SYSTON 18/3 Plenum-Rated Fire Security Control Cable - CMP/CL3P

Our review of the SYSTON 18/3 plenum-rated control cable finds it best suited for technicians and installers who need a reliable low-voltage conductor for fire and security systems. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of CMP plenum rating and stranded bare copper conductors, which together deliver higher flame resistance where air-handling spaces are involved while maintaining flexible, conductive wiring for control and communication circuits.

Key Features

• Multiple application compatibility: Works for fire alarm, security burglar systems, intercoms, public address and many low-voltage power-limited applications without needing different cable types.
• Pure stranded copper conductors: Stranded bare copper provides improved conductivity and flexibility for routing through conduit and around corners.
• CMP/CL3P plenum rating: The cable is flame retardant to plenum standards, allowing installation in ceiling and air-handling spaces where higher fire performance is required.
• UL/ETL and NEC compliance: Meets NEC 725 and 800 and UL standards such as UL 13 and UL 444 for control and communication cable uses.
• 300V CL3-rated insulation: The 300V rating supports Class 3 power-limited circuits for thermostats, access control and audio/visual low-voltage runs.
• UV resistant and RoHS compliant: Materials resist UV exposure for certain indoor/outdoor routed runs and meet RoHS environmental limits.

Who It's For

This cable is aimed at professional electricians, low-voltage installers and facilities maintenance teams who need a single, certified cable for fire alarm and security control circuits, especially when routing through plenum or ceiling airspaces. Its plenum rating and copper conductors make it a sensible choice for commercial buildings, schools and healthcare facilities.

Home DIYers with simple indoor runs may find this cable over-specified for non-plenum spaces and could choose a lower-rated control cable for cost savings; however, anyone needing plenum compliance should consider this product.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High flame-retardant CMP rating suitable for plenum spaces and stricter installations.
• Pliable stranded bare copper conductors make installation and termination easier.
• Broad compatibility with many low-voltage systems reduces the need for multiple cable types.
• UL or ETL listing and NEC compliance give installers confidence for code-compliant jobs.

Cons

• Some customers note the conductor thickness feels thin compared with heavier service cables, which is expected for control cable.
• Unshielded construction may not suit noisier electromagnetic environments without additional routing or separation.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The SYSTON 18/3 plenum-rated control cable is a practical, code-conscious choice for professionals who need a single cable that covers fire alarm and security control runs in plenum spaces. It offers the right mix of plenum safety and flexible stranded copper conductors at a reasonable value, though installers should be aware it is an unshielded, thin-profile control cable better suited to power-limited circuits than heavy-duty power wiring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this cable be used in ceiling plenums?
Yes. The CMP plenum rating means it is suitable for installation in air-handling and ceiling plenum spaces.

Is the cable shielded for noisy environments?
No. This product is unshielded; for electrically noisy locations, consider routing separation or a shielded alternative.

Will it work for fire alarm and access control panels?
Yes. It is designed for fire alarm, security, access control and other low-voltage power-limited applications.