Pros And Cons Of Fire Alarm Cables

Fire alarm systems are very important for any business, school, facility, home and much more. They protect us when alerts arise and deliver notification of potential threat and harm. Fire alarm cables are an integral part of any fire alarm system. They are used to connect security systems such as smoke detectors, emergency lighting, exit signboards, and fire command centres in high-rise buildings, business complexes, schools, educational institutions, hospitals, and other locations. These cables are utilised in situations when fire safety is critical. Fire alarm cables can ensure maximum safety and security as they are engineered as lifelines to safety systems and securing buildings.

The cables that are used in fire alarm systems are different from the normal data or other cables that we encounter in our daily lives.

Different Types of Fire Alarm Cables

There are several sorts of cables to consider when it comes to fire alarm and security connections. It's not that one is inherently a better alternative or that the other is a subpar cable; rather, each is built for a specific application.The cable can be designed for general purpose, for floor to floor wiring or use in plenums, ducts or other specific types of enclosed air spaces.

There are six different types of Fire alarm cables. They are FPL (Fire Power Limited), FPLP (Fire Power Limited Plenum), FPLR (Fire Power Limited Riser), FPLP Shielded, NPLF (Non Power Limited Fire Alarm), NPLFP (Non Power Limited Fire Protective) cables.

1. FPL Cable - It is the most basic type of fire alarm cable. It is non-plenum rated for use in general purpose fire alarm installation. This cable is most commonly used with the surface wiring.
2. FPLP cable - It is utilised in horizontal overhead installations such as ductwork or other spaces used for the passage of ambient air. Because of the additional engineering and protection they provide, these cables are a little more expensive. All FPLP cables are listed as having appropriate fire-resistance and low-smoke-production properties.
3. FPLR cables- These are utilised in vertical runs between floors, such as going from one floor to the next or in a shaft.
4. FPLP Shielded cables - These are plenum fire alarm cables with a drain wire and an aluminium polyester foil shield to block extra interference within the cable.
5. NPLF cables - These cables are suited for all general fire alarm cable applications. They cannot, however, be used in environmental air flow risers, ducts, or plenum spaces unless they are correctly fitted within a conduit.
6. NPLFP cables - non-power limited fire alarm cables, but these cables are ideal for placement in ducts, plenums, and other areas where ambient air moves.

The most difficult part is choosing the correct fire alarm cable for the job. Electricians that have worked on fire and security systems or those who have enough experience will always select the best cable for the job in order to meet all code requirements.

Potential Pros and Cons of Fire Alarm Cables

Pros:

• One of the major advantages of fire alarm cable is that it is easily identifiable due to its bright red PVC outer jacket. 
  
• Not only does this protect the wire during installation, but it also protects it from abrasion. 
• In the case of a fire, it is designed to produce relatively little smoke, which is also a very important factor.