Security Alarm Cable Explained

The need for security equipment is ever-present in today’s world, however, the actual equipment is only as good as the cable that it’s wired up with. If the cables fail, so does the equipment. It’s imperative then, that high-quality cabling is used.

At Cable Intelligence, we have a wealth of knowledge of the industry, spanning decades. As such, we are able to stock a large range of hand-picked, high-quality intruder/security alarm cable, suitable for a wide range of applications. These include:

Security systems Sound and intercom systems
Power-limited controls Fire and burglar alarm systems
Carbon Monoxide alarm systems Single-line telephones
Intruder Alarm systems Smoke alarm systems

 

However, aside from the actual application, there are a few other things you must consider when purchasing security cable. In this short post, we’ll take a look at the different types of security/alarm cable we offer, as well as the differences within those types.

Cores

Firstly, you must consider how many cores you require. This, of course, all depends again, on the application, the type and number of devices on the system (you may have multiple sounders, keypads etc.), the length of the cable run and so on.

Our security/intruder alarm cable is available in a range of different cores, including 4,6,8 and 12. If you are unsure about what you need, we are here to help – just give us a call on 01684 299 223

Screening

The second consideration you must think about is whether to opt for screened or unscreened cable. Essentially, the difference is that screened cable has an extra layer, which reduces electromagnetic interference. This is important in an industrial application, where lots of cable and equipment may be in close proximity to each other, resulting in crosstalk. However, in a domestic setting, this may not be as vital a consideration.

Protection

Next, it’s worth thinking about where the cable will go, be it simply external or underground. External cable is sometimes referred to as duct grade and features a heftier jacket to protect the inner cable from the elements, as well as causing the whole cable to be sturdier. Cable designed for interior use will simply deteriorate if used in an outside setting, making it faulty and dangerous.

Likewise, cable that runs underground in trenches is usually referred to as direct burial cable. This cable does what it says on the tin, and is suitable to be buried without any additional containment. Our direct burial cable is also crush resistant, for an added level of protection.

Safety

Next, you will need to think about safety. In the event of a fire, it’s actually the smoke that’s the most dangerous aspect – think of a domestic fire and the inhalation of the fumes can cause serious damage. There are two terms you may find on listings for security cable that look similar but are quite different:

LSF – stands for Low Smoke & Fume. These cables are made from a modified version of PVC, meaning that they still release a large amount of black smoke and harmful gas when burned. LSF is usually the cheaper option.

LS0H/LSZH – stands for low smoke, zero halogens. LS0H cables release much less smoke than their counterparts, as well as giving off very little dangerous gas.

Security

Buy Alarm Cable

White Internal Type 1 LSZH Alarm Cable
White Internal Type 1 LSZH Alarm Cable
Sale priceFrom £20.35
In stock
External PE Alarm Cable
External PE Alarm Cable
Sale priceFrom £43.08
In stock
Direct Burial PE Alarm Cable
Direct Burial PE Alarm Cable
Sale priceFrom £46.15
In stock

Got Questions?

If you want to know more about anything in this blog post, call us on 01684 299 223.

Browse Our Security & Fire Cable

View all
External PE Alarm Cable
External PE Alarm Cable
Sale priceFrom £43.08
In stock
Choose options
22AWG 2 Pair LSZH Eca Type 8723 Belden Equivalent Cable
White Internal Type 1 LSZH Alarm Cable
White Internal Type 1 LSZH Alarm Cable
Sale priceFrom £20.35
In stock
Choose options
Internal Type 3 TCCA LSF Alarm CableInternal Type 3 TCCA LSF Alarm Cable
Internal Type 3 TCCA LSF Alarm Cable
Sale priceFrom £11.75
In stock
Choose options
Direct Burial PE Alarm Cable
Direct Burial PE Alarm Cable
Sale priceFrom £46.15
In stock
Choose options
24AWG 4 Pair LSZH Eca Type 9504 Belden Equivalent Cable
8 Core Unscreened Internal Type 1 Euroclass Cca-Rated Alarm Cable, 100m
Prysmian 2 Core FP200 Gold Standard Fire Performance CablePrysmian 2 Core FP200 Gold Standard Fire Performance Cable
24AWG 3 Pair LSZH Eca Type 9503 Belden Equivalent Cable
24AWG 2 Pair LSZH Eca Type 9842 Belden Equivalent Cable
24AWG 10 Core F/SCR LSZH Eca Type 9540 Belden Equivalent Cable