Fire Armored Fire Alarm | Shielded Cables

Summary: Fire Armored Fire Alarm | Shielded Cables

Armored Fire Alarm | Shielded Cables

Windy City Wire manufactures SmartWire® low-voltage fire alarm cables that are purpose-built for commercial and industrial life safety systems. Our armored, shielded plenum offerings combine aluminum metal clad protection with low-smoke, plenum-rated construction and overall shielding to help reduce interference on critical signaling, initiating, and notification circuits. Made in the United States, these cables support reliable installs in demanding environments and help contractors deliver consistent results across projects.

Designed for B2B professionals—electrical contractors, low-voltage integrators, and facility teams—our product line covers common fire alarm applications: addressable loops, NACs, control circuits, elevator recall, and smoke control. SmartWire is part of our complete product and solutions offering for low-voltage projects and is available in multiple conductor sizes to match distance, load, and code-driven requirements.

Why choose Windy City Wire for armored, shielded plenum fire alarm cable?

• FPLP plenum rating (UL) for use in environmental air spaces where code allows, supporting a wide range of commercial fire alarm installations.
• Aluminum metal clad armor for added mechanical protection and efficient routing without separate conduit where the NEC and AHJ permit.
• Overall shield (OAS) to help minimize EMI/RFI on low-voltage fire alarm and life safety circuits in electrically noisy facilities.
• SmartWire Glide lubrication applied to the jacket during manufacturing to reduce cable-pulling friction by up to 70%, at no additional cost.
• Multiple gauges available (18, 16, 14 AWG) to meet voltage drop and run-length targets on commercial projects.
• Standard conductor color code (black/red) for straightforward field identification, with custom jacket and stripe color options available to support company standards and jobsite identification.
• Lengths: available in 1000 FT and 500 FT to align with project takeoffs and reduce excess material on site.

How our cables add value on your next project

• Supports consistent fire alarm system performance with shielded plenum constructions that address signal integrity and code-driven pathways.
• Helps reduce rework through durable metal clad armor that stands up to jobsite handling and post-install service.
• Streamlines installation with cable-pulling lubrication built in, helping crews move faster through long plenum runs and congested pathways.
• Backed by a U.S.-based manufacturer focused on B2B customers, with responsive support and the ability to align cable configurations to your specifications.

Typical applications

• Initiating Device Circuits (IDC) and Notification Appliance Circuits (NAC)
• Fire alarm control and supervisory circuits
• Smoke control, elevator recall, and other life safety control wiring
• Installations requiring plenum-rated, armored, shielded low-voltage fire alarm cable

Always verify cable selection with your project specifications, the NEC, and your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Available constructions

• 18 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper Plenum (FPLP) 300V: Aluminum metal clad armored cable with an overall aluminum/polyester shield and drain to help mitigate EMI in plenum spaces for shorter runs and lower-current circuits.
• 16 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper Plenum (FPLP) 300V: Armored, shielded plenum construction offering a balance of capacity and flexibility for typical addressable loops and control circuits in commercial fire alarm systems.
• 14 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper Plenum (FPLP) 300V: Armored, shielded plenum cable with lower resistance for longer runs and higher current demands on NACs and control circuits where code and design require.

Partner with Windy City Wire

When you select SmartWire armored, shielded plenum fire alarm cables, you’re choosing a U.S.-manufactured product designed for commercial performance, jobsite durability, and installation efficiency. From multiple AWG options to shielding and metal clad protection, our low-voltage fire alarm cables help you meet specifications, control labor, and deliver consistent results. Contact our team to discuss project requirements or to standardize your jobs with custom jacket and stripe colors.

Solutions: Fire Armored Fire Alarm | Shielded Cables

Fire Armored Fire Alarm | Shielded Cables for Commercial and Industrial Projects

Windy City Wire supplies low-voltage fire alarm cable engineered for demanding commercial and industrial environments. Our armored fire alarm cable and shielded fire alarm cable options are designed to support code-compliant installation, reduce electromagnetic interference, and protect critical life-safety circuits in plenum spaces and other challenging areas. Offerings in this category include UL FPLP plenum-rated constructions with aluminum metal-clad armor, available in 14 AWG, 16 AWG, and 18 AWG, with shielding options that include overall aluminum (OAS) and other shielded variants. To match project scope and reduce waste, lengths are available in 500 FT and 1000 FT.

