Fire Cables

Summary: Fire Cables

Fire Cables | SmartWire low-voltage fire alarm cable for commercial and industrial projects

Windy City Wire manufactures SmartWire fire cables in the United States for power-limited fire alarm, life safety, and control circuits. Our portfolio covers plenum-rated (FPLP), riser-rated (FPLR), and specialty constructions to meet code, performance, and installation requirements across a wide range of facilities. All products are low-voltage, built with quality bare copper conductors, and engineered to help contractors deploy reliable fire alarm cable with fewer job-site delays.

Why SmartWire Fire Cables

• Code-driven performance: Plenum (FPLP), riser (FPLR), multi-rated, and specialty options, including LSZH 2-hour fire-resistive and metal-clad composites, help meet UL 1424 and local code needs such as NYC Local Law 5.
• Faster, cleaner pulls: SmartWire Glide lubrication is applied during manufacturing and can reduce friction during cable pulling by up to 70%.
• Measure and manage runs: FastFIND Footage Markers appear every two feet to simplify footage calculations, confirm received footage, and help reduce cable waste by an estimated 15–25%.
• Choice and consistency: Multiple AWGs (12, 14, 16, 18), conductor counts (2–8), and shielding options (Shielded, Non-Shielded, OAS/UNS) support standardization across jobs and phases.
• Clear identification: Common conductor color code sets include Black/Red; Black/Red/Blue/Orange; Black/Red/Brown/Blue; Black/Red/Blue/Brown; Black/Red/Brown/Blue/Orange/Yellow; and Black/Red/Brown/Blue/Orange/Yellow/Purple/Green. Custom jacket and stripe colors are available to align with your organization’s standards.
• Lengths: Available in 1000 FT, with select constructions also offered in 500 FT and 5000 FT to match project takeoffs and reduce waste on service work.
• Compliance: UL-listed constructions with RoHS-compliant materials across the line.

How we add value to your next fire alarm project

Contractors and integrators trust Windy City Wire for dependable, low-voltage fire alarm cable that installs efficiently and performs consistently. SmartWire fire cable, paired with our complete solutions, helps streamline planning and installation, reduce rework, and support clear identification in the field. With broad availability of FPLP plenum fire alarm cable, FPLR riser fire alarm cable, shielded fire alarm cable, LSZH options, and metal-clad composites, we can help standardize your material plan, simplify procurement, and keep jobs on schedule.

