Selecting the Right Composite Cables for Modern Access Control Systems

When discussing building modern access control systems, the conversation often starts with devices. readers, locks, and controllers come to mind first. But the real backbone of these systems lies in the cabling. Without the right cable, even the best hardware can fall short. That’s where composite cable for security and access control systems comes into play.

Composite cables combine multiple types of conductors into one organized jacket, giving us a streamlined, efficient way to connect different components. In the world of access control, where multiple device types often work together in one system, composite cables have become a practical, high-performance choice.

Understanding Composite Cables for Access Control

A composite cable is a multi-conductor cable designed to carry different signal types within a single outer jacket. In access control, this might mean bundled power conductors, data pairs, and control wires.

Composite cables differ from traditional single-purpose cables; instead of pulling multiple cables (one for the reader, another for the lock, and another for sensors), you can pull a single, integrated cable containing everything you need. This consolidation simplifies both planning and implementation.

Inside a composite cable, you might find:

• Power conductors for supplying devices like locks or keypads.
• Twisted pairs for carrying data signals between controllers and readers.
• Control wires for triggering door strikes, request-to-exit devices, or alarms.
• Shielding to reduce interference and maintain signal integrity.

The variety of conductor types inside the same jacket makes these cables adaptable for complex security setups.

Core Benefits of Using Composite Cables in Access Control

1. Streamlined System Organization

One of the biggest benefits we see with composite cables is a cleaner, more organized infrastructure. With separate cables for each function, wiring paths can quickly become cluttered. Composite designs consolidate those runs into a single pathway, making installation easier.

A more organized cabling system looks better and speeds maintenance and troubleshooting. If a device has an issue, technicians can quickly locate and identify the correct cable without sorting through a tangle of individual runs.

2. Time and Labor Savings

Pulling one cable instead of three or four can significantly reduce labor hours. The fewer cable pulls required, the faster the installation process moves. This time savings adds up quickly in multi-door systems or large facilities.

This is one of the most compelling reasons to use composite cable. Fewer pulls mean less time spent navigating pathways, conduits, or cable trays, directly lowering labor costs.

3. Consistency and Reliability

High-grade composite cables are manufactured under controlled conditions, which means every conductor inside the jacket meets consistent performance standards. This uniformity reduces the likelihood of mismatched cable performance or wiring errors.

Instead of sourcing and pulling separate cable types with varying specifications, you get a single product that’s been engineered to work together as one cohesive solution.

Selection Criteria for Access Control Composite Cables

Choosing the right access control composite cable involves evaluating a few key factors that can directly impact performance and compliance.

1. Cable Ratings and Compliance

In commercial buildings, we often need plenum-rated security and access control cables. A plenum rating means the cable meets strict fire safety standards for air-handling spaces, such as those above drop ceilings.

There are three main ratings to know:

• CMP (Plenum): Highest fire safety standard, required for plenum spaces.
• CMR (Riser): Designed for vertical runs between floors, not for plenum spaces.
• CM/CMG (General Purpose): Suitable for open runs in non-plenum, non-riser areas.

Choosing the wrong rating can lead to code violations, failed inspections, or safety risks.

2. Conductor Types and Specifications

Different devices require different conductor types. For example:

• Card readers often use twisted pairs for data.
• Electric strikes or maglocks may require heavier gauge conductors for power delivery.
• Request-to-exit devices might need smaller control wires.

Common gauges for access control wire include 18 AWG for power and 22–24 AWG for data and control. Conductor material also matters; solid copper provides excellent conductivity, while stranded copper offers greater flexibility.

3. Shielding and Interference Protection

Shielding becomes critical in environments with high electrical noise, such as near elevators, HVAC equipment, or industrial machinery. Shielded composite cables use foil or braided shields to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and maintain clear communication between devices.

An unshielded cable may be fine in low-noise environments, but shielding can make the difference between consistent performance and intermittent issues for sensitive data signals.

Application Scenarios in Modern Security Systems

Composite cables are versatile, and their design makes them ideal for various access control functions.

Card Readers and Keypads

These devices often require both power and data connections. A composite cable can provide both in one pull, keeping things simple and reducing potential wiring errors.

Door Strikes and Maglocks

Locking mechanisms may need heavier-gauge conductors for reliable operation, especially over longer distances. Including these conductors inside a composite cable keeps them protected and organized.

Request-to-Exit Devices

These sensors or push-to-exit buttons can be integrated into the same cable run as the reader and lock wiring, simplifying the entire door control setup.

Integration with Alarm and Surveillance Systems

Some composite designs include extra conductors for connecting access control systems to alarm panels or integrating with surveillance cameras for a unified security approach.

How to Match Cable Specifications to Project Needs

When selecting the right composite cable for a project, approach it as a checklist.

Identify All Connected Devices

List every device that will be part of the access control point, readers, locks, request-to-exit devices, sensors, and any integration points.

Determine Distances and Pathways

Longer runs may require heavier gauge conductors for power delivery, while shorter runs might allow for smaller gauges.

Evaluate Environmental Conditions

Consider whether the pathway encounters EMI sources or requires a specific fire rating, like plenum.

Match Ratings and Shielding to Site Conditions

This step ensures the cable meets building codes and performs reliably in its environment.

By matching cable specifications to the actual needs of the site, we can help maintain system performance and compliance over the long term.

Industry Trends in Access Control Cabling

In recent years, building systems have shifted toward greater integration. Access control is increasingly tied to video surveillance, intrusion detection, and building automation. This integration makes multi-conductor composite cables even more valuable. They provide the flexibility to carry multiple signal types within a single run.

Another trend is the growing demand for higher-quality materials and manufacturing processes. As networks carry more data and systems become more interconnected, the tolerance for cable-related issues gets smaller. This pushes the industry toward high-grade composite cables with better shielding, more precise conductor construction, and improved jackets.

We’re also seeing innovation in cable identification, with printed footage markers and color-coding inside composite jackets. These features help during installation and service, making it easier to identify and work with the correct conductors.

Conclusion

Selecting the right access control composite cable means choosing something that works and finds a solution that supports long-term reliability, meets compliance standards, and simplifies the overall system.

Composite cables bring organization, efficiency, and consistency to access control wiring. You can match the right product to your project’s needs by understanding ratings, conductor specifications, and shielding options.

If you’d like to learn more about our composite cable options and how they fit into integrated security solutions, visit our Resource Center, read our Guide to Security and Access Control Cables, or contact our team to discuss your next project.