Where These Cables Are Used in Fire and Life-Safety Systems

• Conventional and Addressable Fire Alarm Systems – Signaling Line Circuits (SLC), initiating device circuits, control module and monitor module runs.
• Notification Appliance Circuits (NAC) – Horn/strobes, speaker/strobes, and power-extender connections where voltage drop and current capacity matter.
• Voice Evacuation and Emergency Communication/Mass Notification – Speaker circuits and audio risers benefit from shielded, plenum-rated cable to limit noise and meet air-handling space requirements.
• Releasing and Suppression Control – Pre-action, deluge, clean agent, and special hazard systems requiring dependable control and feedback wiring.
• Elevator Recall and Door Control – Interfaces for recall, shunt trip signaling, magnetic door holders, and smoke door control.
• Supervisory and Detection – Waterflow and tamper switches, duct detectors, beam detectors, pull stations, and relay controls.
• Smoke Control and Critical Life-Safety Functions – For applications requiring pathway survivability, pair armored and shielded options with 2-hour fire-rated cable solutions as required by the AHJ and NFPA 72.

Why Armored, Shielded, Plenum-Rated (FPLP) Cable

• EMI/RFI mitigation – Overall shields (e.g., OAS) help protect addressable SLCs, audio circuits, and data-bearing life-safety lines from interference common in mechanical and electrical rooms.
• Mechanical protection – Aluminum metal-clad armor resists physical damage and can reduce the need for conduit in many indoor applications, helping streamline installation and inspection.
• Plenum compliance – FPLP fire alarm cable supports use in air-handling spaces per applicable codes, simplifying routing above ceilings in commercial buildings.
• Performance across distances – Multiple gauge options help manage voltage drop and maintain signal integrity on longer runs.

Gauge and Shielding Guidance

• 18 AWG – Common for short SLC and control runs in addressable systems.
• 16 AWG – A versatile choice for longer SLCs, control circuits, or moderate-length audio/NAC runs where drop must be controlled.
• 14 AWG – Preferred for extended NAC and speaker circuits with higher load or when voltage drop calculations demand larger copper.
• Shielding – Use shielded fire alarm cable when circuits run near VFDs, generators, elevator equipment, or high-voltage feeders; OAS and other shielded constructions help ensure reliable signaling.

High-Temperature and Code-Driven Options

• 2-hour fire-rated cable – For pathway survivability where required by NFPA 72 (e.g., smoke control, fire command center interfaces, stair pressurization controls). These circuit-survivability cables are designed to maintain operation under fire exposure to support critical life-safety functions.
• Armored fire alarm cable – Metal-clad (MC) FPLP cables provide durable, code-recognized protection and can speed installation versus pulling in conduit for many indoor runs.
• NYC approved fire cable – For New York City projects requiring FDNY/NYC approved fire alarm cable, dedicated constructions support local compliance and submittal acceptance.

Fire System Integrations and Related Low-Voltage Applications

• Building Automation/HVAC – Fan shutdown, smoke control sequences, and damper control feedback to the fire alarm control unit.
• Access Control and Egress – Door release and alarm monitoring circuits between fire alarm and security systems.
• Elevators and Generators – Signals for recall, emergency power status, and monitoring.
• Sprinkler and Special Hazards – Waterflow, tamper, and releasing panel connections for pre-action and clean agent systems.
• Emergency Communication – Voice evacuation and mass notification audio and control lines.

