18/2 CMP Plenum Fire Security Control Cable - Plenum-Rated 100% Copper

In this review the 18/2 CMP plenum-rated fire security control cable is presented as a practical choice for installers and facility managers who need a single, reliable wire for low-voltage, power-limited circuits. The bottom line: it is best for burglar alarm, intercom, access control and similar systems because its plenum CMP rating, sunlight resistance and 100% copper stranded conductors combine to simplify indoor and some outdoor installs while remaining easy to handle during termination.

Key Features

• Plenum-Rated CMP: Provides a fire-retardant jacket suitable for air-handling spaces and high-rise building runs, reducing the need for separate cable types.
• 100% Copper Stranded Conductors: Stranded copper improves flexibility and termination reliability for alarm panels, intercoms and access control devices.
• Rip Cord and Legend Markings: A rip cord under the jacket speeds jacket removal and legend markings for zones and rooms save installation time.
• Sunlight Resistant: Complies with UL sunlight resistance requirements for outdoor exposures so the same cable can serve both indoor and limited outdoor runs.
• E-Z Footage Marking: Ascending and descending footage marks make measuring and inventorying cable runs simple on the job.

Who It's For

This cable is aimed at electricians, low-voltage contractors and maintenance teams installing burglar alarm systems, public address, intercoms, telephone stations and nurse call or access control wiring in commercial buildings. Its plenum rating and sunlight resistance make it useful where conduit through return-air plenums or exposed runs on building exteriors need a durable control cable.

Those who should look elsewhere include installers needing outdoor service-provider grade OSP cable for long buried or aerial spans, or projects requiring shielded pairs for sensitive data communication over long distances; this product is unshielded and intended for short-run, power-limited circuits.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good build quality and 100% copper stranded conductors give reliable electrical performance and easy termination.
• Plenum CMP rating and sunlight resistance combine to cover both indoor plenum and some outdoor exposures with one product.
• Installer-friendly features like a rip cord, legend zone markings and footage marks cut installation time.

Cons

• Unshielded construction means it is not ideal for long runs that need protection from electromagnetic interference.
• Not intended as a direct substitute for dedicated OSP or burial-rated cables for permanent outdoor installations.

Specifications

Wire Gauge	18 AWG
Conductor Count	2 conductors
Fire Retardant Level	CL3P / FT6 / CMP (Plenum-rated)
Voltage Rating	300V (CL3 power-limited)
Conductor Material	100% copper stranded
Outdoor Feature	Sunlight resistant (meets UL 1581 sunlight requirement)
Installation Aids	Rip cord, legend markings, E-Z footage marking

Our Verdict

The 18/2 CMP plenum control cable is a practical, good-value choice for low-voltage security and communication wiring where a plenum-rated, sunlight-resistant, flexible copper conductor is required. Installers will appreciate the time-saving features and consistent construction; choose a shielded or OSP-rated alternative only when long runs or heavy EMI exposure demand it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this cable be used outdoors?
The jacket is sunlight resistant and suitable for some outdoor exposures, but it is not a substitute for dedicated OSP or burial-rated cables for permanent outdoor or direct-burial use.

Is this cable suitable for plenum air spaces?
Yes, the CMP plenum rating means it meets fire-retardant requirements for air-handling plenums and similar installations.

Does this version include shielding?
No, this specific 18/2 CMP variant is unshielded; choose a shielded variant if you need protection from electromagnetic interference.