Fire Alarm Cable

[imilne]

I have a few questions in regards to cabling. We are using MC cable(armoured cable). I am wanting to use multi pair cable. What devices should not be run in the same cable even if shielded, and what can you group together. Will be installing Signaling line circuit, speaker circuit, strobe circuit,iniating devic circuit, sounder base circuit. Would like to use multi pair mc cable where possible
Thank-you

 

[George Stolz]

Why are you having to run MC cable? I've run scant few fire alarm systems, but generally we just use fire alarm cable.

 

[celtic]

Many times we will run MC, "why?" you ask?

Voltage drop.

On this job we are doing now, the distance is appx. 8000' w/ numeous devices.

I would not intermingle my horn/strobes with the speakers.

 

[imilne]

That answered my question. With horn/strobes and speakers, I heard that it might cause interference crosstalk

 

[imilne]

It makes sense, keeping them seperated for interference and crosstalking

 

[DHkorn]

8000' Whew

8000' Whew

The last word has to be the manufacturers wiring compatability guide.
Generally speaking the speakers circuits are the ones that will create all the noise the other circuits need to be protected from. They modulate all over the spectrum.
With the equipment I install the speakers cannot be shielded, the SLC's and networks must be shielded, shielding the NAC's and power supplys is optional.
I've never done anything but network signals over 2500' let alone 8000'.

 

[peter d]

I am working on a job now that has an unusual color code spec which required us to order custom-made MC cable. Thankfully, the factory is close by but it was not cheap.