Heavy-duty unshielded riser-rated 2-conductor security alarm cable engineered for long-run installations in clean electrical environments. This USA-made cable features two 18-gauge stranded bare copper conductors with 7 strands each, housed in a CMR-rated gray jacket. Delivering the longest possible cable runs without the premium cost of shielding, this cable is the optimal choice for professional installations requiring heavy-duty 18 AWG performance in environments where EMI protection is not required.
Key Features
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18 AWG 2-Conductor Design - Heavy-duty wire gauge for maximum cable run lengths
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7-Strand Bare Copper Conductors - Excellent flexibility and reliable signal transmission
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CMR/CL3R Riser Rated - Approved for vertical shaft and in-wall installations
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Unshielded Design - Cost-effective solution for clean electrical environments
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2 Color-Coded Conductors - Easy identification (Black and Red)
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Sequential Footage Marking - Precise measurement for accurate installation planning
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ETL Listed & RoHS Compliant - Meets strict safety and environmental standards
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Gray PVC Jacket - Professional appearance for visible installations
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Print Legend for Identification - Cable markings save valuable installation time
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Made in USA - Premium domestic manufacturing quality
Ideal Applications
Perfect for long-run riser installations in residential and commercial buildings:
- Single-Zone Security & Alarm Systems
- Long-Run Commercial Security Installations
- Multi-Story Building Vertical Runs
- Residential Security Systems
- Intercom Systems
- Audio Distribution Systems
- Power-Limited Control Circuits
Technical Specifications
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Conductor Material: Stranded Bare Copper
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Wire Gauge: 18 AWG
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Number of Conductors: 2
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Strands per Conductor: 7
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Conductor Insulation: 0.254mm PVC
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Cable Diameter (Nominal OD): 4.09mm (0.161")
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Jacket Thickness: 0.38mm (0.015")
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Jacket Material: PVC
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Jacket Color: Gray
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Shielding: Unshielded
Electrical Performance
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Maximum Temperature: 75°C (167°F)
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Voltage Rating: 300V
Certifications & Compliance
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Riser Rating: CMR (Communications Riser)
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Additional Ratings: CL3R, FPLR
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Listings: ETL Listed
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Environmental: RoHS Compliant
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NEC Article Compliance:
- Articles 760 (FPLR - Fire Alarm)
- Article 800 (CMR - Communications)
- Articles 725 (CL3R, CL2R - Control Circuits)
Conductor Color Coding
- Conductor 1: Black
- Conductor 2: Red
Jacket Printing
18 AWG 2C UNSHIELDED TYPE CL3R/FPLR c(ETL)us TYPE CMR 3054355
Package Details
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Length: 1000 feet per spool
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Country of Origin: Made in USA
Why Choose 18/2 Riser Cable?
✓ Maximum Cable Runs - Longest distances possible (up to 3,000 feet) for unshielded cable
✓ Heavy-Duty Performance - 40% lower resistance than 22 AWG
✓ Cost-Effective - Heavy-duty performance without shielding premium
✓ Fire Code Compliant - CMR riser rating for vertical installations
✓ Professional Quality - Print legend and sequential marking
✓ Higher Current Capacity - Supports powered devices like magnetic locks
✓ Reduced Voltage Drop - Maintains system performance over long distances
✓ Versatile Use - Single cable for security, intercom, and control applications
Riser Installation Requirements
Use CMR Riser Cable When:
- Installing vertically between floors
- Running through walls and vertical shafts
- Non-plenum spaces in commercial buildings
- Multi-story residential or commercial installations
- Building codes require fire-rated cable (but not plenum)
Note: Riser (CMR) cable is suitable for most commercial and residential applications except air-handling plenum spaces. For plenum spaces, use CMP-rated cable instead.
Common Use Cases
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Multi-Story Residential Buildings: Long vertical riser runs in apartments and condos
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Commercial Office Buildings: Single-zone security with clean electrical environment
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Warehouse & Distribution: Perimeter security with long cable runs
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Retail Stores: Store security in locations with modern LED lighting
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Educational Institutions: Classroom or office security with long runs
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Religious Facilities: Church or temple security systems
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Community Centers: Recreation facility security
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Small Business: Professional offices, restaurants, small retail
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Parking Garages: Multi-level security with vertical runs
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Storage Facilities: Self-storage security with extended perimeter coverage
When to Choose This Cable
Perfect For:
- Long cable runs (2,000-3,000 feet) in clean environments
- Multi-story residential or commercial vertical riser installations
- Professional installations where heavy-duty performance is critical
- Projects requiring maximum cable length without shielding premium
- Commercial buildings with modern electrical systems (LED lighting)
- Residential security systems with extended perimeter coverage
- Budget-conscious projects needing heavy-duty performance
Consider Alternatives If:
- High EMI environment with electrical interference (choose shielded)
- Plenum spaces required (choose CMP-rated cable)
- Standard runs under 2,000 feet (20 AWG or 22 AWG may be adequate)
- Multiple zones needed (consider 18/4 or 18/6)
- Near heavy machinery or industrial equipment (shielding recommended)
Maximum Run Distance Calculator
Approximate Maximum Distances by Application (18/2):
Security/Alarm Panels:
- 12V systems: Up to 3,000 feet
- 24V systems: Up to 6,000 feet (voltage dependent)
Access Control:
- Card readers (12V): Up to 1,500 feet
- Magnetic locks (12V): Up to 1,000 feet
Intercom:
- Audio systems: Up to 2,000 feet
- Video systems: Verify manufacturer specs
Note: Always verify maximum run lengths with specific equipment manufacturer specifications. Actual distances vary based on voltage, current draw, and acceptable voltage drop.