Telecommunication and Fire Alarm Cables

1.1 What are fire alarm cables

Fire alarm cables are control cables that connect the signal transmission line from the central system to the parts of the system including alarm lights, sirens, fire sprinkler systems, exit lights, automatic telephone dialers, etc. The specialized cable used for this system will ensure stable operation even in the event of a fire thanks to its fire resistance, and absolute limitation of fire spread. Even in the event of a fire, the cable can still transmit signals for a certain period of time.

1.2 Characteristics of fire alarm cables

Fire alarm cables have several outstanding features, including:

• Superior fire resistance: Fire alarm cables are designed to withstand high temperatures and continue to function effectively during a fire. They have excellent fire-resistant properties, preventing the spread of fire along the cable, which ensures that the fire alarm system remains operational to provide timely alerts.
• Durable construction: Fire alarm cables are typically insulated with high-quality materials like PVC or LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen), which give the cables high durability and resistance to wear and tear. The outer sheath also offers protection against moisture, oil, and various chemicals, making it suitable for harsh environments. LSZH fire alarm cables, when exposed to fire, do not emit toxic smoke or halogen gases, reducing the risk of human poisoning and minimizing damage to sensitive electronic equipment.
• Stable signal transmission: Fire alarm cables provide stable signal transmission with high sensitivity, ensuring that fire alarm signals are transmitted quickly and accurately in emergency situations.
• High mechanical strength: Fire alarm cables have high mechanical strength, with good resistance to pulling and impact, ensuring reliable performance in large and complex construction projects.

1.3 Applications of fire alarm cables

Fire alarm cables can be used in various systems, ranging from basic fire alarm systems to more complex systems with addressable capabilities. They play a crucial role in protecting commercial buildings, connecting control panels, sensors, and fire alarms into a comprehensive system.

These systems operate on AC power, and fire alarm cables are designed to ensure that when one fire alarm is triggered, other alarms will also activate. The cables for fire alarm systems are available with or without shielding, allowing you to choose the appropriate type based on the level of electromagnetic interference (EMI) in the installation environment.

Telecommunication cable for fire alarm systems is commonly referred to as “telecommunication cable”. This is a general term for two types of cables: fiber optic cable and copper core cable. Both types of cables have the function of transmitting information efficiently.

Among them, fiber optic cable is a type of cable that transmits signals using light. Therefore, it provides stable signal transmission capability, suitable for supporting signal connections over long distances. Depending on the material structure, fiber optic cable is divided into two types: GOF (Glass Optical Fiber) made of glass material, and POF (Plastic Optical Fiber) made of plastic.

Next, copper cable is a type of cable with a core made of copper material, divided into 2 types: Twisted pair cable and coaxial cable. Among them, twisted pair cable has superior ability in anti-electromagnetic interference radiation, widely used in LAN network systems. Coaxial cable has a similar function to twisted pair cable, but it has 3 parts: copper core, insulation material, and outer layer of braided metal wire.