Alarm cables are cables specially designed for transmitting signals in security systems, and are commonly used in applications such as fire alarms, intrusion detection, and emergency buttons. They ensure that signals can be reliably transmitted from detectors or trigger devices to the control center in the event of an emergency. Here are some key information about alarm cables:
Alarm Cable Types
Twisted Pair: This is one of the most common types of alarm cables, consisting of two insulated wires twisted around each other. This structure helps reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI), thereby improving signal quality.
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): A layer of metal shielding is added to the ordinary twisted pair, which further enhances the anti-interference ability and is particularly suitable for use in places with complex electromagnetic environments.
Multi-core Cable: Contains multiple independent conductors that can simultaneously transmit multiple types of signals, such as power, data, and control signals, simplifying wiring and saving space.
Coaxial Cable: Suitable for applications that require high bandwidth and low loss transmission, such as connecting cameras in video surveillance systems to DVR/NVR devices.
Fiber Optic Cable: For applications with long distances and high security requirements, optical fiber provides excellent data transmission performance and almost no interference.
Alarm Cable Characteristics
· Fire resistance: Some alarm cables are specially treated to maintain their functions for a certain period of time under flame conditions, ensuring uninterrupted information transmission at critical moments.
· Corrosion resistance: In order to adapt to different installation environments, especially outdoor or humid areas, many alarm cables have good moisture resistance, UV resistance and chemical corrosion resistance.
· Mechanical strength: Considering the risk of physical damage, some products use reinforced sheath materials to improve their durability and tensile resistance.
Alarm Cable Installation and Maintenance
· Path Planning: Reasonably plan the cable route to avoid laying it in parallel with other high-voltage lines to prevent electromagnetic interference; for important occasions, redundant path design should be considered.
· Terminal processing: Correctly select the appropriate connector accessories and perform termination operations according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure good contact and waterproof and dustproof.
· Regular inspection: Although high-quality alarm cables are very reliable, it is still recommended to test and maintain the entire system regularly to ensure that all components are working properly.
Alarm cable standards and certification
Different countries and regions have their own standards and specifications for alarm cables, such as the EN series standards for the European market and the UL certification for the US market. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the compliance of the product to ensure that it meets local regulations and technical requirements.
Application scenarios of alarm cables
·Home security: including door and window sensors, motion detectors, smoke alarms, etc.
·Commercial buildings: security protection systems such as office buildings, shopping malls, warehouses, etc.
·Industrial facilities: places such as factory workshops and power stations that have strict requirements on safety and reliability.
·Public infrastructure: security protection in crowded areas such as subway stations, airports, and hospitals.
Choosing the right alarm cable is essential to building an efficient and reliable alarm system. According to the needs of specific application scenarios, combined with the technical parameters of the cable, installation conditions, and cost-effectiveness, comprehensive consideration can help you make the best decision. If you are selecting an alarm cable for a specific project, it is recommended to consult TST CABLES professional engineers to get the most suitable solution.
TST CABLES alarm cable product description
Tinned annealed copper conductor/PVC insulation/PVC sheath, the cable consists of individually colored core wires.
The TST CABLES range of security cables meets the requirements of both domestic and commercial systems.
The cables feature a tubular jacket construction and come with a tough nylon pull cord; making it easy to tear the mechanically strong yet flexible jacket.
These cables are primarily designed for use in security alarm systems. However, they are also suitable for signal transmission in other applications using low voltage and low current.
Product Details
| Reference Number | Number of cores (mm2) | Nominal conductor twist number (mm) | Core Colors | Minimum radial thickness of insulation (mm) | Minimum radial thickness of sheath (mm) | Nominal outer diameter（mm） | Approximate weight (kg/km) |
| AC4C | 4 | 7/0.19 | Red, yellow, blue, black | 0.15 | 0.4 | 4.0 | 17.5 |
| AC6C | 6 | 7/0.19 | Red, yellow, blue, black, white, green | 0.15 | 0.4 | 4.6 | 24.9 |
| AC8C | 8 | 7/0.19 | Red, yellow, blue, black, white, green, orange, brown | 0.15 | 0.4 | 5.7 | 32.0 |
| AC12C | 12 | 7/0.19 | Red, yellow, blue, black, white, green, orange, brown, gray, pink, purple, turquoise | 0.15 | 0.4 | 6.1 | 47.8 |
