SYSTON 18/4 Fire Security Burglar Station Control Cable - Plenum Rated

Our review of the SYSTON 18/4 Fire Security Burglar Station Control Cable finds it best for installers and facilities managers who need a durable, plenum-rated, low-voltage cable for alarm and communication circuits. The single biggest reason to buy is safety-minded construction: stranded pure copper conductors combined with a CMP/CL3P flame retardant jacket make it suitable for plenum spaces where air-handling requires higher fire performance. It is a sensible choice when code compliance and reliable conductivity matter more than cosmetic thickness or halogen-free branding.

Key Features

• Multiple application wiring: Supports fire alarm, burglar alarm, public address, intercoms, telephone stations and other power-limited circuits so one cable can cover diverse low-voltage systems.
• Pure copper conductors: Stranded bare copper conductors provide consistent conductivity and flexibility for routing through conduit and ceiling plenums.
• CMP plenum-rated jacket: The CMP/CL3P/FT6 flame retardant rating allows installation in air-handling spaces where higher fire performance is required.
• UL and ETL listings and standards: Built to NEC 725 & 800 and UL 13 & 444 standards to help meet common regulatory and inspection expectations.
• 300V CL3 rating: 300V insulation and CL3 power-limited classification make it suitable for thermostats, security panels and audio/visual control circuits.
• UV resistant and RoHS compliant: Suitable for some exposed runs and conforms to RoHS for restricted substances.

Who It's For

The cable is aimed at professional electricians, alarm installers and building maintenance teams installing or upgrading fire alarm, access control and communication systems in commercial or multi-family buildings. It is especially relevant where the wiring must run in plenums or other air-handling spaces and meet NFPA 262 or similar flame performance requirements.

DIY homeowners with small low-voltage projects can use this cable but may find it thicker or more expensive than basic non-plenum wire; projects that do not require plenum rating or CL3 classification can look for simpler, lower-cost alternatives intended for non-plenum use.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High flame-retardant CMP jacket allows safe plenum installation where required.
• Stranded bare copper conductors give good flexibility and conductivity for reliable system performance.
• Meets a broad set of standards and listings, aiding compliance for commercial installs.
• Versatile for alarm, communications and control applications, reducing cable types on a job.

Cons

• Some customers find the cable feels thinner than expected, so expect a relatively slim jacket compared with heavier multi-conductor control cables.

Specifications

Conductor	18 AWG stranded bare copper
Pair count	18/4 (four conductors)
Plenum rating	CMP / CL3P / FT6
Voltage rating	300V (CL3 rated)
Standards	NEC 725 & 800, UL 13 & UL 444, NFPA 262, CSA-C22.2 No. 2556
Shielding	Unshielded (customers report perceived shielding in some uses)
Compliance	UL and/or ETL listed, RoHS compliant

Our Verdict

The SYSTON 18/4 control cable is a strong, safety-focused option for professionals who need a plenum-rated, CL3-class low-voltage cable for alarms and communications. Its stranded copper cores and wide standards coverage deliver reliable conductivity and code-friendly performance, offering solid value for commercial or multi-family installations where plenum use is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this cable be used in plenum spaces?
Yes. It is CMP/CL3P/FT6 plenum-rated for use in air-handling spaces such as ceilings and plenums.

Is the conductor solid or stranded?
The cable uses stranded bare copper conductors for flexibility and reliable conductivity.

Is this cable suitable for security and alarm panels?
Yes. The 300V CL3 rating and NEC compliance make it suitable for fire alarm, burglar alarm and other power-limited control circuits.