Available Constructions

• 12 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Plenum FPLP 300V: Non-shielded construction for power-limited fire alarm circuits in plenum spaces.
• 12 AWG 2 Conductor Stranded Riser FPLR 300V: Non-shielded, flexible riser-rated cable for vertical runs and equipment terminations.
• 14 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Plenum FPLP 300V: Shielded (OAS/UNS) option for noise-sensitive circuits in air-handling spaces.
• 14 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Plenum FPLP 300V: Non-shielded version for initiating circuits, control, and NAC applications.
• 14 AWG 4 Conductor Solid Plenum FPLP 300V: Non-shielded multi-conductor for combined control and signaling in plenum environments.
• 14 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Riser FPLR 300V: Shielded (OAS/UNS) riser cable for EMI mitigation between floors.
• 14 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Riser FPLR 300V: Non-shielded riser-rated option for general fire alarm power-limited circuits.
• 14 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Riser FPLR LSZH 300V: 2-hour fire-resistive, low smoke zero halogen insulation for critical circuits requiring extended survivability.
• 16 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Plenum FPLP 300V: Shielded (OAS/UNS) for supervised SLC/data lines where interference control is beneficial.
• 16 AWG 2 Conductor Stranded Plenum FPLP 300V: Shielded (OAS/UNS) stranded conductors provide added flexibility for device terminations.
• 16 AWG 4 Conductor Solid Plenum FPLP 300V: Shielded (OAS/UNS) for multi-signal plenum runs with improved noise rejection.
• 16 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Plenum FPLP 300V: Non-shielded, general-use plenum cable for power-limited fire alarm circuits.
• 16 AWG 4 Conductor Solid Plenum FPLP 300V: Non-shielded four-conductor for combined control and signaling.
• 16 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Riser FPLR 300V: Shielded (OAS/UNS) riser cable for vertical backbone runs.
• 16 AWG 4 Conductor Solid Multi-Rated 300V (UL Type TC/PLTC/FPL/NPLF): Shielded construction suitable for tray, power-limited, and fire alarm applications per listing.
• 16 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Plenum FPLP 300V (ECTFE/Halar Jacket): Non-shielded, NYC Local Law 5 certified plenum option for demanding environments.
• 18 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Plenum FPLP 300V: Shielded (OAS/UNS) for sensitive signaling in plenum spaces.
• 18 AWG 4 Conductor Solid Plenum FPLP 300V: Shielded (OAS/UNS) for multi-signal plenum circuits requiring noise control.
• 18 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Plenum FPLP 300V: Non-shielded general-use plenum cable for power-limited fire alarm circuits.
• 18 AWG 4 Conductor Solid Plenum FPLP 300V: Non-shielded four-conductor for combined zone wiring.
• 18 AWG 6 Conductor Solid Plenum FPLP 300V: Non-shielded multi-conductor for larger control bundles in plenum spaces.
• 18 AWG 8 Conductor Solid Plenum FPLP 300V: Non-shielded for high-density control and signaling pathways.
• 18 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Riser FPLR 300V: Shielded (OAS/UNS) riser cable for inter-floor circuits with EMI concerns.
• 18 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Riser FPLR 300V: Non-shielded riser-rated for general power-limited fire alarm runs.
• 18 AWG 4 Conductor Solid Riser FPLR 300V: Non-shielded multi-conductor for vertical signal distribution.
• 18 AWG 2 Conductor Stranded Plenum FPLP 300V: Non-shielded stranded conductors for easier device terminations.
• 18 AWG 2 Conductor Stranded Plenum FPLP 300V: Shielded (OAS/UNS) stranded version for flexible, low-noise plenum runs.
• Composite Metal-Clad (MC) Plenum FPLP 300V: 16 AWG 2C Shielded + 14 AWG 2C Non-Shielded in aluminum MC for shared pathways and mechanical protection.
• Composite Metal-Clad (MC) Plenum FPLP 300V: 16 AWG 2C Non-Shielded + 14 AWG 2C Non-Shielded + 14 AWG 2C Shielded in aluminum MC for combined signaling and control under one armor.

Typical Applications

• Fire alarm initiating device circuits (IDC), signaling line circuits (SLC), notification appliance circuits (NAC), control, and auxiliary power for power-limited fire alarm systems.
• Commercial offices, healthcare, education, manufacturing, data centers, distribution facilities, and mixed-use buildings.

Specifications at a glance

• Available AWGs: 12, 14, 16, 18
• Available lengths: 1000 FT, with select constructions in 500 FT and 5000 FT
• Shielding options: Shielded, Non-Shielded, OAS/UNS
• Conductor color code sets: Black/Red; Black/Red/Blue/Orange; Black/Red/Brown/Blue; Black/Red/Blue/Brown; Black/Red/Brown/Blue/Orange/Yellow; Black/Red/Brown/Blue/Orange/Yellow/Purple/Green
• Listings and references: UL 1424 (FPL, FPLR, FPLP), TC/PLTC where indicated, LSZH and NYC Local Law 5 available on select items
• RoHS compliant materials

Put SmartWire Fire Cables to work on your next project

If you need dependable low-voltage fire alarm cable—plenum fire alarm cable (FPLP), riser fire alarm cable (FPLR), shielded fire alarm cable, LSZH fire alarm cable, or metal-clad fire alarm cable—our team can help you select the right construction, conductor count, and footprint for your job. Contact Windy City Wire to request a quote, discuss custom colors/stripes, or standardize a bill of materials across your portfolio.

Note: SmartWire is the brand name of the low-voltage cable manufactured by Windy City Wire. SmartWire is part of our complete solutions that improve safety and efficiency while helping reduce labor costs on every project. FastFIND Footage Markers and SmartWire Glide lubrication are standard on stock SmartWire cables.

Solutions: Fire Cables

Fire Cables for Commercial and Industrial Life Safety Systems

Windy City Wire supplies a comprehensive range of low-voltage fire alarm cable engineered for commercial and industrial environments. Our portfolio covers plenum, riser, and general-purpose applications, with shielded and non-shielded constructions in multiple conductor counts and gauges to meet code requirements for addressable and conventional fire alarm systems. Options include FPLP plenum cable, FPLR riser cable, FPL general-purpose fire alarm cable, 2-hour fire rated cable, armored fire alarm cable, and NYC approved fire cable for Local Law 5 projects.

