Low Voltage Smoke Alarm Circuit

[Big D 40]

I am bidding a commercial job where interconnected smoke alarms will be installed from a Fire Alarm Panel. These are low voltage applications. My question is am I required to use sheilded fire cable since the wires will be installed above drop ceiling.
Thanks

 

[peter d]

It depends on the job specs, local fire codes, equipment manufacturers requirements, etc etc. It's best to find out these issues because there is the potential to lose a huge amount of money if you get this wrong.

 

[goldstar]

If you've never done any fire alarm or smoke detector work before I would suggest that you contact the company that supplied the existing equipment (if you're adding to a system) or contract with an acredited fire alarm company if it's a new installation. I say this because the liability can be greater than what the job is worth. Also, make sure your insurance covers you for doing fire alarm work. Don't assume - check with them.

As far as using shielded cable, it depends on the specs of the system. If you are installing addressable devices and smoke detectors many of the manufacturers have spec'd that you use shielded cable to shield from noise caused by induction. Some of the newer systems (I believe) are now using twisted and unshielded cable. But, I'm not up to date on the latest developments so don't take my word on this. Do some research to protect yourself before you start out on this project.

Phil
Gold Star Electric,
New Jersey

 

[dlhoule]

Phil said it quite well: "Do some research to protect yourself before you start out on this project."

You have to make sure you don't have to redo part of the job and cover yourself for any liabilities that may come up.