{"product_id":"18-2-stranded-alarm-cca-ftp-shielded-cable-500ft-budget-wiring","title":"18\/2 Stranded Alarm CCA FTP Shielded Cable 500ft - Budget Wiring","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the focus is on a 500ft spool of 18\/2 stranded alarm cable constructed with Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA), aimed at installers and DIYers who need long runs of low-voltage wiring on a budget. The bottom line: this cable is for projects where cost, ease of handling, and reliable low-voltage signal transmission matter most; it may not be the choice when pure copper conductors are required. Our review balances performance, practicality, and value for typical security and intercom installations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCost-Effective Construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Copper-Clad Aluminum core delivers lower material cost, making long spool purchases more affordable for large installations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLightweight and Easy to Install:\u003c\/strong\u003e The lighter CCA construction reduces fatigue during long pulls and simplifies handling through conduits and around corners.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e18 AWG Conductors:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 18 AWG stranded conductors retain good electrical conductivity for low-voltage alarm, LED and signal lines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShielded FTP Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e The foil shielding helps reduce interference and crosstalk for clearer signal transmission in security and communication networks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDurable Outdoors-Ready Core:\u003c\/strong\u003e The CCA core is resistant to corrosion, supporting longer service life in typical indoor\/outdoor low-voltage environments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile Applications:\u003c\/strong\u003e With two conductors, this cable suits alarm systems, doorbells, intercoms, and other low-voltage communication wiring needs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis cable is best for homeowners, security installers, and integrators who need long runs of low-voltage wiring without the premium cost of solid copper cable. It is particularly useful for long distances where weight and budget are concerns, such as perimeter alarm wiring, multi-room intercoms, low-voltage LED runs, and doorbell circuits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who require maximum conductivity for high-current low-voltage applications or who must meet specific code requirements that mandate solid copper should look elsewhere. Also, projects that demand stranded pure copper for longevity in very high-moisture or extreme outdoor exposure may prefer a different material choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEconomical price per foot compared with equivalent copper cables, making it practical for large projects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLightweight stranded conductor simplifies pulling and reduces installer fatigue on long runs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFTP shielding adds protection against electromagnetic interference for clearer signals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for a wide range of low-voltage uses including alarms, doorbells and LED wiring.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCCA is not pure copper, so it will have modestly lower conductivity than solid copper equivalents.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome installers may prefer solid copper to meet specific local codes or longevity expectations in harsh environments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCables Direct Online\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLength\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e500ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConductor Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCopper-Clad Aluminum (CCA)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGauge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18 AWG, stranded\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConductors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShielding\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFTP foil shield\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 500ft 18\/2 CCA FTP shielded cable is a sensible, cost-conscious choice for security installers and DIY users who need long low-voltage runs with easier handling and interference protection. It represents good value where budget and ease of installation are priorities, though those needing the highest conductivity or specific copper-only compliance should consider alternatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this cable suitable for alarm and doorbell systems?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The 18 AWG stranded conductors and FTP shielding make it appropriate for alarm panels, doorbells and many low-voltage signal applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan this cable replace solid copper in all installations?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. While economical and corrosion resistant, CCA has lower conductivity than solid copper and may not meet some code or installer preferences for high-current or long-term outdoor deployments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the shielding help with interference?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The foil shield (FTP) reduces electromagnetic interference and crosstalk, improving signal reliability in communication and security runs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cables Direct Online","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48746170155227,"sku":"B077MLHLG1","price":69.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71GZTPs8OuL._SL1500_74da1490-3efc-4d7d-8916-7a9318a5abf4.jpg?v=1778775706","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/18-2-stranded-alarm-cca-ftp-shielded-cable-500ft-budget-wiring","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}