Fire Armored Fire Alarm Cables

Summary: Fire Armored Fire Alarm Cables

Fire Armored Fire Alarm Cables

Windy City Wire manufactures SmartWire low-voltage armored fire alarm cables designed for commercial and industrial projects that require plenum-rated performance and mechanical protection. These aluminum metal clad (MC) assemblies contain UL Type FPLP plenum fire alarm conductors and are built to support clean, code-compliant installations in air handling spaces and other demanding environments.

Our B2B customers rely on these cables for consistent quality, dependable availability, and configurations that simplify spec-driven work. With shielding options, multiple conductor counts, and AWG sizes, SmartWire helps reduce installation time while maintaining signal integrity across initiating, notification, and control circuits. All stock SmartWire cables include SmartWire Glide lubrication applied to the jacket during manufacturing to reduce pulling friction by up to 70%.

How Windy City Wire adds value to your next project

• Purpose-built for plenum spaces: UL Type FPLP, aluminum metal clad construction supports code-compliant routing without separate conduit in many applications. Always confirm with local AHJ and project specifications.
• Options that fit the spec: Available in 14, 16, and 18 AWG; 2-conductor and 4-conductor; shielded (OAS) and non-shielded to match device, NAC, or SLC requirements.
• Efficient installation: SmartWire Glide lubrication helps crews pull faster with less rework and fewer cable handling issues.
• Signal performance: Overall aluminum shield (OAS) options help manage noise on sensitive circuits; unshielded options support general fire alarm control wiring.
• Clear identification: Conductor color codes include Black/Red (2C) and Black/Red/Blue/Brown (4C) to streamline terminations.
• Sourcing confidence: Manufactured in the United States by a low-voltage wire manufacturer focused on commercial and industrial needs.
• Lengths: 1000 ft standard; select items also available in 500 ft.
• Customization: SmartWire jacket and stripe color combinations can be customized to help standardize your organization’s installations. Contact our team to discuss options.

Applications

• Fire alarm initiating and control circuits
• Notification Appliance Circuits (NAC), where permitted by design
• Supervisory and monitoring circuits in plenum spaces

Available constructions

• 18 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper FPLP (UL): Aluminum metal clad, non-shielded plenum cable for general fire alarm control and initiating circuits; conductor color code Black/Red.
• 18 AWG 4 Conductor Bare Copper FPLP (UL): Aluminum metal clad, non-shielded plenum cable for multi-drop terminations and shared pathways; conductor color code Black/Red/Blue/Brown.
• 16 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper FPLP (UL): Aluminum metal clad, non-shielded plenum cable where lower resistance or longer runs are required; conductor color code Black/Red.
• 16 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper, OAS FPLP (UL): Aluminum metal clad, shielded plenum cable with overall aluminum shield for noise-sensitive circuits; conductor color code Black/Red.
• 16 AWG 4 Conductor Bare Copper FPLP (UL): Aluminum metal clad, non-shielded plenum cable for multi-conductor terminations and shared pathways; conductor color code Black/Red/Blue/Brown.
• 14 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper FPLP (UL): Aluminum metal clad, non-shielded plenum cable suited for higher current loads or longer distances; conductor color code Black/Red.
• 14 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper, OAS FPLP (UL) Combo: Armored combo assembly featuring a shielded 14 AWG 2C plenum cable within metal clad armor to support noise-sensitive runs in a single pass.
• 14 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper FPLP (UL) Combo: Armored combo assembly with like 14 AWG 2C plenum conductors under one metal clad jacket to consolidate pathways and reduce installation steps.
• 14 AWG 4 Conductor Bare Copper FPLP (UL): Aluminum metal clad, non-shielded plenum cable combining four conductors for simplified homeruns and device wiring; conductor color code Black/Red/Blue/Brown.
• 16 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper, OAS FPLP (UL) + 14 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper FPLP (UL) Combo: Mixed-gauge armored combo that pairs a shielded 16 AWG 2C with a non-shielded 14 AWG 2C to support distinct circuit needs in a single assembly.

