Engineered as a cost-effective alternative to plenum cable, this 16/2 FPLR riser-rated fire alarm cable features two heavy-duty solid bare copper conductors with a CMR-rated PVC jacket for vertical runs between floors and non-plenum installations. The robust 16 AWG conductors deliver low resistance and high current capacity, making this cable ideal for longer runs and power-demanding applications in security systems, intercoms, audio systems, and control circuits where plenum rating isn't required by code.

Compliant with current NEC guidelines and ETL-listed, this riser cable provides the same electrical performance as plenum-rated alternatives at a more economical price point. Sequential footage markings streamline installation, facilitating easy monitoring of remaining cable length and reducing labor costs. Proudly made in the USA for consistent quality and reliability.

Key Features

• Heavy-duty 16 AWG conductors for low resistance and high current capacity
• CMR (FPLR) riser-rated PVC jacket for vertical runs and non-plenum spaces
• Low-smoke generating jacket for safer installations
• Sequential footage markings for easy installation tracking
• Unshielded design for standard fire alarm applications
• ETL-Listed and RoHS Compliant
• 300V voltage rating | 75°C temperature rating
• Made in USA

Applications

• Fire alarm wiring
• Fire protection systems
• Security systems
• Power-limited controls
• Intercom systems
• Sound and audio systems
• Monitoring and detection systems
• Notification circuits
• Control circuits
• Initiating circuits

Technical Specifications

Physical Construction

• Conductor type: Solid bare copper
• Conductor size: 16 AWG (2 conductors)
• Conductor insulation: Low-smoke PVC
• Nominal cable OD: 4.57 mm
• Outer jacket: PVC, 0.381 mm thickness
• Jacket color: Red
• Shielding: None (unshielded)

Electrical Characteristics

• Voltage rating: 300V
• Temperature rating: 75°C
• Conductor colors: Black, Red

Why Choose 16/2 Riser Cable?

Heavy-gauge riser-rated fire alarm cable offers practical advantages for many installations:

• Cost-effective alternative to plenum cable when air handling space installation isn't required
• Superior electrical performance - 16 AWG offers lower resistance and higher current capacity than 18 AWG
• Code-compliant for vertical runs between floors in riser shafts
• Same electrical performance as plenum alternatives at better pricing
• Approved for most standard installations where plenum rating isn't mandated
• Budget-friendly solution for large projects requiring heavy-gauge 2-wire performance

When to use FPLR vs FPLP:

• Use FPLR (Riser): Vertical runs, risers, standard rooms, non-plenum horizontal runs
• Use FPLP (Plenum): Air handling spaces, environmental air plenums, above drop ceilings used for air return

16 AWG vs 18 AWG:

• Choose 16 AWG: Longer 2-wire cable runs, higher current requirements, premium 2-wire performance needs
• Choose 18 AWG: Standard 2-wire runs with moderate electrical performance requirements

Ideal for residential buildings, commercial structures, security installations, intercom systems, and any 2-wire installation where building codes permit riser-rated cable instead of plenum—providing heavy-gauge electrical performance at economical pricing for fire alarm, security, and audio applications.