18/8 Riser Rated Alarm Cable - CMR/CL3R, Unshielded, Stranded Copper, 1000ft

18/8 AWG Riser Security Alarm Bulk Cable - CMR/CL3R Rated, Unshielded, 1000ft

This professional-grade 18 AWG 8-conductor riser security alarm bulk cable is engineered for reliable performance in vertical runs between floors in residential and commercial buildings. Featuring stranded bare copper conductors, this CMR-rated unshielded cable meets strict fire safety standards for riser applications while providing a cost-effective solution for complex multi-zone installations.

Proudly made in the USA, this versatile cable is ideal for security systems, intercoms, audio distribution, and power-limited control circuits. The 8-conductor configuration offers maximum versatility for sophisticated security systems and multi-zone installations. With sequential footage marking for accurate tracking and supplied in a convenient 1,000 ft pull-box, this heavy-duty cable provides reliable performance for demanding installations. ETL listed and RoHS compliant for quality assurance and code compliance.

Key Features

• Riser rated (CMR/CL3R) for installation in vertical shafts between floors
• Heavy-duty 18 AWG conductors provide superior current capacity and lower resistance
• Unshielded design for cost-effective installations in low-interference environments
• 8-conductor configuration perfect for complex security systems and multi-zone installations
• 7-strand bare copper conductors provide flexibility during installation
• Sequential footage marking printed on jacket for accurate measuring and tracking
• Gray PVC jacket low-smoke construction for code compliance
• CMR FT4 fire test rated enhanced fire safety performance
• ETL listed and RoHS compliant for safety and quality assurance
• Made in USA for consistent quality and reliability
• Pull-box packaging 1,000 ft for convenient, tangle-free dispensing
• Code compliant meets NEC requirements for riser installations
• Versatile 8-conductor design reduces cable runs for complex systems

Ideal Applications

• Security and burglar alarm systems requiring multiple conductors
• Multi-zone security installations
• Fire alarm and life safety systems
• Intercom and communication systems
• Sound and audio distribution networks
• Access control systems with multiple circuits
• Power-limited control circuits
• Multi-floor residential and commercial installations
• Complex security systems requiring 8 conductors
• Vertical runs in non-plenum spaces
• Applications requiring multiple independent circuits in one cable

Technical Specifications

Cable Type & Performance

• Category: Security alarm cable
• Gauge: 18 AWG (8 conductors)
• Construction: Stranded (7 strands per conductor)
• Shielding: Unshielded (cost-effective for low-interference environments)
• Voltage Rating: 300V
• Temperature Rating: 75°C

Physical Construction

• Conductor Material: Bare copper, stranded
• Strand Count: 7 strands per conductor
• Individual Conductor Diameter: 1.2mm
• Conductor Insulation: PVC
• Outer Jacket Material: Low smoke PVC, gray
• Jacket Thickness: 0.38mm
• Nominal Overall Diameter: 6.30mm
• Sequential Footage Marking: Yes, printed on jacket
• Conductor Resistance: 21.20 Ω/km

Conductor Color Code

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

Fire & Safety Ratings

• Jacket Rating: CMR (Communications Riser)
• CL3R Rating: Class 3 Riser for power-limited circuits
• Fire Test: FT4 rated for enhanced fire safety
• FPLR Rating: Fire Power Limited Riser
• NEC Articles: 725 (CL2R/CL3R), 760 (FPLR), 800 (CMR)

Packaging

• Length: 1,000 feet
• Package Type: Pull-box for tangle-free dispensing
• Country of Origin: Made in USA
• Jacket Printing: "18 AWG 8C UNSHIELDED TYPE CL3R/FPLR c(ETL)us TYPE CMR 3054355"

Compliance & Certification

• ETL Listed
• RoHS Compliant
• NEC compliant for riser installations
• Meets building code requirements for vertical runs
• Made in USA

Installation Notes

This 18/8 riser security alarm bulk cable is specifically designed for vertical installations between floors in non-plenum spaces, such as riser shafts, elevator shafts, and vertical cable runs in walls. The CMR/CL3R rating ensures the cable meets fire safety requirements for these applications.

