Building Automation Cables

Summary: Cables

Building Automation SmartWire® from Windy City Wire

For building automation systems, reliable control wiring is critical to schedules, commissioning, and long-term performance. Windy City Wire manufactures low-voltage SmartWire cable in the United States for commercial and industrial environments—designed for HVAC controls, BAS devices, sensors, relays, actuators, and control panels. Our product lineup focuses on practical jobsite efficiencies, consistent quality, and options that help standardize installations across your portfolio.

SmartWire cable works within our complete solution to improve safety and efficiency while helping reduce labor on every project. It comes standard with SmartWire Glide Technology® lubrication, which reduces friction during pulls by up to 70% for faster installation and fewer re-pulls—without residue you can feel on the jacket.

Every SmartWire cable also includes FastFIND Footage Markers—bold, sequential footage indicators that appear every two feet and are available in ascending or descending formats. They help crews measure point-to-point runs quickly, know exactly how much cable remains in the box, verify ordered footage, and reduce indiscriminate waste by 15–25%.

Windy City Wire also supports organizational color standards. SmartWire cables are available in a wide range of jacket and stripe color combinations, and custom color requests can be accommodated to help your team identify circuits and reduce troubleshooting time across jobs. Contact our team to discuss standardization or custom requests.

• Who we serve: Electrical contractors, integrators, and facility teams working on commercial and industrial BAS and controls.
• How we add value: Faster pulls with SmartWire Glide lubrication, easy footage calculations with FastFIND Footage Markers, broad color options for clear identification, and construction choices that fit both flexible and fixed wiring needs.
• Result: Less time spent pulling, measuring, and managing material, with dependable cable performance in conduit, trays, and control cabinets.

At-a-glance options for Building Automation SmartWire

• Available AWG sizes: 12, 14, 16, 18
• Insulations: THHN, TFN, TFFN
• Shielding: Non-shielded
• Lengths: Standard 1000 ft; also available in 500, 2000, 2500, and 10,500 ft
• Conductor jacket colors: Black/Red, Orange/Gray, Blue/Orange, Purple/Gray, Black/White, Black/Blue, Purple/Yellow, Orange/Yellow, Blue/Yellow, Black/Brown, Red/Yellow, Black/Orange, Black/Violet, Black/Yellow, Red/White, Yellow/Brown, Yellow/Blue, Orange/Brown, Black/White/Red, Yellow/Blue/Orange, Red/Orange/Yellow, Black/White/Red/Green
• FastFIND Footage Markers: Sequential footage indicators every two feet in ascending or descending formats to speed measurements, verify footage, and minimize waste.
• SmartWire Glide Technology® lubrication: Standard on all SmartWire cables; reduces pulling friction by up to 70% and supports efficient, damage-free installation.

