Temperature Control Shielded Non-Plenum Cables

Summary: Temperature Control Shielded Non-Plenum Cables

Temperature Control Shielded Non-Plenum Cables

Windy City Wire manufactures low-voltage SmartWire cables in the United States to support reliable HVAC and building automation performance. Our Shielded Non-Plenum temperature control wire and cable is designed for riser-rated pathways where signal integrity, code compliance, and installation efficiency matter. Whether you are wiring thermostats, sensors, actuators, or controllers, these constructions offer consistent performance for Temp Control applications with the conductor counts and gauges installers use most.

What you can expect from SmartWire Shielded Non-Plenum Temp Control

• Shielded control performance: Overall aluminum foil shields (and each-pair shields on select items) help reduce noise and crosstalk in demanding mechanical and electrical rooms.
• UL Listed C(UL)US CMR (Riser) and RoHS compliant for broad code acceptance and material transparency.
• Available gauges: 16, 18, and 22 AWG to match run length, device requirements, and panel standards.
• Multiple conductor counts (2–8 conductors and multi-pair options) to simplify device connectivity and reduce home runs.
• SmartWire Glide lubrication is applied during manufacturing to reduce pulling friction by up to 70%, helping speed installation and minimize rework.
• Standard length: 1000 FT; additional option: 500 FT, supporting both large projects and smaller roll-outs.
• Conductor identification color codes available to streamline terminations and help maintain consistent wiring practices.

Conductor identification color code options

• Black/White
• Black/Red
• Black/White/Red
• Black/White/Red/Green
• Black/Red/White/Green
• Black/Red/White/Green/Brown/Blue
• Black/Red/White/Green/Brown/Blue/Orange/Yellow
• Black/Red, White/Green
• Black/Red, Green/White, Brown/Blue

Customization options

• SmartWire jacket and stripe color combinations can be customized to standardize your organization’s installations and aid cable identification across sites; contact our team for details.
• Shielding choices include overall shielded and each-pair shielded (EPS) constructions where pair isolation is required.

Common applications

• Thermostats, temperature sensors, and environmental controllers
• VAV boxes, damper and valve actuators, relays, and contact closures
• Building automation control loops and low-speed control networks
• General low-voltage temperature control wire and cable needs in riser spaces

Available constructions (all Shielded Non-Plenum, UL Listed C(UL)US CMR, RoHS compliant)

• 16 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Bare Copper PVC 300V: O/A foil shield for longer control runs where lower resistance is preferred and noise rejection is required.
• 18 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Bare Copper PVC 300V: Popular thermostat and control loop choice with O/A foil shield for dependable signal integrity.
• 18 AWG 3 Conductor Solid Bare Copper PVC 300V: Adds an extra conductor for device power/common plus signal while maintaining shielded performance.
• 18 AWG 4 Conductor Solid Bare Copper PVC 300V: Supports multi-function sensors and controllers with an O/A foil shield to help mitigate interference.
• 18 AWG 6 Conductor Solid Bare Copper PVC 300V: Higher conductor count to consolidate multiple points on a single pull with overall shield protection.
• 22 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Bare Copper PVC 300V: Fine-gauge shielded option for sensor and low-current control lines in compact pathways.
• 22 AWG 4 Conductor Solid Bare Copper PVC 300V: Versatile shielded construction for peripherals requiring additional conductors.
• 22 AWG 6 Conductor Solid Bare Copper PVC 300V: Flexible capacity for multi-drop and multi-signal devices with O/A foil shielding.
• 22 AWG 8 Conductor Solid Bare Copper PVC 300V: High-conductor-count shielded cable for complex device terminations and control bundles.
• 22 AWG 2 Pair Solid Bare Copper PVC 300V: Each Pair Shielded (EPS) for low-noise differential signals and sensitive control networks.
• 22 AWG 3 Pair Solid Bare Copper PVC 300V: Overall shielded multi-pair construction for multi-channel control and monitoring circuits.

