Fire Alarm Cable

[laketime]

I am looking at a project that requires us running some fire alarm cable. We will have an Identification circuit (smokes) and Notification circuit (horn/strobes). What type cable is typically used for these two situations? Can you use the same cable?

 

[nhfire77]

Too many variables for the NAC to answer. The length of the circuit and VD needs to be calculated based on the FACP and the devices.


What is the panel brand and model?

Smoke circuit:
Is the panel addressable?
Does it require shielding?
Twisted pair?

Most SLC are 16/2 or 14/2, so are most conventional zones, but give us more info.

Also, using one, let's say 14/4 for both circuits is common, but design comes into play.

 

[laketime]

Too many variables for the NAC to answer. The length of the circuit and VD needs to be calculated based on the FACP and the devices.


What is the panel brand and model?

Smoke circuit:
Is the panel addressable?
Does it require shielding?
Twisted pair?

Most SLC are 16/2 or 14/2, so are most conventional zones, but give us more info.

Also, using one, let's say 14/4 for both circuits is common, but design comes into play.

Not sure, just looking for a basic cable for quote purposes.

 

[nhfire77]

Use 14/2 to be safe for the NAC (horn strobes)

and 16/2 for the smokes.

You could use the same cable such as a 14/4, but since you are just estimating use two separate cables.

FYI: Its unlikely, but possible, you might need shielded or twisted pair.

 

[gadfly56]

Use 14/2 to be safe for the NAC (horn strobes)

and 16/2 for the smokes.

You could use the same cable such as a 14/4, but since you are just estimating use two separate cables.

FYI: Its unlikely, but possible, you might need shielded or twisted pair.

Check the manufacturer's literature first! Siemens recently issued a wiring guide for their FireFinder XLS product, and it clearly states that even if you have two or more identical circuit types, (two SLC's or two NAC's for example) you cannot have more than two conductors in a cable. So if you need to run out to an oddball device that's off to one side of the main cable run, you need to use two (2) 2-conductor cables, not one (1) 4-conductor cable.

 

[nhfire77]

Check the manufacturer's literature first! Siemens recently issued a wiring guide for their FireFinder XLS product, and it clearly states that even if you have two or more identical circuit types, (two SLC's or two NAC's for example) you cannot have more than two conductors in a cable. So if you need to run out to an oddball device that's off to one side of the main cable run, you need to use two (2) 2-conductor cables, not one (1) 4-conductor cable.

That's why I asked all those questions at first.
That's also why I wouldn't use a Siemens panel. Too many restrictions/requirements.

 

[cadpoint]

I thought you would just label the wires...

Most people can't answer this for two reasons:

A) they Sub it out, they'd rather not be bothered and just bring power to it!

B) They don't have the License for it! (Probably more the case in most States)