Available constructions for Building Automation

1. 12 AWG 1 Conductor Stranded (19 Strand) THHN 600 Volt: Flexible control wire for power-limited BAS circuits routed in conduit or raceways. Stranding supports easier handling and terminations for devices and relays.
2. 12 AWG 1 Conductor Solid THHN 600 Volt: Solid conductor suited for fixed pulls and neat, secure terminations. Ideal where minimal flexing is expected in control cabinets and conduit.
3. 14 AWG 1 Conductor Stranded (19 Strand) THHN 600 Volt: Versatile BAS control conductor for sensors, actuators, and interconnects. Stranded build improves routing through tight spaces and repeated handling.
4. 14 AWG 1 Conductor Solid THHN 600 Volt: Cost-effective option for stable, fixed building control circuits. Solid conductor provides clean terminations on blocks and devices.
5. 16 AWG 1 Conductor Stranded (19 Strand) TFFN 600 Volt: Thin-wall, flexible choice for dense panels and tight pathways. Well-suited for device pigtails and short control loops.
6. 16 AWG 1 Conductor Solid TFN 600 Volt: Compact solid conductor for fixed wiring inside equipment and raceways. Supports tidy panel work and consistent terminations.
7. 18 AWG 1 Conductor Stranded (7 Strand) TFFN 600 Volt: Lightweight, flexible option for sensor leads and terminations. Suitable for tight bends and compact device enclosures.
8. 14 AWG 1 Pair Stranded THHN Twisted 600 Volt: Twisted pair helps minimize crosstalk on control runs. Stranded conductors add flexibility for pulls and device landings.
9. 16 AWG 1 Pair Stranded TFFN Twisted 600 Volt: Compact, flexible twisted pair for BAS control loops in conduit. Appropriate for runs between controllers, VAVs, and field devices.
10. 18 AWG 1 Pair Stranded (7 Strand) TFFN Twisted 600 Volt: Small OD twisted pair for sensors and low-voltage control lines. Flexible construction supports tight routing and neat terminations.
11. 16 AWG 1 Pair Solid TFN Twisted 600 Volt: Solid twisted pair for fixed, stable terminations and repeatable performance. Works well in structured conduit pathways and panels.
12. 18 AWG 1 Pair Solid TFN Twisted 600 Volt: Solid conductors support secure landings on terminal blocks. Twisted lay helps maintain signal consistency on control circuits.
13. 18 AWG 1 Triad Stranded (7 Strand) TFFN Twisted 600 Volt: Three-conductor set for multi-point devices or shared commons. Stranded triad eases pulling and dressing in control panels.
14. 18 AWG 1 Triad Solid TFN Twisted 600 Volt: Solid triad for fixed BAS terminations where movement is minimal. Efficient for devices requiring three conductors (power, signal, return).
15. 18 AWG 1 Quad Solid Bare Copper, TFN Twisted 600 Volt: Four-conductor arrangement for multi-signal control points and shared power. Solid build favors permanent installations with clean block terminations.

Why teams choose Windy City Wire for Building Automation

• Low-voltage SmartWire built for commercial and industrial controls with consistent quality and availability.
• Install-time advantages from SmartWire Glide lubrication and FastFIND Footage Markers, helping reduce labor and material waste.
• Multiple constructions, AWG sizes, and color options to standardize your installations and simplify maintenance.
• Responsive B2B support for estimating, takeoffs, and project planning.

Ready to align your BAS projects with a cable platform designed for professional installers? Contact Windy City Wire to select the right SmartWire construction and color scheme for your next job, or to discuss custom color options for your organization.

Solutions: Cables

Building Automation Cables for Commercial and Industrial Facilities
Windy City Wire supplies low-voltage building wire designed for the demands of modern Building Automation Systems (BAS). With 600‑volt rated THHN, TFFN, and TFN constructions available across multiple gauges and configurations, these cables support reliable control, signal, and power-limited circuits throughout commercial and industrial environments. Options include single conductors as well as twisted pairs, triads, and quads, in both solid and stranded constructions to match installation preferences and project specifications.

Where these cables are used

• Commercial offices and corporate campuses: Control wiring for HVAC zones, lighting control, and conference-room environmental systems.
• Healthcare facilities: BAS control loops for air handling units, isolation rooms, pressurization and monitoring, lighting and shade control, and critical zone visibility (per facility standards).
• Education (K–12 and higher ed): Classroom air quality sensors, VAV boxes, boiler/chiller plants, lighting control, and metering across multi-building campuses.
• Data centers and technology spaces: Cooling system controls, CRAH/CRAC unit signals, leak detection loops, environmental sensors, and integration to BMS.
• Industrial manufacturing: HVAC and process room controls, make‑up air units, VFD interfaces, and PLC/BAS interlocks in production areas.
• Warehousing and logistics: High-bay lighting control, destratification fan control, air quality monitoring, and occupancy-based systems.
• Hospitality and entertainment: Guest room controls, centralized lighting, common-area HVAC, and energy management interfaces.
• Retail and mixed-use: Distributed lighting control, zoned HVAC, and submetering tie-ins for tenants.
• Government and public facilities: BAS wiring for offices, public safety buildings, libraries, and community centers.
• Transportation and parking: Ventilation control, CO/NO2 sensors, lighting control, and facility monitoring.

