Premium shielded riser-rated 6-conductor security alarm cable engineered for complex multi-zone installations requiring both EMI protection and heavy-duty performance. This USA-made cable features six 18-gauge stranded bare copper conductors with 7 strands each, protected by aluminum foil shielding and housed in a CMR-rated gray jacket. Combining heavy-duty 18 AWG construction with multi-conductor versatility and complete shielding, this cable represents the optimal choice for professional commercial installations requiring maximum capability in non-plenum spaces.

Key Features

• 18 AWG 6-Conductor Configuration - Heavy-duty wire gauge with multi-zone capability
• Aluminum Foil Shielding - Superior protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI/RFI)
• 7-Strand Bare Copper Conductors - Excellent flexibility and reliable signal transmission
• CMR/CL3R Riser Rated (FT4) - Approved for vertical shaft and in-wall installations
• Low-Smoke PVC Construction - Enhanced fire safety with reduced smoke emission
• Sequential Footage Marking - Precise measurement for accurate installation planning
• Print Legend for Identification - Cable markings save valuable installation time
• ETL Listed & RoHS Compliant - Meets strict safety and environmental standards
• Gray PVC Jacket - Professional appearance for visible installations
• Made in USA - Premium domestic manufacturing quality

Ideal Applications

Perfect for shielded multi-zone riser installations in commercial buildings:

• Multi-Zone Security & Alarm Systems
• Commercial Access Control Systems
• Professional Intercom Systems
• Multi-Zone Audio Distribution
• Power-Limited Control Circuits
• Building Automation in EMI Environments
• Long-Run Commercial Installations

Technical Specifications

• Conductor Material: Stranded Bare Copper
• Wire Gauge: 18 AWG
• Number of Conductors: 6
• Strands per Conductor: 7
• Conductor Insulation: 0.010" PVC
• Shielding: Aluminum Foil (100% Coverage)
• Cable Diameter (Nominal OD): 5.84mm (0.230")
• Jacket Thickness: 0.38mm (0.015")
• Jacket Material: Low-Smoke PVC
• Jacket Color: Gray

Electrical Performance

• Maximum Temperature: 75°C (167°F)
• Voltage Rating: 300V
• Center Resistance: 21.20 Ω/km

Certifications & Compliance

• Riser Rating: CMR (Communications Riser)

• Fire Rating: FT4

• Additional Ratings: CL3R, FPLR

• Listings: ETL Listed

• Environmental: RoHS Compliant

• NEC Article Compliance:

  • 22-16 AWG: FPLR/760, CMR/800, CL3R, CL2R/725
  • 14-12 AWG: FPLR, CL3R

Package Details

• Length: 1000 feet per spool
• Country of Origin: Made in USA
• Special Features: Print legend for easy identification

Why Choose Shielded 18/6 Riser Cable?

✓ Triple Advantage - Heavy-duty 18 AWG + 6 conductors + EMI shielding
✓ Maximum Performance - Longest cable runs (up to 3,000 feet) with multi-zone capability
✓ EMI/RFI Protection - Aluminum foil shielding prevents interference and false alarms
✓ Multi-Zone Capability - Six conductors support 3 independent circuits
✓ Fire Code Compliant - CMR/FT4 riser rating for vertical installations
✓ Professional Quality - Print legend markings save installation time
✓ Future-Proof - Extra conductors available for system expansion
✓ Cost-Effective - Consolidates up to 3 separate shielded cable runs

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.

