SYSTON 18/3 Fire Security Burglar Station Sound Alarm Control Cable

In this review of the SYSTON 18/3 fire security control cable, the bottom line is simple: this cable is aimed at installers and facility managers who need a reliable, plenum-rated low-voltage multi-conductor cable for fire, security and communication systems. The reviewer found its biggest strength to be the combination of stranded pure copper conductors and a CMP flame-retardant jacket, which makes it suitable for ceiling plenums and other air-handling spaces while delivering predictable conductivity for alarms, intercoms and access control circuits.

Key Features

• Multiple application support: Works for fire alarm, burglar station, public address, intercom and other power-limited low-voltage circuits so one cable can cover many installation needs.
• Pure stranded copper: Stranded bare copper conductors provide flexibility for routing and consistent conductivity for sensitive control and audio signals.
• Plenum CMP rating: The CMP/CL3P/FT6 flame retardant jacket lets installers run the cable in plenums and other air distribution spaces with higher safety margins than CMR cable.
• Standards compliant: Manufactured to meet NEC 725 and 800 and UL 13/444 listings, giving confidence in code-compliant installations and approval processes.
• 300V CL3 rating: The 300V insulation and CL3 power-limited rating make it suitable for thermostats, security panels and other low-voltage devices that require a safety margin.

Who It's For

The cable is best for professional electricians, security integrators and building maintenance teams who need a single cable type for alarm, intercom and access control wiring that will run in plenum spaces. The plenum rating and UL/ETL listings make it a practical choice for commercial, institutional and multiunit residential projects where code compliance matters.

Home hobbyists or very small DIY projects that do not require plenum-rated cable or that prefer solid conductors for terminal connections might look elsewhere for lower-cost, non-plenum alternatives. Also, if you need shielded pairs for long-run data signals, this unshielded cable may not be optimal.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High flame-retardant CMP jacket allows safe installation in air-handling plenums.
• Stranded pure copper conductors are flexible and provide reliable conductivity for alarms and audio.
• Meets NEC and UL standards, easing inspection and acceptance in commercial installs.
• Easy to pull and dispense without tangling, which speeds installation.

Cons

• Unshielded construction means it is not ideal where EMI protection is required for sensitive long runs.
• Some users may find the conductor thickness thin for certain visual expectations, though it meets the intended 18/3 specification.

Specifications

Conductor	Stranded bare copper, 18 AWG, 3 conductors
Voltage Rating	300V (CL3 rated)
Flame Rating	CMP / CL3P / FT6 (Plenum rated)
Standards	NEC 725 & 800, UL 13 & UL 444, NFPA 262, CSA C22.2 No. 2556
Listings	UL and/or ETL listed, RoHS compliant
Applications	Fire alarm, burglar alarm, PA, intercom, telephone stations, access control, nurse call

Our Verdict

The SYSTON 18/3 plenum-rated control cable is a practical, code-conscious choice for installers who need a flexible, pure copper cable for fire and security systems in plenum spaces. Its CMP rating, compliance with NEC and UL standards and easy handling make it good value for commercial and institutional projects, while those needing shielding or non-plenum economics should consider alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this cable be run in ceiling plenum spaces?
Yes. It is CMP/CL3P/FT6 plenum rated and suitable for air-handling plenums where higher flame retardancy is required.

Is the cable shielded for noise protection?
No. This model is unshielded; choose a shielded variant if electromagnetic interference protection is needed.

Will it work for security and intercom systems?
Yes. The 18/3 stranded copper conductors and 300V CL3 rating make it appropriate for fire, burglar, intercom and other power-limited low-voltage circuits.