Industries and Facilities That Rely on Armored, Shielded Fire Alarm Cable

• Healthcare – Hospitals, clinics, and medical office buildings where uninterrupted life-safety signaling is essential.
• Data Centers and Technology – High-EMI environments benefit from shielded, plenum-rated fire alarm cable for clean signaling.
• Manufacturing and Warehousing – Robust, metal-clad cable stands up to industrial environments and material handling areas.
• High-Rise and Commercial Office – Extensive SLC/NAC networks in plenum spaces, with survivability needs in critical areas.
• Education and Campuses – K–12, higher education, and research facilities with widespread voice evac and mass notification.
• Hospitality, Retail, and Entertainment – Complex sites with integrated fire alarm, access control, and building management systems.
• Transportation and Public Venues – Airports, rail, arenas, and convention centers requiring reliable signaling across long distances.

Selecting the Right Low-Voltage Fire Alarm Cable

1. Identify circuit type – SLC, NAC, audio, control, or releasing lines; check manufacturer requirements for addressable systems.
2. Confirm environment – Use FPLP plenum cable in air-handling spaces; consider metal-clad armor where added mechanical protection is needed.
3. Assess survivability – For smoke control or other critical circuits, specify 2-hour fire-rated cable if required by the AHJ.
4. Plan for interference – Choose shielded fire alarm cable in high-noise electrical rooms, mechanical spaces, and near VFDs.
5. Calculate voltage drop – Select 14, 16, or 18 AWG based on distance, load, and system specifications.
6. Verify local code – For jurisdictions like New York City, select NYC approved fire cable to streamline submittals and inspections.
7. Order the right length – 500 FT and 1000 FT put-ups help align material to project phases and minimize leftover scrap.

What You Can Expect from Windy City Wire

• Code-aligned construction – UL FPLP plenum-rated, shielded, and metal-clad fire alarm cable options suitable for commercial and industrial use.
• Reliable materials – Bare copper conductors with consistent performance and standard black/red conductor identification to support accurate terminations.
• Application flexibility – Multiple gauges (14/16/18 AWG), shielded variants, and 500 FT/1000 FT lengths to match diverse system requirements.
• Project support – Guidance on cable selection for addressable systems, voice evacuation, releasing control, and critical survivability applications.

Whether you need armored fire alarm cable for a rugged plant floor, shielded fire alarm cable for a data center, or specialized 2-hour fire-rated and NYC approved fire cable for code-driven pathways, Windy City Wire provides a dependable, low-voltage fire cable portfolio that helps meet specifications, satisfy AHJ requirements, and keep installations on schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fire Armored Fire Alarm | Shielded Cables

• What AWG conductors are available with this SmartWire Fire Armored Fire Alarm | Shielded Cables cable?

  16 AWG, 18 AWG, and 14 AWG options are available.

• What other colors is this SmartWire Fire Armored Fire Alarm | Shielded Cables cable available in?

  Available with Black/Red color-coded conductors. Custom SmartWire jacket and stripe colors can also be produced—contact Windy City Wire for options.

• Is this SmartWire Fire Armored Fire Alarm | Shielded Cables cable made with solid or stranded copper conductors?

  These cables use bare copper conductors. Solid vs. stranded construction varies by item; provide your specification or part number and our team will confirm.

• What length is this SmartWire Fire Armored Fire Alarm | Shielded Cables cable sold in?

  Windy City Wire manufactures and stocks SmartWire low-voltage Fire wire in a standard 1,000 ft length. Select items in this family are also offered 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 for efficient pulls and labor savings. 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 designed for use in environmental air spaces and meets the most stringent flame and smoke requirements. Non-plenum cable (e.g., FPLR or FPL) is intended for riser or general-purpose areas and is not permitted in plenum spaces unless installed in appropriate conduit. Always follow NEC/NFPA and local AHJ requirements.

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

  2-Hour Fire Rated (CI) cable is listed to maintain circuit integrity for up to 120 minutes under fire exposure (e.g., UL 2196/NFPA 72 survivability). NYC Approved Fire wire denotes products that meet New York City Department of Buildings/FDNY acceptance criteria for use within NYC, which can include additional local listing and installation requirements. A cable may be 2-hour rated without being NYC-approved, and vice versa—verify both your project specification and local code. For more information on NYC requirements: https://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/rules/1_RCNY_4000-06_090208.pdf

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