This professional-grade water-resistant 18 AWG 2-conductor security cable is engineered for demanding outdoor and underground installations. Featuring aluminum foil shielding with drain wire, water block technology, and stranded bare copper conductors, this direct burial cable delivers reliable performance in harsh environments while protecting against both moisture ingress and electromagnetic interference.

The cable's robust construction includes a sunlight-resistant black PVC jacket, making it ideal for outdoor security systems, underground alarm circuits, fire alarm installations, and power-limited control applications. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use without requiring conduit protection.

Key Features

• Direct burial rated for underground installations without conduit
• Water block technology prevents moisture migration along conductors
• Aluminum foil shielding with drain wire protects against EMI/RFI interference
• UV/sunlight-resistant black PVC jacket for long-term outdoor durability
• Stranded copper conductors for flexibility and easy termination
• Wide temperature range performance in extreme conditions (-39°C to 90°C)
• Multi-layer protection for maximum reliability in harsh environments

Ideal Applications

• Security and burglar alarm systems
• Fire alarm and life safety systems
• Intercom and access control systems
• Sound and audio distribution
• Low-voltage process control circuits
• Power-limited control applications
• Underground and outdoor installations

Technical Specifications

Conductors

• AWG Size: 18/2 (2 conductors)
• Strand Count: 7 strands per conductor
• Material: Bare copper
• Construction: Stranded for flexibility

Conductor Color Code

• Black
• Red

Insulation & Jacket

• Conductor Insulation: PVC/Nylon
• Water Protection: Water block tape
• Shield: Aluminum polyester foil with drain wire
• Outer Jacket: Black PVC, sunlight resistant
• Nominal Overall Diameter: 7.87mm

Electrical Ratings

• Voltage Rating: 600V PLTC
• Temperature Rating: -39°C to 90°C (Dry) / 75°C (Wet)
• NEC Articles: 725, 760

Certifications & Compliance

• CL3 (Class 3) Rated
• FPL (Fire Power Limited) Rated
• PLTC (Power Limited Tray Cable)
• Suitable for power-limited fire protective signaling

Packaging

• Spool Length: 1000 feet
• Jacket Color: Black

Installation Notes

This shielded direct burial cable is designed for underground installations and does not require additional conduit protection in most applications. The water block tape prevents moisture from migrating along the cable if the jacket is compromised. The aluminum foil shielding with drain wire provides excellent protection against electromagnetic interference, making it ideal for installations near power lines or in electrically noisy environments.

The sunlight-resistant PVC jacket allows for above-ground outdoor use as well as direct burial applications. The 18/2 configuration is ideal for basic security zones, door contacts, motion detectors, and power-limited circuits that require two conductors. The 18 AWG gauge provides a good balance between flexibility and current-carrying capacity for moderate-length runs.

Always consult NEC Article 725 and 760 requirements and local electrical codes before installation.