Systems and applications these cables support

• BAS networks and controllers: Twisted unshielded pairs for many RS‑485 applications (e.g., BACnet MS/TP, Modbus RTU per project specs), controller I/O wiring, interlocks, and low‑voltage distribution to field devices.
• HVAC control circuits: Thermostat leads, VAV/FPB controls, damper and valve actuators (open/close/feedback), and analog signals such as 0–10 VDC or 4–20 mA (as specified by the controls manufacturer).
• Variable frequency drive (VFD) interfaces: Start/stop commands, run status, and speed reference wiring to drives and fan coils (observe routing and separation best practices per spec).
• Lighting control: 0–10 V dimming control pairs, relay panel control, photocell/daylight sensor runs, and occupancy/vacancy sensing circuits.
• Energy management and metering: Pulse output lines, kWh meter tie-ins, and submetering signals for analytics platforms.
• Access control and security device power/control: Door position sensors, REX devices, electrified hardware control lines, and relay interfaces between security and BAS.
• Equipment and control panels: Internal panel wiring, terminal block jumpers, and device whips using TFN/TFFN fixture-wire constructions where permitted.
• Life-safety and critical system interfaces: Supervisory/monitor contacts and damper end switches connecting to BAS (note: dedicated fire alarm cable types are often required for fire alarm initiating/notification circuits; follow project specs and code).

Why these building automation cables are a fit

• 600‑volt rated insulation (THHN, TFFN, TFN) supports control and power‑limited circuits routed in raceways and panels, delivering durability in mechanical rooms, risers, and equipment spaces.
• Multiple conductor formats—single conductors for general control and power leads, plus twisted pair/triad/quad options that help maintain signal quality and simplify device wiring.
• Solid and stranded choices: Solid for stationary terminations and clean panel work; stranded (including fine‑strand options) for flexible routing to actuators, sensors, and tight spaces.
• Unshielded designs reduce cost and are easy to terminate. Twisted constructions help mitigate noise on many control signals when shielding is not specified.
• Range of gauges (12, 14, 16, 18 AWG) helps manage voltage drop on long runs and match device power/IO requirements.
• Color identification options support clear circuit segregation, faster terminations, and easier maintenance during commissioning and future expansion.
• Project‑scaled put‑ups: Multiple length options (500, 1000, 2000, 2500, 10,500 ft) help reduce waste and align with job sequencing and material handling plans.

Selection guidance

• Gauge: Choose based on device current, run length, and acceptable voltage drop (12–18 AWG available).
• Conductor type: Solid for fixed installations and tight termination points; stranded for frequent flexing or device leads.
• Configuration: Single conductor for general control/power; twisted pair for differential or low‑level signals; triad for three‑wire sensors; quad for multi‑signal devices.
• Insulation: THHN, TFFN, and TFN options to suit conduit pulls, panel work, and fixture/whip applications per the project specification.
• Shielding: When specifications allow unshielded controls, these options streamline installation. If shielding is required by the engineer of record, select accordingly from the appropriate product family.
• Compliance: Always follow the engineer’s design, device manufacturer recommendations, and local code requirements for wiring methods and ratings.

