Fire Shielded | Non-Plenum Cables

Summary: Fire Shielded | Non-Plenum Cables

Fire Shielded | Non‑Plenum Cables

Windy City Wire manufactures SmartWire low-voltage, shielded non‑plenum fire alarm cable for commercial and industrial projects that demand dependable performance in riser spaces. Our Type FPLR (UL) constructions are built in the United States with bare copper conductors and an overall foil shield to help maintain signal integrity for power-limited fire alarm circuits in electrically noisy environments. If you need a shielded non‑plenum fire alarm cable that installs cleanly, supports code-compliant riser applications, and is ready for the pace of large projects, SmartWire is a solid choice.

Why customers choose SmartWire shielded non‑plenum fire alarm cable

• Riser-rated, shielded performance: Type FPLR (UL) construction for vertical runs, plus an overall aluminum foil shield that helps reduce EMI/RFI and crosstalk on initiating and notification appliance circuits.
• Consistent, easy pulls: SmartWire Glide lubrication is applied during manufacturing and can reduce pulling friction by up to 70%, helping crews move faster through busy riser shafts and high-density pathways.
• Clear identification and standardization: Red jackets and optional stripe variants support jobsite identification, and a Black/Red conductor color code simplifies terminations and troubleshooting.
• Built for the B2B jobsite: Made in the USA, RoHS compliant, and available in common fire alarm sizes (14, 16, and 18 AWG) so distributors, integrators, and electrical contractors can stock the right mix.
• Value across the project lifecycle: Reliable materials, stable OD for consistent terminations, and shielded non‑plenum designs that fit typical riser applications help reduce rework and callbacks.

Partnering with Windy City Wire means working with a manufacturer focused on low-voltage products and solutions for fire alarm and life safety systems. From submittals through final punch lists, our SmartWire portfolio supports consistent installations, efficient pulls, and dependable performance that helps teams finish on schedule.

Available constructions

• 14 AWG 2 Conductors Bare Copper Non‑Plenum FPLR (UL) 300V: Shielded with overall aluminum foil for noise mitigation in riser applications; Red jacket. Ideal for longer runs or circuits with higher current needs.
• 14 AWG 2 Conductors Bare Copper Non‑Plenum FPLR (UL) 300V: Shielded with overall aluminum foil; Red jacket with Green stripe. Supports circuit identification and segregation across complex fire alarm layouts.
• 16 AWG 2 Conductors Bare Copper Non‑Plenum FPLR (UL) 300V: Shielded with overall aluminum foil for reliable signal integrity on medium-length riser runs. Balanced flexibility and capacity for common fire alarm circuits.
• 18 AWG 2 Conductors Bare Copper Non‑Plenum FPLR (UL) 300V: Shielded with overall aluminum foil for addressable loops and lower current notification circuits. A practical choice for dense device counts and conduit fill considerations.

Key details at a glance

• Application: Shielded non‑plenum fire alarm cable for risers (Type FPLR, UL)
• AWG options: 14, 16, 18
• Conductors: 2, bare copper
• Shielding: Overall aluminum foil (O/A foil)
• Conductor color code: Black/Red
• Jacket: Red; Red with Green stripe variant available
• Compliance: RoHS
• Manufacturing: SmartWire brand, made in the USA
• Installation aid: SmartWire Glide lubrication standard

Typical uses

• Power-limited fire alarm riser circuits (initiation and notification)
• Life safety control interconnects, elevator recall, door release, and monitoring circuits where shielding is preferred
• Commercial and industrial facilities requiring shielded non‑plenum fire alarm cable

How Windy City Wire adds value to your next project

• Fire alarm cable options aligned to common specifications for contractors and integrators
• Shielded, riser-rated constructions that support code-compliant designs and help reduce signal interference
• SmartWire manufacturing consistency for predictable pulls and terminations across multi-floor builds
• Responsive B2B support, quick quoting, and reliable stocking strategies for distributors

Ready to specify or quote shielded non‑plenum fire alarm cable? Contact Windy City Wire to discuss SmartWire products and solutions for your next life safety project.

Solutions: Fire Shielded | Non-Plenum Cables

Fire Shielded | Non‑Plenum Cables from Windy City Wire are engineered for commercial and industrial life‑safety applications where reliable signaling, noise mitigation, and code compliance are critical. This shielded, riser‑rated (FPLR) low‑voltage fire alarm cable is a dependable choice for vertical risers and general in‑wall use outside air‑handling spaces. With an overall foil shield and two bare copper conductors, it helps maintain signal integrity in electrically noisy environments common to modern buildings.

At‑a‑glance benefits

• Shielded, non‑plenum FPLR construction for riser and general purpose pathways (consult NEC 760 and local code)
• Overall foil shield helps reduce EMI/RFI for cleaner signals on sensitive circuits
• Available in multiple gauges (14 AWG, 16 AWG, 18 AWG) to address distance and voltage‑drop requirements
• Two‑conductor bare copper design covers a wide range of initiating, notification, and control circuits
• Red jacket for clear fire/life‑safety identification, with black/red conductor color coding for straightforward terminations
• UL Listed FPLR and RoHS compliant

Where shielded, non‑plenum fire alarm cable fits

• Addressable fire alarm systems (FACP & SLC circuits): Use shielded fire alarm cable where the manufacturer or the environment calls for enhanced noise immunity on signaling line circuits, detector loops, and module runs.
• Conventional fire alarm systems: Initiating device circuits (IDCs) for smoke, heat, and duct detectors; sprinkler supervisory devices (waterflow, tamper); and control relays that trigger HVAC shutdown or damper closure.
• Notification and voice evacuation: Horn/strobe control and speaker circuits (voltage‑drop often dictates 16 AWG or 14 AWG); shielding can help in areas with heavy EMI or parallel power runs.
• Emergency communication/mass notification (ECS/MNS): Control and audio paths that benefit from noise mitigation and consistent performance.
• Elevator and smoke control interfaces: Recall, shunt‑trip control, and status monitoring between the fire alarm control panel and other building systems.
• Access control and security integration: Door release, maglock power drop, and interlock signaling to ensure safe egress during alarm conditions.
• Generator/ATS control and monitoring (low‑voltage control): Start/stop, common alarm, and supervisory signals interlocked with the fire alarm system.
• Area of Refuge/two‑way communication: Control and audio circuits where shielded runs help preserve clarity.

