18 AWG 2-Conductor Shielded Plenum Alarm Cable - CMP Rated, 1000ft

Premium shielded plenum-rated 2-conductor security alarm cable engineered for high-reliability installations in electromagnetic interference (EMI) environments. This USA-made cable features two 18-gauge stranded bare copper conductors with 7 strands each, protected by aluminum mylar shielding and housed in a low-smoke CMP-rated white jacket. Designed for demanding security systems, intercoms, audio applications, and power-limited controls where EMI protection, fire safety, and heavy-duty construction are essential.

Key Features

• 18 AWG 2-Conductor Design - Heavy-duty wire gauge for extended cable runs and superior performance
• Aluminum Mylar Shielding - Superior protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI/RFI)
• 7-Strand Bare Copper Conductors - Excellent flexibility and reliable signal integrity
• CMP/CL3P Plenum Rated - Approved for HVAC plenums and air-handling spaces
• Low-Smoke PVC Construction - Enhanced fire safety with minimal toxic smoke emission
• 2 Color-Coded Conductors - Easy identification (Black and Red)
• Sequential Footage Marking - Precise measurement for accurate installation planning
• ETL Listed & RoHS Compliant - Meets strict safety and environmental standards
• White Low-Smoke Jacket - Clean, professional appearance for visible installations
• Made in USA - Premium domestic manufacturing quality

Ideal Applications

Perfect for high-reliability plenum installations in EMI-sensitive environments:

• High-Security Alarm Systems
• Commercial Access Control Systems
• Professional Intercom Systems
• Audio Distribution Systems
• Power-Limited Control Circuits
• Building Automation Systems
• Critical Infrastructure Protection

Technical Specifications

• Conductor Material: Stranded Bare Copper
• Wire Gauge: 18 AWG
• Number of Conductors: 2
• Strands per Conductor: 7
• Conductor Insulation: 1.2mm Low-Smoke PVC
• Shielding: Aluminum Mylar (100% Coverage)
• Cable Diameter (Nominal OD): 4.11mm
• Jacket Thickness: 0.38mm
• Jacket Material: Low-Smoke PVC
• Jacket Color: White

Electrical Performance

• Maximum Temperature: 75°C (167°F)
• Voltage Rating: 300V

Certifications & Compliance

• Plenum Rating: CMP (Communications Plenum)
• Additional Ratings: CL3P, FPLP
• Listings: ETL Listed
• Environmental: RoHS Compliant

Conductor Color Coding

• Conductor 1: Black
• Conductor 2: Red

Jacket Printing

18 AWG 2C SHIELDED TYPE CL3P/FPLP c(ETL)us TYPE CMP 3054355

Package Details

• Length: 1000 feet per spool
• Country of Origin: Made in USA

Why Choose Shielded 18/2 Plenum Cable?

✓ EMI/RFI Protection - Aluminum mylar shielding prevents interference from electrical equipment, motors, and radio frequencies
✓ Heavy-Duty Construction - 18 AWG wire gauge supports longer cable runs with minimal voltage drop
✓ Fire Code Compliant - CMP plenum rating meets stringent requirements for air-handling spaces
✓ Low Smoke Safety - Special insulation reduces toxic emissions during fire emergencies
✓ Professional Reliability - Shielding eliminates false alarms caused by electromagnetic interference
✓ Longer Cable Runs - 18 AWG provides approximately 40% lower resistance than 22 AWG
✓ Higher Current Capacity - Supports powered devices like magnetic locks and motion sensors

Plenum Installation Requirements

Use CMP Plenum Cable When:

• Installing in HVAC plenums or air-return spaces
• Running cable above drop ceilings used for air circulation
• Building codes require low-smoke, fire-resistant materials
• Commercial installations with strict fire safety codes
• Installing in any space used for environmental air

Critical: Plenum cable exceeds all riser (CMR) specifications and can substitute for riser cable anywhere, but riser cable cannot be used in plenum spaces. Always verify local building codes and fire marshal requirements.

Installation Advantages

The 18/2 shielded plenum configuration provides professional-grade reliability for critical security installations. The aluminum mylar shielding protects both conductors from external electromagnetic interference, ensuring reliable operation in electrically noisy environments. The heavier 18 AWG gauge supports longer cable runs and higher current devices while maintaining signal integrity. Sequential footage marking enables precise measurements, while the white low-smoke jacket meets stringent fire codes and maintains a clean, professional appearance.

Common Use Cases

• Commercial Security: Office buildings requiring EMI-protected alarm circuits
• Industrial Facilities: Manufacturing environments with heavy machinery and electrical noise
• Data Centers: Security systems near high-EMI server and networking equipment
• Healthcare: Hospital security systems near medical equipment and MRI machines
• Financial Institutions: Bank vault sensors and ATM security requiring maximum reliability
• Retail: Loss prevention systems in environments with electronic article surveillance (EAS)
• Educational Facilities: Campus security systems with long cable runs
• Government/Military: Critical infrastructure requiring shielded, fire-rated cable
• Smart Buildings: Integrated systems combining security, access, and building controls
• Parking Garages: Long-run applications with exposure to vehicle ignition interference

Installation Best Practices

• Grounding: Ground shield at ONE end only (typically at control panel) to prevent ground loops
• Separation: Maintain minimum 6-inch separation from AC power lines when possible
• Bend Radius: Avoid sharp bends; maintain minimum 10x cable diameter bend radius (approximately 1.6 inches)
• Termination: Use proper shielded connectors and maintain shield continuity to ground
• Testing: Test continuity and verify proper shield grounding before energizing system
• Labeling: Clearly label conductors at both ends (Black/Red identification)
• Documentation: Document shield grounding location for future troubleshooting
• Fire Stopping: Use plenum-rated fire stop materials at all penetrations
• Pulling Tension: Do not exceed manufacturer's maximum pulling tension to avoid conductor damage

EMI Protection Explained

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can cause:

• False alarms in security systems
• Intermittent signal loss or degradation
• Unreliable sensor readings
• System malfunctions and nuisance trips

How Shielding Works: The aluminum mylar shield acts as a Faraday cage, intercepting electromagnetic waves before they reach the signal conductors. When properly grounded, the shield diverts interference to ground, protecting signal integrity.

When to Choose This Cable

Perfect For:

• New commercial security installations in plenum spaces
• Upgrading existing systems to eliminate EMI-related issues
• Long cable runs requiring heavy-duty 18 AWG construction
• High-security applications requiring maximum reliability
• Environments with significant electrical interference
• Code-required plenum-rated installations

Consider Alternatives If:

• Short runs under 500 feet with no EMI concerns (22 AWG unshielded may suffice)
• Non-plenum spaces where riser (CMR) rating is acceptable
• Budget constraints and EMI protection is not required
• Residential applications with minimal interference sources

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