Typical device-level examples

• Temperature, humidity, pressure, and CO₂ sensors to input modules
• Valve and damper actuators (open/close/feedback) and terminal unit controls
• VFD run/stop and analog speed reference from BAS controllers
• 0–10 V dimming loops between control modules and fixtures
• Door contacts, REX sensors, and relay interlocks for access control
• Pulse outputs from submeters to BAS points
• Panel-to-panel interlocks and control signal distribution

Available options at a glance

• AWG sizes: 12, 14, 16, 18
• Constructions: 1 conductor; twisted pair, triad, and quad; solid and stranded
• Insulations: THHN, TFFN, TFN (600 V)
• Shielding: Non‑shielded
• Lengths: 500, 1000, 2000, 2500, and 10,500 ft
• Color options: Broad selection to support clear circuit identification across large projects

Who benefits

• Electrical and controls contractors: Consistent pullability and construction choices speed rough‑in and trim‑out across varied BAS circuits.
• System integrators: Twisted unshielded options support common BAS protocols and control signals when shielding isn’t specified, while color choices simplify as‑built documentation.
• Facility teams and OEM panel shops: Durable 600‑V rated insulation and clear identification support maintenance, future upgrades, and standardized panel wiring.

Next step
Share your system drawings and device schedules, and our team can help align gauge, construction (single vs. twisted), and insulation type with your specifications and installation approach.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cables

• What AWG conductors are available with this SmartWire Building Automation Cables cable?

  Available in 12, 14, 16, and 18 AWG options to match your building automation requirements.

• What other colors is this SmartWire Building Automation Cables cable available in?

  In addition to standard options, SmartWire is available in a wide range of jacket/stripe color combinations to simplify identification: Black/Red, Orange/Gray, Blue/Orange, Purple/Gray, Black/White, Black/Blue, Purple/Yellow, Orange/Yellow, Blue/Yellow, Black/Brown, Red/Yellow, Black/Orange, Black/Violet, Black/Yellow, Red/White, Yellow/Brown, Yellow/Blue, Orange/Brown, Black/White/Red, Yellow/Blue/Orange, Red/Orange/Yellow, Black/White/Red/Green. Custom jacket and stripe colors can also be manufactured to standardize your installations—contact Windy City Wire to discuss.

• Is this SmartWire Building Automation Cables cable made with solid or stranded copper conductors?

  Both are available. SmartWire Building Wire is offered in solid and stranded constructions, including 19‑strand options in 12–16 AWG and 7‑strand options in 18 AWG, depending on the specific part and insulation type.

• What length is this SmartWire Building Automation Cables cable sold in?

  Windy City Wire manufactures and stocks SmartWire Building Wire in 1,000 ft lengths as our standard. Additional lengths are also available, including 500 ft, 2,000 ft, 2,500 ft, and 10,500 ft options.

• Is SmartWire Building Automation Cables wet rated?

  Yes. Our THHN SmartWire is dual‑rated THHN/THWN for use in wet locations.

• Is SmartWire Building Automation Cables 600V rated?

  Yes. These SmartWire Building Wire options are rated for 600 volts.

• What is difference between TFFN, TFN, and THHN ratings on SmartWire cables?

  • TFFN: Thin-wall flexible fixture wire with a nylon jacket; generally used where flexibility is needed in dry locations.
  • TFN: Thin-wall fixture wire with nylon; solid conductor versions are common for control and building wire in dry locations.
  • THHN: Thermoplastic high-heat, nylon-jacketed building wire; dual‑rated THHN/THWN for dry and wet locations. THHN variants provide broader environmental suitability while maintaining 600V ratings.

• Is SmartWire Building Wire Gas and Oil resistant?

  Yes. SmartWire Building Wire cables are GRII (Gasoline & Oil Resistant II) rated, offering enhanced resistance to petroleum-based fluids. This improves cable longevity, reduces jacket degradation, and supports reliable performance in demanding industrial and mechanical spaces.

• Do you offer SmartWire Building Wire in twisted pairs?

  Yes. We offer SmartWire Building Wire in twisted constructions, including 1 Pair options in 14, 16, and 18 AWG, as well as 18 AWG triads and quads for control and signal applications.

• How is your SmartWire Building Wire cable sold on spools or in boxes?

  SmartWire Building Wire is packaged in our patented RackPack carton to maximize jobsite efficiency and labor savings. Learn more about our RackPack.

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• Learn more about our SmartWire Cable
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