CMR/CL3R/FPLR Riser Rating: The triple rating indicates:

• CMR (Communications Riser): Suitable for vertical runs per NEC Article 800
• CL3R (Class 3 Riser): Suitable for power-limited circuits per NEC Article 725
• FPLR (Fire Power Limited Riser): Suitable for fire alarm systems per NEC Article 760
• FT4 Fire Test: Enhanced fire safety performance
• NOT suitable for plenum spaces (use CMP-rated cable)
• Appropriate for vertical cable runs between floors

Heavy-Duty 18 AWG Advantage: The heavier 18 AWG gauge provides significant benefits:

• Lower DC resistance: Better electrical performance over long runs
• Superior current capacity: Handles higher power requirements
• Reduced voltage drop: Especially important for longer cable runs
• Better signal quality: Lower attenuation for improved performance
• Professional-grade: Suitable for demanding commercial installations

When to Choose 18 AWG vs. Lighter Gauges: Choose 18 AWG when:

• Longer cable runs require minimal voltage drop
• Higher current capacity is needed
• Maximum signal quality is critical
• Professional-grade installation requires heavy-duty cable
• PoE or powered devices require substantial current

8-Conductor Configuration Advantages: The 8-conductor design provides exceptional versatility:

• Maximum number of circuits in a single cable run
• Complex security system installations
• Multi-zone alarm systems with numerous zones
• Reduces number of cable runs needed significantly
• Cost-effective for sophisticated installations
• Eight color-coded conductors for easy identification
• Can serve multiple systems or zones simultaneously

When to Choose 8-Conductor: Choose this 8-conductor cable when:

• Complex security system requires maximum conductors
• Multi-zone system benefits from consolidated cabling
• Multiple independent circuits needed in single run
• Installation efficiency is important (fewer cables to run)
• Professional installation requires versatile solution

Unshielded Construction: The unshielded design makes this cable ideal for:

• Installations where electromagnetic interference is not a concern
• Cost-effective solution for complex alarm circuits
• Residential installations and low-interference commercial environments
• Applications where shielding is not required by specification
• Budget-conscious projects requiring multiple conductors

Stranded Conductor Benefits: The 7-strand construction provides:

• Flexibility for routing around corners and through tight spaces
• Easier handling during complex installations
• Good balance between flexibility and performance
• Suitable for both short and long runs

Made in USA: USA manufacturing ensures:

• Consistent quality control
• Compliance with domestic standards
• Support for American manufacturing
• Reliable supply chain
• Professional-grade materials and construction

Sequential Footage Marking: The printed footage markers on the jacket allow you to:

• Track cable usage and remaining length in the pull-box
• Calculate exact lengths needed for vertical runs
• Maintain accurate installation documentation
• Avoid waste and ensure adequate supply

Low Smoke PVC Jacket: The low-smoke gray PVC jacket provides:

• Reduced smoke generation in fire situations
• Code-compliant construction
• Professional gray appearance
• Durability for long-term installations

Installation Best Practices:

• Verify local building codes before installation
• Use appropriate jacket rating for installation location (CMR for risers)
• Maintain minimum bend radius (4x cable diameter = ~25mm)
• Support cable properly per NEC requirements for vertical runs
• Use fire-stopping materials at floor penetrations
• Label cables at both ends with all eight conductor purposes
• Document color code assignments for future reference

18/8 Unshielded Configuration Applications: The 8-conductor unshielded design is perfect for:

• Sophisticated multi-zone security alarm systems
• Complex access control installations with multiple readers
• Intercom systems requiring multiple stations
• Audio distribution serving multiple zones
• Systems requiring eight independent circuits
• Consolidated cabling for multiple subsystems
• Professional installations prioritizing efficiency

Cost-Effective Multi-Conductor Solution: This cable offers excellent value by:

• Reducing installation labor (one cable vs. multiple runs)
• Minimizing material costs per conductor
• Simplifying cable management
• Professional performance at competitive pricing
• Made in USA quality without premium cost

This professional-grade USA-made riser security alarm bulk cable provides reliable, code-compliant performance for vertical installations in residential and commercial buildings where heavy-duty multi-conductor unshielded cable is required for optimal system performance and installation efficiency.

Usually ships in 1 - 2 business days.