Security alarm cables are only some of the specialty cables we provide here, but like all of our unique products, they are made to an exacting range of specifications and standards. No two cables or wires are necessarily the same, as they are engineered to deliver specific performance in their given scopes of applicability.
That makes marine battery cable very different from building wire, photovoltaic (or solar) cables, welding cables, tray cables, armored cables and everything in between.
As you become more familiar with the many different types of electrical wires and cables used in infrastructure and engineering, you’re going to come across traits and specifics that are relatively unique. If you find yourself asking any of the following questions, look no further for the answers.
1.Do security alarm cables need to be shielded?
First on the list is the question of whether or not security alarm cables need to be shielded. The answer is that it depends. Sometimes they should be and sometimes a situation can get away without it. To answer this question in more detail we need to understand more about shielding and its purpose.
Security alarm cables relay information between the nodes on control and alarm systems, such as burglar alarm systems and fire alarm systems. Because the emphasis of their design is on sensitivity and accuracy, they are susceptible to what is called electromagnetic interference, or EMI. EMI is interference caused by the proximity or emissions of other nearby electronic devices, and it can scramble and confound the signals of alarm systems.
Security alarm cables shielded usually take the form of a metallic foil insulation to block out competing signals. It is necessary in any situation in which the cables themselves are to be exposed to a high level of EMI, though it is a good idea to use shielded cables over long distances as a safeguard against EMI even if little is to be expected.
2.What traits must a quality fire alarm cable have, besides shielding?
In addition to the fact that fire alarm cables may need to be shielded to protect against EMI, there are other traits it should possess to remain useful. You don’t need to be an electrical engineer to understand some of these.
Consider only that fire alarm cables are used in the wiring of fire alarm systems and that they may as a matter of course be exposed to high heat and flames. For this reason, fire alarm cables must also be rated to withstand significantly higher temperatures than some other forms of wires or cables. In addition, they are typically produced with insulation that does not produce toxic smoke when it burns.
3.What does “plenum-rated” mean?
Another word you may come across reading about or researching security alarm cables is “plenum.” You will find that some cables are plenum rated, whereas others are riser rated. To understand this, you need to know what is meant by these words.
Plenum space is the space above a building’s drop ceiling that is usually meant to accommodate HVAC ductwork. Naturally, it also makes way for other fixtures of civil engineering like conduits, pipes and more. However, these spaces are sometimes subject to harsh conditions; only plenum rated cables should be used there.
This stands in contrast to a riser rating, which indicates that cables can be used in riser space. Riser space is the vertical open space between the floors of a building that, like plenum space, is meant to accommodate pipes, communications lines, and more.
4.What is the purpose of security and alarm cable?
Generally speaking, security and alarm cables are used to relay information between the nodes of a security or alarm system. They can be used to power the system although they may not necessarily be used to do so. Their purpose is in communication, transmitting signals, video, audio and other sensitive information for the purposes of monitoring, regulating, or remote control.
This article comes from ewcs edit released