Why temperature control professionals choose Windy City Wire

• U.S.-manufactured SmartWire ensures consistent quality across projects and standardizes your material list for HVAC and automation work.
• Shielding options (overall shield and EPS) help address electrical noise found near VFDs, motors, and relay panels.
• SmartWire Glide lubrication helps crews pull more cable in less time, reducing strain and avoiding jacket damage during installation.
• Broad selection in 16, 18, and 22 AWG with multiple conductor and pair counts to match device specifications and engineering drawings.
• Customization of jacket and stripe colors simplifies identification, turnover, and future service work.

Project value summary

Windy City Wire delivers a complete portfolio of low-voltage temperature control wire and cable that helps installers finish jobs efficiently and confidently. With shielded non-plenum SmartWire constructions, practical length options, SmartWire Glide lubrication, and code-compliant materials, our products and solutions support predictable scheduling, cleaner terminations, and stable system performance on every Temp Control project.

Solutions: Temperature Control Shielded Non-Plenum Cables

Temperature Control Shielded Non-Plenum Cables from Windy City Wire are purpose-built for reliable building automation and HVAC control in non-plenum areas. Designed for stable signal transmission and reduced electrical noise, this temperature control wire and cable line supports everything from simple thermostat loops to networked BAS communications. Whether you are wiring a new build or upgrading an existing facility, these cables help streamline installation, commissioning, and long-term maintenance for critical Temp Control systems.

Where these cables are used
Engineered for non-plenum spaces, risers, and general-purpose pathways, our shielded constructions are well-suited for mechanical rooms, equipment closets, vertical shafts (CMR-rated applications), and conditioned spaces where plenum ratings are not required. Typical uses include:

• Thermostats, sensors (temperature, humidity, CO2, pressure), and setpoint devices
• VAV and fan-coil controllers, AHUs, RTUs, ERVs, boilers, and chillers
• Valve and damper actuators, relays, safeties, and end switches
• BAS/EMS networking for BACnet MS/TP (RS-485) and Modbus RTU
• Analog and control loops (0–10 VDC, 4–20 mA), PWM, pulsed outputs, and dry contact I/O

Compatible systems and integrations
Our shielded non-plenum temperature control wire is routinely specified for leading building automation and HVAC platforms, including:

• Trane and Tracer controls
• Honeywell building and field controllers
• Alerton systems
• Johnson Controls, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Automated Logic, Delta Controls, Distech, and others

These cables support point-to-point Temp Control wiring as well as multi-drop field buses (e.g., BACnet MS/TP), helping integrators maintain signal integrity across mixed-vendor environments and complex retrofits.

Industries and facility types
Shielded Non-Plenum temperature control wire and cable is a fit for a wide range of projects, such as:

• Commercial offices and multi-tenant buildings
• Healthcare and life sciences facilities
• Education campuses and K–12
• Hospitality and mixed-use developments
• Retail, grocery, and restaurants
• Industrial manufacturing, warehouses, and distribution centers
• Data centers and critical environments
• Municipal, government, and public works
• Multi-family and high-rise residential common areas

Why shielding matters in Temp Control
Mechanical spaces and electrical rooms often present challenging EMI/RFI conditions. The overall foil shield helps protect low-voltage signals from noise created by motors, VFDs, pumps, and lighting systems. For serial networks such as BACnet MS/TP or Modbus RTU, individually shielded pairs are available to reduce crosstalk and maintain cleaner communication on differential pairs. Proper shield termination practices (bonding drain at the controller or per manufacturer guidance) further enhance performance.

Product options to match your design

• Multiple gauges: 16 AWG, 18 AWG, and 22 AWG options help you balance run length, voltage drop, and device power needs.
• Conductor counts: Configurations from 2 conductors up to 8 conductors support everything from simple thermostat circuits to multi-point field devices and terminal controllers.
• Pair constructions: 2-pair and 3-pair choices (with individually shielded pairs) are ideal for RS-485 networks and applications that benefit from pair isolation.
• Shielding choices: Overall shielded and individually shielded pair (EPS) designs to match noise environment and protocol requirements.
• Lengths: Select 500 FT or 1000 FT to fit project scale, service loops, and staged rollouts.
• Compliance: UL Listed C(UL)US CMR for riser applications and RoHS compliant.

