18 AWG 2 Conductor Stranded Shielded Plenum Cable 200FT - Flexible

In this review the 18 AWG 2 conductor stranded shielded plenum cable is evaluated for installers and system integrators who need a reliable, flexible low-voltage wire for security, alarm and audio work. The bottom line: this 200ft spool stands out because it combines a stranded pure copper conductor and aluminium foil shielding inside a CMP/CL3P plenum-rated jacket, delivering both conductivity and fire-safe routing for in-ceiling and duct installations.

Key Features

• 200ft length: A full spool reduces splices and saves time on medium to large runs for security and access control projects.
• Stranded pure copper: The stranded conductor provides better conductivity and flexibility compared with CCA, making it easier to route in tight bends and reducing break risk during install.
• Shielded design: Aluminium foil shielding helps reject EMI and improves signal integrity for intercoms, audio and sensitive alarm circuits.
• CMP/CL3P plenum jacket: Flame-retardant plenum-rated jacket allows safe routing in air-handling spaces and meets stricter fire performance needs.
• Wide temperature range: Rated from -10C to 90C so it tolerates typical indoor environment extremes without degrading performance.
• 300V rating: Suitable for power-limited CL3 circuits and common low-voltage security and communication applications.

Who It's For

This cable is aimed at electricians, alarm installers and AV technicians who run signal and low-voltage power in commercial or multi-room residential buildings where plenum-rated materials are required. The stranded pure copper core and shielding make it a good match for security systems, access control, public address and intercom wiring.

Those who should look elsewhere include DIY users who only need short patch cords or residential homeowners with no plenum routing requirements; a small run of non-plenum wire can be less costly if plenum rating is not needed.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Stranded bare copper offers high conductivity and flexibility for neat, reliable installs.
• Plenum-rated CMP/CL3P jacket provides improved fire safety for ceiling and plenum runs.
• Shielding reduces interference, useful in audio and sensitive alarm circuits.
• 300V rating and broad temperature tolerance suit many low-voltage applications.

Cons

• Being plenum-rated and shielded adds cost and stiffness compared with simplest non-plenum, unshielded alarm wire.
• At 200ft on a single spool, long building-wide projects may require planning to avoid joins.

Specifications

Conductor	Stranded bare copper, 18 AWG, 2 conductors
Length	200 ft
Voltage rating	300V (CL3)
Temperature rating	-10C to 90C
Shielding	Aluminium foil shield
Jacket	White CMP/CL3P/FPLP plenum-rated
Max conductor DC resistance	22.4 ohm/km at 20C

Our Verdict

The 18 AWG 2 conductor stranded shielded plenum cable is a practical choice for professionals who need dependable conductivity, EMI protection and a plenum-rated jacket for in-ceiling or duct runs. It represents good value for commercial alarm, access control and AV installs where safety and signal integrity matter, though users with simple non-plenum needs may find less expensive alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable plenum rated?
Yes, it carries CMP/CL3P/FPLP plenum-rated jacket suitable for air-handling spaces.

Can this cable be used for alarm and access control?
Yes, the 18 AWG stranded copper and 300V CL3 rating make it suitable for security, burglar alarm and access control wiring.

Does the shield help with audio or interference?
The aluminium foil shield reduces EMI and helps maintain signal quality for PA, intercom and other sensitive low-voltage circuits.