Why teams choose Windy City Wire

• Proven B2B partner: Serving integrators, electrical contractors, and facility owners with low-voltage wire solutions that align with commercial and industrial schedules.
• SmartWire® quality: Consistent materials, plenum-rated constructions, and assembly options built for real jobsite conditions.
• Project-driven support: From submittal details to product availability, our team helps you select armored fire alarm cable configurations that meet the spec and reduce risk.

For your next armored fire alarm cable requirement—whether you need a metal clad FPLP plenum assembly, a shielded fire alarm cable for sensitive circuits, or a combo configuration to streamline pathway counts—Windy City Wire provides products and solutions that help crews work efficiently and meet project requirements.

Note: Always verify local codes, AHJ requirements, and equipment manufacturer specifications before selection and installation.

Solutions: Fire Armored Fire Alarm Cables

Armored Fire Alarm Cables for Commercial and Industrial Life Safety
Windy City Wire supplies armored, plenum-rated fire alarm cable engineered for the demands of professional integrators, electrical contractors, and consulting engineers. This low-voltage, metal-clad construction delivers mechanical protection, code compliance, and consistent electrical performance for mission-critical fire alarm systems across commercial and industrial facilities.

Where Armored Fire Alarm Cable Fits
Our aluminum metal clad, Type FPLP (UL) solutions are designed for use in plenum spaces and areas where added durability and protection are required. Typical applications include:

• Conventional and addressable fire alarm systems (SLC, IDC, and NAC circuits)
• Voice evacuation and emergency communications systems
• Elevator recall, smoke control, and fan/damper interfaces
• Sprinkler supervisory, flow and tamper monitoring, and releasing control
• Door holder and access control release integration
• Stair pressurization, generator start, and ancillary life-safety control

Industries and Environments Served
Armored fire alarm cable is a strong choice wherever life safety wiring faces physical exposure, frequent maintenance activity, or strict return-air requirements:

• High-rise and mixed-use commercial buildings
• Healthcare and laboratories with extensive plenum spaces
• K–12, higher education, and campus environments
• Industrial plants, logistics centers, and cold storage
• Hospitality, gaming, retail, and entertainment venues
• Transportation hubs, data centers, and government facilities

Why Use Metal Clad, FPLP Armored Fire Alarm Cable

• Mechanical protection: Aluminum metal clad armor helps safeguard conductors from impact and crush damage in exposed or maintenance-heavy areas.
• Plenum compliance: Type FPLP (UL) supports installation in environmental air spaces where plenum-rated construction is required.
• Routing flexibility: In many applications, MC construction can reduce the need for additional raceway while maintaining code compliance—check local AHJ requirements.
• Signal integrity options: Overall aluminum shield (OAS) selections help mitigate electrical noise in addressable loops, audio/voice circuits, and EMI-prone areas.

Circuit Types Supported

• Signaling Line Circuits (SLC): Addressable device loops; shielding recommended in high-interference zones.
• Initiating Device Circuits (IDC): Pull stations, waterflow, tamper, smoke/heat detection.
• Notification Appliance Circuits (NAC): Horns, strobes, speakers, speaker-strobes for voice evacuation.
• Control and Supervisory: Releasing circuits, elevator recall, smoke control interfaces, and door hardware release.

High-Temperature and Local Jurisdiction Needs
Certain projects demand added survivability or jurisdiction-specific approvals. In addition to armored fire alarm cable, Windy City Wire supports:

• 2-hour fire rated cable: Circuit integrity options for survivability pathways as outlined by NFPA 72 and local requirements (use cases include voice evac, stair pressurization, and firefighter telephone systems).
• NYC approved fire cable: Solutions for projects requiring NYC-specific flame performance and listing; consult our team to match submittal requirements to the job specification.