Where Fire Alarm Cable Is Used

• Fire alarm control panels (FACP): Signaling line circuits (SLC), initiating device circuits (IDCs), notification appliance circuits (NACs), annunciators, and auxiliary control relays.
• Voice evacuation and mass notification (ECS/MNS): Speaker and control circuits, supervised audio paths, and system interconnects where FPLP plenum rating may be required in return air spaces.
• Sprinkler and suppression interfaces: Waterflow and tamper switches, releasing control, and supervisory points for standpipes and special hazard systems.
• Smoke control and HVAC shutdown: Fan and damper control circuits, pressure monitoring, and control panel interfaces for smoke management systems.
• Elevator and egress integrations: Elevator recall and shunt trip control, door holders, magnetic locks, and exit door releases tied to the fire alarm system.
• Emergency communications: Area of refuge and two-way emergency communication systems, firefighter phones, and stairwell communication circuits.
• Monitoring and BMS tie-ins: Dry-contact integrations to building automation systems, generator and fire pump supervisory alarms, and central station connections.
• Related low-voltage life safety: CO detection, duct detectors, beam detectors, and ancillary control and supervisory wiring in power-limited fire circuits.

Industries and Facilities Served

• High-rise and multi-tenant commercial buildings
• Healthcare and life sciences (hospitals, clinics, labs)
• Education campuses (K-12, higher education)
• Industrial manufacturing and processing plants
• Warehousing, logistics, and distribution centers
• Hospitality and entertainment venues
• Retail, mixed-use, and corporate campuses
• Data centers and mission-critical facilities
• Transportation hubs, parking structures, and public infrastructure
• Government, municipal, and defense facilities

Selecting the Right Fire Alarm Cable

• Code rating: Choose FPLP for plenum spaces (return air plenums), FPLR for vertical risers and shafts, and FPL for general-purpose runs where permitted. This aligns with UL 1424 and applicable building and fire codes.
• Shielding: Shielded and OAS (overall aluminum shield) constructions help mitigate EMI for addressable SLC loops, voice circuits, and runs near VFDs, generators, or heavy electrical equipment. Non-shielded options support typical initiating and notification circuits where noise is not a concern.
• Conductor size (AWG): Available in 12, 14, 16, and 18 AWG to manage voltage drop and meet device and circuit requirements. Heavier gauges are often used for longer NAC runs, speaker circuits, and control circuits to meet end-of-line voltage specifications.
• Conductor count: 2, 4, 6, and 8 conductor cables support device loops, shared power/communications, door control, and multi-point supervisory wiring while reducing conduit fill and labor.
• Stranding: Solid and stranded options support both stationary panel terminations and applications requiring additional flexibility during installation.

High-Temperature and Survivability Solutions

• 2-hour fire rated cable: UL 1424-listed, 2-hour fire resistive alarm cable designed for survivability where mandated by NFPA 72 (e.g., circuits serving fire command centers, shared pathways for voice evacuation, smoke control, or other Level 2/3 pathway needs). Low smoke zero halogen insulation and 90°C, 300 V ratings are available for critical circuits.
• Armored fire alarm cable: Aluminum metal clad (MC) constructions provide mechanical protection and help meet physical damage and pathway protection requirements in exposed areas such as parking garages, industrial floors, and mechanical rooms.
• NYC approved fire cable: NYC Certified Local Law 5 fire alarm cable options support New York City project submittals and approvals. Use for projects where NYC-specific compliance is required.

Product Options at a Glance

• Ratings: FPLP plenum, FPLR riser, and FPL general-purpose fire alarm cable; select UL Type TC/PLTC options are available for control circuits where permitted by code.
• Shielding: Shielded, Non-Shielded, and OAS constructions to match noise environments and system requirements.
• Gauges: 12, 14, 16, and 18 AWG to balance current capacity and voltage drop across fire alarm pathways.
• Conductor counts: 2, 4, 6, and 8 conductor configurations to support initiating, notification, audio, and control applications.
• Conductor color sets: Options include Black/Red for 2C, Black/Red/Blue/Brown for 4C, and extended palettes for higher conductor counts to aid identification during installation and service.
• Lengths: Multiple put-up lengths are available, including 500 ft, 1000 ft, and 5000 ft, to align with project scope and reduce waste.
• Compliance: UL 1424 fire alarm cable, RoHS compliant constructions, and specialized listings such as Local Law 5 for NYC where specified.

