Fire Alarm Cable (1000 ft)
This long-length option provides bulk capacity for large installations, allowing multiple zones of signaling and notification circuits. The solid copper conductors deliver dependable performance for smoke detectors, strobes, pull stations, and voice communications. The FPLP plenum-rated construction remains a core feature, ensuring flame retardance and safety in ceiling plenums and other air-handling spaces. Its insulation and jacket are designed to endure indoor/outdoor environments while maintaining signal integrity over extended runs.
EWCS 18 AWG 2/C Plenum-Rated Fire Alarm Cable (500 ft)
EWCS offers a shielded option with two solid bare copper conductors and a Mylar/aluminum shield, plus a tinned copper drain wire for noise suppression. This 18 AWG, 2-conductor FPLP plenum-rated cable is suited for fire alarm control circuits, detectors, and protective signaling in environments where EMI resistance is beneficial. The red jacket variation helps with circuit identification, and the cable ships on a spool designed for long, uninterrupted runs within building plenums or similar spaces.
Cableague 18/4 CMP/CL3P Shielded Fire Alarm Cable
This 18 AWG shielded 4-conductor option provides enhanced signaling capacity for more complex alarm and security systems. CMP/CL3P rating ensures plenum safety, and shielding helps reduce interference in environments with multiple electrical devices. The copper conductors are solid for reliable, low-impedance connections, and the low-smoke PVC jacket supports safer installations in indoor spaces such as control rooms, door alarms, and security stations.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations
- Plenum vs non-plenum rating: If cables pass through air-handling spaces, choose FPLP/PLENUM-rated cables (CMP/FT6) to meet safety and code requirements.
- Conductor count and AWG: 2-conductor cables are common for basic signaling, while 4-conductor or larger enable more complex control and power distribution. Higher AWG (smaller number) carries more current but is stiffer and costlier; select based on circuit load and length.
- Conductor material: Solid copper conductors provide low resistance and durable connections; stranded variants offer flexibility but may degrade over long runs if not properly terminated.
- Shielding: Shielded cables (such as EWCS 18/4 shielded) help reduce EMI on data-heavy or critical signaling lines in electrically noisy environments.
- Outdoor and UV resistance: UV-resistant jackets improve longevity for exterior installations or spaces exposed to sunlight.
- Physical durability: Armor or rugged jackets are beneficial in high-traffic or industrial settings where cables may be exposed to mechanical stress.
- Length and spool format: Long runs reduce the need for splicing but require careful handling to avoid damage. Spool design helps manage slack and installation pace.
Comparisons by scenario
- Residential or light commercial, indoor plenum spaces: Choose plenum-rated 18/2 or 16/2 cables with solid copper conductors for reliable signaling and simple routing.
- Industrial settings with EMI concerns: Shielded options, such as shielded 18/4 CMP/CL3P, provide enhanced signal integrity for critical control lines.
- Long-distance runs: Higher-length options like 1000 ft 16/2 provide cost-effective bulk installation without frequent splicing, while preserving safety ratings.
- Outdoor exposure: Look for UV-resistant jackets and rugged outer coverings to withstand weather while maintaining compliance with fire alarm standards.