Product Options to Match Your Specification
Choose the configuration that aligns with your design and installation standards:

• Conductor sizes: 14 AWG, 16 AWG, and 18 AWG bare copper for NAC, IDC, SLC, and control circuits.
• Conductor counts: 2-conductor and 4-conductor options to serve single or combined runs for devices and modules.
• Shielding: Available in Non-Shielded and OAS (overall aluminum shield) to help manage EMI where required.
• Color identification: 2-conductor sets in Black/Red; 4-conductor sets in Black/Red/Blue/Brown to support clear termination and serviceability.
• Lengths: Available in 500 FT and 1000 FT put-ups to align with project staging and feeder distances.

Design and Installation Considerations

• Code alignment: Type FPLP (UL) for plenum spaces; confirm NEC Article 760 and local AHJ requirements for pathway, survivability, and device-class wiring.
• Noise environment: Specify shielded armored fire alarm cable when routing near VFDs, generators, or high-interference electrical gear.
• Load and distance: Select conductor size (14/16/18 AWG) based on current, voltage drop, device count, and manufacturer guidelines.
• System integration: Coordinate with security, access control, HVAC/BAS, and sprinkler trades to streamline pathways and reduce rework.

Summary of Benefits

• Armored fire alarm cable with aluminum metal clad construction for added protection
• FPLP plenum-rated, low-voltage fire alarm wire suitable for environmental air spaces
• Options for OAS shielding to support addressable loops and voice evacuation circuits
• Multiple AWG sizes and conductor counts to match NAC, IDC, SLC, and control needs
• Availability of 2-hour fire rated cable and NYC approved fire cable for specialized specifications

Partner With Windy City Wire
Our team supports submittals, takeoffs, and product selection to help you meet code, control cost, and keep schedules on track. Contact us to align the right armored fire alarm cable—and, when needed, 2-hour and NYC-specific solutions—to your project scope.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fire Armored Fire Alarm Cables

• What AWG conductors are available with these SmartWire Fire Armored Fire Alarm cables?

  Available in 14 AWG, 16 AWG, and 18 AWG to meet a range of commercial and industrial fire alarm specifications.

• What other colors are these SmartWire Fire Armored Fire Alarm cables available in?

  Conductor color codes include Black/Red and Black/Red/Blue/Brown. Custom SmartWire jacket and stripe color combinations are also available to support standardized identification—contact Windy City Wire for details.

• Are these SmartWire Fire Armored Fire Alarm cables made with solid or stranded copper conductors?

  These cables use bare copper conductors. Conductor construction (solid or stranded) depends on the specific part number and application requirements; most commercial fire alarm installs use stranded for flexibility. Please confirm the construction you need when requesting a quote.

• What lengthsare these SmartWire Fire Armored Fire Alarm cables sold in?

  Windy City Wire manufactures and stocks SmartWire low-voltage Fire wire in 1,000 ft as our standard length. Select items are also available in 500 ft lengths.

• 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 optimize installation productivity. 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-rated fire alarm cable (FPLP) is engineered for use in environmental air spaces (plenums) and uses low-smoke, low-toxicity materials to limit smoke generation and flame spread. Non-plenum fire alarm cable (such as FPL or FPLR) is intended for general purpose or riser applications where plenum ratings are not required. Always follow your project specifications and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

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

  2-Hour Fire Rated wire is designed and tested to maintain circuit integrity for up to two hours during a fire (commonly evaluated under UL 2196 or equivalent system listings) for life-safety survivability circuits. NYC Approved Fire wire refers to compliance with New York City’s specific rules, listings, and acceptance criteria for fire alarm wiring. A cable may need to be both 2-hour fire rated and NYC Approved depending on the project and AHJ requirements. For more information, see: https://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/rules/1_RCNY_4000-06_090208.pdf

Additional Links:

• Learn more about our SmartWire Cable
• The RackPack - Our patented cable delivery solution
• Our Transporters - RackPack Transportation Devices
• 19 Stocking Locations Nationwide - Find a Branch near you