Security & Access Control BAC NET™ | RS232/485 Plenum Cables

Summary: Security & Access Control BAC NET™ | RS232/485 Plenum Cables

Security & Access Control BAC NET™ | RS-232/485 Plenum Cables

Windy City Wire’s SmartWire® Security & Access Control BAC NET™ | RS-232/485 plenum cables are built for reliable serial communications in commercial and industrial facilities. Designed for BACnet MS/TP, RS-485, and RS-232 device networks, these low-voltage cables help integrators, controls contractors, and security professionals achieve stable signal performance over long runs while meeting plenum code requirements. Low-capacitance options, precise shielding, and consistent manufacturing across multiple gauges provide the signal integrity you need for access control panels, door controllers, readers, sensors, and building automation systems.

Every SmartWire cable is manufactured in the United States and engineered for efficient installation. SmartWire Glide Technology® lubrication is applied to the jacket to reduce pull friction by up to 70%, helping crews work faster with less rework in conduit and crowded pathways. Custom jacket and stripe color options are available to simplify identification across large projects or throughout your organization’s standards.

Why choose SmartWire for BAC NET™ / RS-232/485 plenum runs?

• Plenum-rated construction (CMP and select CL3P/CMP builds) supports code-compliant installation in air-handling spaces.
• Low-capacitance designs help maintain signal quality and extend RS-485 daisy-chains in large facilities.
• Overall foil shielding (and Each Pair Shielded options) improves noise immunity near line voltage, VFDs, and dense control panels.
• Available in multiple gauges (18, 22, 24 AWG) to balance distance, device requirements, and termination preferences.
• SmartWire Glide Technology® lubrication reduces friction during pulls to save time in conduit and trays.
• RoHS-compliant constructions available to support project and specification requirements.

At-a-glance options

• AWG choices: 18, 22, 24
• Lengths: 1000 FT and 2500 FT
• Shielding: Shielded (overall foil) and EPS (Each Pair Shielded)
• Conductor color coding: Black/White; Pair – Black/White; White-Blue/Blue; White-Orange/Orange
• Applications: BACnet MS/TP, RS-485 trunks, RS-232 device links, access control, security peripherals, and building automation communications

Available constructions

• 22 AWG 2 Conductor Tinned Copper Shielded Plenum Low-Cap CMP: Low-capacitance, overall-foil shielded cable for BACnet MS/TP and RS-485 trunks in plenum spaces, with tinned copper to resist corrosion. A solid choice for longer runs where signal preservation is critical.
• 22 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper Shielded Plenum CMP: Overall-foil shielded construction for RS-232/RS-485 links requiring 22 AWG conductors in plenum areas. Balanced performance for general building automation and access control communications.
• 24 AWG 1 Pair Tinned Copper Shielded Plenum Low-Cap CMP: Compact, low-capacitance pair with tinned copper for stable RS-485/BACnet performance in tighter pathways. Suited for shorter-to-medium runs and dense device layouts.
• 24 AWG 1.5 Pair Tinned Copper Shielded Plenum Low-Cap CMP: Unique 1.5-pair format supports combined communications or auxiliary signaling while maintaining low capacitance. Helps reduce cable count without sacrificing plenum compliance.
• 22 AWG 1 Pair Tinned Copper Shielded Plenum CMP: Heavier-gauge pair with overall shielding for increased headroom on RS-232/RS-485 lines. Ideal where longer distances or more robust termination are preferred.
• 24 AWG 1 Pair Bare Copper Shielded Plenum CMP: Standard, space-saving shielded pair for common RS-232/RS-485 device connections. A practical option for short device drops and panel terminations.
• 18 AWG 1 Pair Tinned Copper Shielded Plenum CMP: Larger conductor size for lower resistance over extended pulls or where devices benefit from heavier conductors. Overall shielding supports cleaner signals in noisy environments.
• 24 AWG 2 Pair Tinned Copper Shielded Plenum Low-Cap CL3P/CMP: Two low-capacitance pairs with EPS (each pair shielded) to minimize crosstalk and interference between channels. Well-suited for dual-channel RS-485, zone bus, or combined communication lines in plenum spaces.

Build confidently with SmartWire®

For projects that depend on consistent RS-485 or RS-232 performance—whether in access control, security monitoring, or building automation—SmartWire plenum-rated BAC NET™ / RS-232/485 cables deliver dependable signal quality, easy installation, and code-conscious construction. Ask our team about custom jacket and stripe color options to simplify identification across your next rollout.

Solutions: Security & Access Control BAC NET™ | RS232/485 Plenum Cables

Security & Access Control BACnet | RS‑232/RS‑485 Plenum Cables

Windy City Wire manufactures low‑voltage plenum cables built for security, access control, and building automation systems that rely on BACnet MS/TP, RS‑232, and RS‑485 communications. These shielded, plenum‑rated cables help contractors, integrators, and facility teams connect door controllers, readers, panels, and automation equipment with consistent signal integrity, code compliance, and long‑term reliability across commercial and industrial sites.

Where these cables are used

• Access control and security – OSDP over RS‑485 reader loops, controller trunk lines, elevator control interfaces, turnstiles, parking gates, intrusion control panels, and keypad/expander networks.
• Building automation (BAS) – BACnet MS/TP trunks for VAVs, VFDs, AHUs, chillers, boilers, RTUs, and energy management controllers; RS‑485/RS‑232 links for metering and environmental monitoring.
• Life safety integrations – Control and supervision communications links between security, mass notification, and central monitoring equipment (not for notification appliance circuits).
• Lighting and shade control – RS‑485 control buses for lighting controllers, gateways, and room automation processors.
• Industrial automation – Serial communications for PLCs, HMIs, and field devices using RS‑485/RS‑232 in electrically noisy environments.

