Which security wire to use?

Question

While renovating my kitchen I want to run inside the walls the wires for some security detectors. I understand I need 22 gauge 4 wire for the rate-of-rise and carbon monoxide detectors. But looking online I see I have a choice of solid or stranded. And shielded or not. For the one 500' roll that I would need to buy the prices are close enough that price isn't the issue. I would also run a wire for the door contact. It only needs 2 wire, but I don't want to buy another roll when 500' is more than enough for all three devices. Don.  (e-mail link at home page bottom).

G. Morgan · Accepted Answer

Don,

For the heat detectors and CO detectors you need to run fire-rated wire.

18 AWG, unshielded 4 conductor solid is preferable and if any of it will go between floors you need riser rated wire (FPL-R). The "P" stands for plenum, which should always be used as non-plenum cable jackets give off toxic fumes when on fire.

For the burglar alarm devices, 4 conductor 22 AWG stranded is preferred - get plenum rated for that too.

You *could* use the fire wire for the burglar alarm devices, but it's too hard to work with and harder to conceal for contacts.

So you should plan on buying two rolls, one for the fire devices 18G (and CO detector) and another bag (500") or box (1000') of 4C 18G burglar alarm wire.

G. Morgan · Answer

correction:  the burglar alarm wire should be 4C 22 AWG, not 18.

Pat · Answer

Why is solid preferred for the fire devices.  I am not questioning that it is, but just interested in the reason. Pat

Which security wire to use?

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