Best Practices and Use Cases

1. Match cable rating to the space: Use FPLP for ducts and return air plenums; FPLR for vertical shafts; FPL for general-purpose runs allowed by code.
2. Plan for voltage drop: Choose the appropriate AWG for NAC and speaker circuits to maintain device voltage under load across long distances.
3. Mitigate interference: Specify shielded OAS cable in electrically noisy environments and for addressable loops to preserve signal integrity.
4. Design for survivability: Where NFPA 72 requires 2-hour circuit integrity or pathway protection, select a 2-hour fire rated cable or armored fire alarm cable as an alternative to protected raceways.
5. Satisfy local approvals: For projects in New York City, use NYC approved fire cable to meet Local Law 5 and streamline submittals and inspections.

How We Support Contractors, Integrators, and Engineers

• Broad selection of low-voltage fire alarm cable to cover initiating, notification, audio, and control circuits under a single source.
• Flexible constructions, shielding, and gauge options to standardize specifications across facility types and campus deployments.
• Project-friendly put-up lengths to reduce waste on large pulls and repetitive device loops.
• Documentation and submittal support to verify compliance with UL 1424, NFPA 70/72, and local AHJ expectations.

Ready to Build Your Life Safety Spec

Whether you’re designing a new fire alarm system, expanding notification coverage, or upgrading to meet survivability requirements, Windy City Wire provides FPLP plenum, FPLR riser, FPL general-purpose, 2-hour fire rated cable, armored fire alarm cable, and NYC approved fire cable to match your application and code environment. Contact our team for assistance with cable selection, voltage drop reviews, and cross-references for your next project.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fire Cables

• What AWG conductors are available with this SmartWire Fire Cables cable?

  Available gauges include 12 AWG, 14 AWG, 16 AWG, and 18 AWG.

• What other colors is this SmartWire Fire Cables cable available in?

  Available conductor color codes include: Black/Red; Black/Red/Brown/Blue; Black/Red/Brown/Blue/Orange/Yellow; Black/Red/Brown/Blue/Orange/Yellow/Purple/Green; Black/Red/Blue/Orange; Black/Red/Blue/Brown.

• Is this SmartWire Fire Cables cable made with solid or stranded copper conductors?

  Both are available. SmartWire Fire Cables are offered in solid bare copper and select stranded bare copper constructions, in plenum and non‑plenum, shielded and non‑shielded variants.

• What length is this SmartWire Fire Cables cable sold in?

  Windy City Wire manufactures and stocks SmartWire low‑voltage Fire wire in 1,000 ft lengths as our standard. Additional lengths of 500 ft and 5,000 ft are available on select constructions; contact our team for availability.

• How is your SmartWire low-voltage Fire cables sold on spools or in boxes?

  Our SmartWire Fire wire is packaged in our patented RackPack carton to maximize labor savings and jobsite efficiency. Learn more about our RackPack: https://windycitywire.com/solutions/rackpack-overview

• What is the main difference between Plenum vs Non-Plenum low-voltage Fire wire?

  Plenum (FPLP): Rated for use in environmental air spaces (plenums). It meets stringent flame and smoke requirements and can be installed in return air plenums without conduit (unless otherwise required by code).

  Non‑Plenum: Includes Riser (FPLR) for vertical shafts and general‑purpose (FPL) for other spaces. These are not permitted in plenum spaces unless installed in appropriate conduit. Always follow the NEC, UL listings, and your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

• What is the difference between 2-Hour Fire Rated wire and NYC Approved Fire wire?

  2‑Hour Fire Rated (fire‑resistive) wire is listed for circuit integrity during a fire event for up to two hours when installed per its listing. It is used where survivability is required by code or specification (e.g., life safety circuits).

  NYC Approved Fire wire complies with New York City requirements (including Local Law 5) and must meet the acceptance criteria set by the NYC Department of Buildings. This approval is city‑specific and does not inherently mean the cable is 2‑hour fire‑resistive.

  Some NYC projects may require both NYC approval and 2‑hour circuit integrity—verify with the AHJ. More information: https://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/rules/1_RCNY_4000-06_090208.pdf

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