Industries and facilities we serve

• Commercial offices and multi‑tenant high‑rise
• Healthcare and life sciences (hospitals, labs, clinics)
• Education (K‑12, higher ed, campus environments)
• Industrial and manufacturing plants
• Warehousing, logistics, and cold storage
• Hospitality, entertainment, stadiums, and arenas
• Retail and mixed‑use developments
• Transportation hubs (airports, rail, transit) and parking structures
• Data centers, critical facilities, and utilities
• Government, municipal, and public safety buildings

Choosing the right gauge

• 18 AWG: Common for many initiating and signaling circuits on shorter to moderate runs.
• 16 AWG: A practical middle ground when runs lengthen or when modest current draw requires lower resistance.
• 14 AWG: Often preferred for longer speaker/NAC runs and control circuits where voltage‑drop is tight.

When to consider specialty and high‑temperature solutions

• 2‑hour fire rated cable: For applications requiring pathway survivability (e.g., certain fire command, emergency voice/alarm communication, and smoke control circuits), choose fire‑resistive cable designed and listed to maintain circuit integrity under fire conditions.
• Armored fire alarm cable: Adds a layer of mechanical protection for exposed or high‑traffic areas, reducing the need for conduit in some installations and helping protect critical life‑safety circuits.
• NYC‑approved fire cable: For projects within New York City, select FDNY/NYC‑approved cable types to meet local listings and documentation requirements.

Application guidance

1. Confirm whether the run is in riser, general purpose, or plenum space. Use FPLR for risers and in‑wall runs; select FPLP for plenum air‑handling spaces.
2. Verify if the fire alarm manufacturer requires shielding on specific circuits (some SLC/audio paths benefit from a shield).
3. Size conductors based on allowable voltage drop, device load, and run length; consider 16 or 14 AWG for longer or higher‑current runs.
4. Check local code and AHJ requirements for survivability; upgrade to 2‑hour fire rated or NYC‑approved cable when mandated.

Compliance and best practices

• Designed to meet UL FPLR listing and RoHS requirements.
• Install in accordance with NEC Article 760, NFPA 72, and the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
• Use shield termination and grounding practices recommended by the fire alarm manufacturer to maximize noise rejection.

Windy City Wire supports contractors, integrators, and facility teams with a broad selection of shielded, non‑plenum fire alarm cable in 14 AWG, 16 AWG, and 18 AWG, along with specialized options such as 2‑hour fire rated, armored, and NYC‑approved solutions. Specify with confidence knowing your cable choice can be matched to system requirements, code mandates, and the electrical environment of each job.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fire Shielded | Non-Plenum Cables

• What AWG conductors are available with these SmartWire Fire shielded non-plenum cables?
  Available in 14 AWG, 16 AWG, and 18 AWG configurations, all 2-conductor, shielded (O/A foil), and FPLR (UL) riser-rated for commercial and industrial fire alarm applications.
• What other colors are these SmartWire Fire shielded non-plenumcables available in?
  The standard conductor color code is Black/Red. For organizations that need standardized identification, SmartWire cables can be produced with custom jacket and stripe color combinations—contact Windy City Wire for details.
• Are these SmartWire Fire shielded non-plenum cables made with solid or stranded copper conductors?
  These cables use bare copper conductors; stranded construction is standard for our shielded FPLR fire alarm cables to enhance flexibility and pullability. If a project specification requires solid conductors, contact our team to review available options.
• What lengths are tehse SmartWire Fire shielded non-plenum cables sold in?
  Windy City Wire manufactures and stocks SmartWire low-voltage Fire cable in 1,000 ft lengths as our standard. FastFIND Footage Markers appear every two feet on the jacket to simplify measurements, verify remaining footage, and help reduce waste. All stock SmartWire cables also include SmartWire Glide lubrication to reduce pull friction.
• How is your SmartWire low-voltage Fire cables sold—on spools or in boxes?
  Our SmartWire Fire cable is packaged in our patented RackPack carton to improve jobsite efficiency 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 cable (FPLP) is required in environmental air spaces (e.g., return-air plenums) and is engineered for low-smoke, low-flame propagation. Non-plenum riser-rated cable (FPLR), like this shielded product line, is intended for vertical risers and general in-wall use outside air-handling spaces and is tested for riser flame propagation. Always confirm requirements with your local AHJ and applicable codes (NFPA 70/72, UL 1424).
• What is the difference between 2-Hour Fire Rated wire and NYC Approved Fire wire?
  2-hour fire-rated (circuit-integrity) cable is tested to maintain circuit operation for up to 120 minutes under fire exposure (e.g., UL 2196 system listings) and is specified where survivability is mandated. “NYC Approved Fire” indicates compliance with New York City’s specific rules and acceptance criteria for fire alarm wiring and materials; not every 2-hour cable is automatically NYC approved. For NYC requirements, refer to 1 RCNY 4000-06: https://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/rules/1_RCNY_4000-06_090208.pdf. Specify both when your project requires a cable that is 2-hour fire-rated and NYC approved.

Additional Links:

• Learn more about our SmartWire Cable
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• Our Transporters - RackPack Transportation Devices
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