SYSTON 18/4 Shielded Fire Security Alarm Cable - Riser Rated

In this review of the SYSTON 18/4 Shielded Fire Security Alarm Cable the bottom line is clear: this cable is aimed at installers and facility managers who need a dependable, riser-rated low-voltage cable for fire and security systems. Our review finds the strongest reason to buy is the combination of solid pure copper conductors and a CMR/CL3R flame-retardant jacket, which together deliver reliable conductivity and safer vertical building runs. It is a practical choice where shielding and 300V CL3 power-limited classification are required.

Key Features

• Applications: Covers fire alarm, security burglar alarm, public address, intercoms and other power-limited low-voltage circuits for versatile system wiring.
• Pure Copper Conductors: Solid pure copper conductors provide strong conductivity and reduced voltage drop for sensitive alarm and communication signals.
• 300V CL3 Rating: Rated as a 300V Class-3 power-limited circuit cable, suitable for installations that require CL3/CL3R specification compliance.
• CMR Riser-Rated Jacket: The CMR/CL3R/FPLR flame-retardant jacket is designed for riser applications, making vertical runs between floors safer.
• Shielded Design: Shielding around the conductors helps reduce interference and maintain signal integrity in communication and alarm lines.
• Installation-Friendly: A round slick jacket with smooth edges and an internal rip cord makes pulling and jacket removal faster during installation.

Who It's For

This cable is best suited to professional electricians, low-voltage installers and facilities technicians wiring fire alarm systems, access control, nurse call and security burglar alarms where a riser-rated, shielded CL3 cable is required. The pure copper conductors and shielding also make it appropriate for sensitive communications and public address systems.

Those needing heavy-gauge power distribution cable or outdoor direct-burial rated cable should look elsewhere; while the jacket is UV resistant and suitable for some outdoor low-voltage runs, this product is optimized for indoor and riser applications in power-limited circuits.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid pure copper conductors offer dependable conductivity for alarm and communication systems.
• CMR/CL3R riser rating increases fire safety for vertical runs between floors.
• Complete shielding reduces interference, improving signal reliability in installations.
• Installation conveniences such as a slick round jacket and rip cord speed up pulls and terminations.

Cons

• Some customers note the cable feels thinner than expected for 18/4, which may require careful handling during installation.

Specifications

Conductor Material	Pure copper stranded
Pairs / Conductors	18/4
Voltage Rating	300V (CL3)
Fire Rating	CMR / CL3R / FPLR (Riser-Rated)
Shielding	Shielded around conductors
Jacket Features	Round slick jacket with rip cord, UV resistant

Our Verdict

The SYSTON 18/4 Shielded Fire Security Alarm Cable is a solid, value-oriented option for professionals who need a riser-rated, shielded low-voltage cable with pure copper conductors and a 300V CL3 classification. It balances safety-minded jacket ratings with installation-friendly features, making it a strong pick for fire alarm, security and communications wiring where vertical runs and interference protection matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable suitable for outdoor use?
It is UV resistant and can be used for some outdoor low-voltage applications, but it is primarily intended for indoor and riser installations rather than direct burial.

Does the cable include shielding?
Yes, the cable is shielded around the conductors to reduce interference for communications and alarm signals.

Can it be used for power-limited circuits?
Yes, it is rated 300V and classified as CL3 power-limited circuit cable, suitable for alarm and related low-voltage systems.