Industries served

• Commercial office, mixed‑use, and multi‑site corporate campuses
• Healthcare and laboratories
• Education (K‑12 and higher ed)
• Manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing
• Government, public safety, and critical infrastructure
• Hospitality, retail, entertainment venues, and transportation hubs
• Data centers and mission‑critical facilities

Why these cables perform in security and BAS applications

• Plenum‑rated for code compliance – CMP and CL3P constructions are designed for return‑air spaces and help meet stringent building code requirements across large commercial projects.
• Shielded for noise immunity – Overall aluminum foil shields reduce EMI/RFI, helping maintain RS‑485 signal quality over long multi‑drop runs. Options with each‑pair shielding (EPS) add isolation when multiple pairs share a cable.
• Low‑capacitance options – Helps maintain stable BACnet MS/TP and RS‑485 performance on extended runs and in high‑device‑count trunks.
• Conductor choices to match the run – Available in multiple gauges (18, 22, 24 AWG) to balance distance, bandwidth, and voltage drop requirements across door hardware, controllers, and automation endpoints.
• Material flexibility – Options include tinned copper or bare copper conductors; tinned copper supports corrosion resistance in challenging environments and aids in reliable terminations.
• Color‑coded conductors – Clear color codes (such as Black/White pairs and White‑Blue/Blue, White‑Orange/Orange pairs) support fast terminations and easy troubleshooting in the field.
• Compliance you can specify – UL Listed C(UL)US CMP and RoHS compliant for broad acceptance in commercial and industrial specifications.
• Lengths for large projects – Available in 1000 ft and 2500 ft lengths to support long pulls and reduce mid‑run splices on larger floors and campuses.

Common configurations

• 1 Pair and 2 Pair shielded – For typical RS‑485 device loops, controller trunks, and reader connections.
• 1.5 Pair constructions – Ideal when a data pair plus a single conductor is required for reference or auxiliary needs on BACnet MS/TP or control buses.
• Each‑pair shielded (EPS) – Adds pair‑to‑pair isolation for multi‑pair runs in dense control cabinets or electrically noisy zones.

Selection guidance

1. Choose the gauge
   • 24 AWG – Short to moderate RS‑485 links in low‑power devices and tight pathways.
   • 22 AWG – General‑purpose choice for most BACnet MS/TP and security bus runs across commercial floors.
   • 18 AWG – Longer distances, higher current needs, or when future expansion may extend the trunk length.
2. Match shielding to the environment
   • Overall foil shield – Standard protection for typical office and campus installations.
   • Each‑pair shield (EPS) – Added protection where motors, VFDs, and high‑density panels increase noise or where multiple pairs share the same sheath.
3. Select pair count by device and topology
   • 1 Pair – Point‑to‑point or single RS‑485 loop devices.
   • 1.5 Pair – Data pair plus a reference or spare conductor.
   • 2 Pair – Data plus spare pair for redundancy or future adds.

Integration examples

• Access control – RS‑485/OSDP readers to door controllers; controller‑to‑controller backbones; elevator dispatch communications to security head‑end.
• HVAC and BAS – BACnet MS/TP trunks linking VAVs, thermostats, meters, and equipment controllers across plenum spaces.
• Lighting control – RS‑485 networks for room controllers, gateways, and daylighting interfaces.
• Industrial controls – Serial links for PLCs and field I/O where shielding and plenum ratings are required near occupied spaces.

Procurement and deployment benefits

• Standardized, plenum‑rated SKUs streamline submittals and help reduce approval cycles.
• Low‑capacitance and shielded constructions support reliable commissioning and minimize callbacks due to communication errors.
• Multiple gauges, pair counts, shielding types, and color codes simplify takeoffs across mixed security and BAS scopes.

Need help matching cable construction to a specific BACnet MS/TP or RS‑485/RS‑232 requirement? Our team can assist with gauge, shielding, and pair count selections tailored to your site conditions, run lengths, and device loads.

Frequently Asked Questions: Security & Access Control BAC NET™ | RS232/485 Plenum Cables

• What AWG conductors are available with this SmartWire Security & Access Control BAC NET™ | RS232/485 Plenum Cables cable?

  Available gauges include 18 AWG, 22 AWG, and 24 AWG, depending on the specific pair-count and shielding configuration.

• What other colors is this SmartWire Security & Access Control BAC NET™ | RS232/485 Plenum Cables cable available in?

  Available color options include Black/White, Pair - Black/White, Single - Yellow, White-Blue/Blue, and White-Orange/Orange. Custom jacket and stripe colors can also be produced to match your standards—contact Windy City Wire for details.

• Is this SmartWire Security & Access Control BAC NET™ | RS232/485 Plenum Cables cable made with solid or stranded copper conductors?

  These SmartWire cables are manufactured with stranded copper conductors for flexibility and durability, and are offered in both tinned and bare copper variants (model dependent).

• What length is this SmartWire Security & Access Control BAC NET™ | RS232/485 Plenum Cables cable sold in?

  Windy City Wire manufactures and stocks this SmartWire Security & Access Control cable in a standard 1,000 ft length. Select items are also available in 2,500 ft. FastFIND Footage Markers every two feet help you calculate runs quickly and track remaining cable to reduce waste.

• What are some distinctions between BAC NET, RS232 and RS485 Cables?

  BACnet is a building automation protocol and commonly rides over RS‑485 (MS/TP) or Ethernet; cable needs are selected to match the transport layer. RS‑232 is a single‑ended, point‑to‑point interface for short runs (typically one device to one device), often using a single shielded pair. RS‑485 is a balanced, differential bus that supports multi‑drop networks and longer distances; it typically uses a low‑capacitance, shielded twisted pair with about 120‑ohm impedance for reliable noise immunity and signal integrity in plenum spaces.

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