FT4 Fire Rating Explained

FT4 Rating is the Canadian equivalent of the CMR riser rating:

• Same fire safety performance as CMR
• Recognized in Canadian building codes
• Fully interchangeable with CMR-rated cable
• Suitable for vertical installations in both US and Canadian buildings
• Low flame spread characteristics

Common Use Cases

• Multi-Story Office Buildings: Multi-zone security with vertical riser runs between floors
• Commercial Complexes: Large buildings requiring long cable runs with EMI protection
• Industrial Facilities: Security systems in manufacturing environments with heavy machinery
• Warehouse Security: Perimeter protection with multiple zones and long cable runs
• Retail Centers: Multi-zone security with EMI protection from electronic equipment
• Educational Institutions: Multi-building campus security with integrated systems
• Healthcare Facilities: Multi-zone security near medical equipment (EMI protection critical)
• Data Centers: Multi-zone security with EMI protection near servers and networking
• Parking Structures: Multi-level security with long vertical runs
• Government Buildings: Critical security installations requiring heavy-duty construction

Installation Best Practices

• Grounding: Ground aluminum foil shield at ONE end only (typically at control panel) to prevent ground loops
• Separation: Maintain minimum 6-inch separation from AC power lines when possible
• Bend Radius: Maintain minimum 10x cable diameter bend radius (approximately 2.3 inches)
• Termination: Use proper shielded connectors and maintain shield continuity to ground
• Shield Handling: Be careful not to tear or damage the foil shield during installation
• Testing: Test all 6 conductors for continuity, shorts, and proper shield grounding
• Vertical Support: Support cable appropriately for vertical riser installations per NEC
• Labeling: Document which conductor pairs are used for which circuits
• Fire Stopping: Use riser-rated fire stop materials at floor penetrations
• Pulling Tension: Do not exceed 25 lbs maximum pulling tension to avoid shield damage
• Print Legend: Use cable markings for verification and documentation

EMI Protection in Commercial Environments

Common Sources of EMI in Commercial Buildings:

• HVAC motors and variable frequency drives
• Elevator systems and motors
• Fluorescent and LED lighting systems
• Computer servers and networking equipment
• Copy machines and office equipment
• Point-of-sale terminals
• Industrial machinery and equipment
• Power transformers and electrical panels

How EMI Affects Multi-Zone Systems:

• False alarms from multiple zones simultaneously
• Intermittent signal issues across circuits
• Cross-talk between conductor pairs
• Unreliable device communication
• Increased service calls and maintenance costs

Shielding Solution: Aluminum foil shielding provides a protective barrier around all 6 conductors, intercepting electromagnetic waves before they induce currents in any of the signal pairs. This ensures reliable multi-zone operation even in the most electrically noisy commercial environments.

When to Choose This Cable

Perfect For:

• Multi-zone commercial security with long cable runs (1,500-3,000 feet)
• Professional installations requiring both heavy-duty and multi-conductor
• Vertical riser installations in multi-story buildings with EMI concerns
• Integrated security systems combining alarm, intercom, and access control
• Commercial/industrial environments with significant electrical interference
• Projects where consolidating multiple systems into one cable saves labor
• Installations where future expansion is anticipated

Consider Alternatives If:

• Plenum spaces required (choose 18/6 shielded plenum instead)
• Short runs under 1,500 feet (20/6 or 22/6 may be adequate)
• Minimal EMI concerns (18/6 unshielded may suffice)
• Single or two-zone application (18/2 or 18/4 may be better value)
• Budget constraints with simpler requirements

Technical Advantages Summary

• 18 AWG Conductors: Heavy-duty professional grade for maximum run lengths
• 6-Conductor Design: Multi-zone capability with three independent circuits
• Aluminum Foil Shield: 100% coverage protects all conductors from EMI/RFI
• 7-Strand Construction: Superior flexibility despite larger wire gauge
• Riser Rating: CMR/FT4 approved for vertical installations
• Low-Smoke Jacket: Fire safety compliance for commercial buildings
• Print Legend: Quick identification saves installation and service time
• Sequential Marking: Precise footage tracking for professional installation
• ETL Listed: Third-party safety certification ensures quality

Building Code Compliance

Before Installation:

• Verify riser rating is adequate (not plenum spaces)
• Confirm NEC article compliance for specific application
• Check equipment manufacturer specifications
• Consult with authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)
• Ensure proper fire stopping at floor penetrations

This cable meets or exceeds:

• National Electrical Code requirements
• CMR/FT4 riser fire safety standards
• ETL safety certification standards
• RoHS environmental compliance
• Local building code requirements (verify jurisdiction)