Guidance for selecting the right cable

1. Signal type: For BACnet MS/TP or Modbus RTU, choose 22 AWG with individually shielded pairs when runs are long or noise is present; overall shielded multi-conductor works well for many control I/O and sensor lines.
2. Device power and distance: Use 16 AWG for longer distances and higher current actuators; 18 AWG is a common balance for typical control loops; 22 AWG suits low-current sensors and short-to-moderate runs.
3. Conductor count: Match the number of I/O points, plus plan for spares to accommodate future expansion or device revisions.
4. Environment: Choose shield type based on expected EMI (mechanical rooms, near VFDs, or in conduit with lighting circuits may benefit from pair shields).
5. Code location: These are non-plenum, CMR-rated cables for risers and general spaces; verify local code and AHJ requirements when routing near air-handling spaces.

Application examples

• VAV and terminal units: 18 AWG 4–6 conductor for thermostat stages, heat/cool changeover, and actuator control; 22 AWG pair options for networked communication backbones.
• Boiler/chiller plants: 16 or 18 AWG for analog loops to valves and sensors, with overall shield improving stability in high-noise mechanical areas.
• Air handlers and economizers: Multi-conductor shielded runs for mixed I/O (safety interlocks, 0–10 VDC signals, and end switches) to simplify pulls and terminations.
• Retrofits and additions: Use higher conductor counts or pair constructions to consolidate pathways and reduce additional conduit runs while supporting Temp Control upgrades.

Benefits for contractors, integrators, and facility teams

• Reliable low-voltage performance for temperature control wire and cable applications across diverse HVAC equipment
• Shielding that helps maintain clean signals and minimize troubleshooting time
• Multiple AWG, conductor, and pair options to align with specifications from Trane, Honeywell, Alerton, and other BAS providers
• UL CMR and RoHS compliance to support documentation, submittals, and sustainability goals
• Streamlined material planning with both 500 FT and 1000 FT lengths for different project phases

Get specification support
Need help matching cable constructions to a specific control submittal or sequence of operations? Our team can assist with gauge selection, conductor count, and shield type for your temperature control wire solutions, from sensor loops to network trunks. Reach out for guidance on designs that balance performance, code compliance, and installation efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions: Temperature Control Shielded Non-Plenum Cables

• What AWG conductors are available with these SmartWire Temperature Control shielded non-plnum cables?

  These SmartWire Temperature Control shielded non-plenum cables are available in multiple gauges: 16 AWG, 18 AWG, and 22 AWG.

• What other colors are these SmartWire Temperature Control shielded non-plenum cables available in?

  Available conductor color codes include:
  Black/White
  Black/Red
  Black/White/Red
  Black/White/Red/Green
  Black/Red/White/Green
  Black/Red/White/Green/Brown/Blue
  Black/Red/White/Green/Brown/Blue/Orange/Yellow
  White/Green
  Green/White
  Brown/Blue

• Are these SmartWire Temperature Control shielded non-plenum cables made with solid or stranded copper conductors?

  These cables use bare copper conductors. Conductor construction can vary by specific item in this category; please reference the part number details or contact Windy City Wire to confirm stranded vs. solid for your application.

• What lengths are these SmartWire Temperature Control shielded non-plenum cables sold in?

  Windy City Wire manufactures and stocks SmartWire Temperature Control wire in 1,000 ft lengths as our standard. Select items are also available in 500 ft lengths.

• How is your SmartWire low-voltage Temperature Control cables sold on spools or in boxes?

  Our SmartWire Temperature Control wire is packaged in our patented RackPack carton (boxes), not traditional spools. Learn more about our RackPack: https://windycitywire.com/solutions/rackpack-overview

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• Learn more about our SmartWire Cable
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