Common Questions About Security and Alarm Cables, Answered

Not sure which type of security or alarm cable your facility or system needs? Hopefully, these answers to common questions can help!

What cable is used for alarm systems?
Security and alarm systems are usually wired with small-gauge wire specifically designed for the purpose.

For instance, many security systems are wired with 12 and 18 AWG gauge alarm wire, as these low-voltage applications do not necessarily require larger, heavier wires.

However, larger or wire gauges may be required depending on the circumstances.

Also, there are some unique requirements for some systems. For instance, fire alarm cables must be made with specific insulation that is heat resistant and which does not produce toxic smoke when burned.

What gauge cable do you need for alarm systems?
Only your specific system requirements can answer that question, but often large wire gauges (that is, smaller wires) are used as security and alarm cables because of the low-voltage, low-current application.

What is the best cable for alarm systems?
Copper is the most commonly used conductor for security and alarm systems because it offers excellent conductivity and flexibility.

Can you use Cat6 cable for alarm systems?
Some access control systems can actually use Cat5E ethernet cables for power; if they can accept them, then Cat6 cables, which are backward-compatible with Cat6 cables, can be used.

This does not mean that all security and alarm systems can be wired with Cat5E or Cat6 cables. If you are not sure, consult an electrician.

What’s the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 alarm cables?
The difference here is primarily related to insulation. Both Type 1 and Type 2 alarm cables must have a resistivity of less than 100 Ω/km, but Type 1 cables must have low smoke, zero halogen insulation and sheathing whereas Type 2 cables are made with PVC insulation and sheathing.

Does my alarm cable need to be shieded?
That depends primarily on the unique circumstances of the application. EMI, or electromagnetic interference, can badly scramble if not incapacitate an alarm system. If there is a high volume of EMI in your location that affects your security system, then it is probably worth it to get shielded security and alarm cables.

What’s the difference between riser-rated and plenum-rated fire alarm cable?
The difference between riser-rated and plenum-rated fire alarm cable has to do with their insulation.

Plenum-rated fire alarm cable offer a higher fire resistance rating than riser-rated cable.

Riser-rated cables are meant to be used in the space above a drop ceiling and are made with a special, non-toxic insulation that helps control the propagation of dangerous fumes in the event of a fire.

Plenum-rated cables are more protective and expensive than riser-rated cables and can be used in riser space, but riser-rated cables cannot be used in plenum space.

Where can I get high quality security and alarm cable online?
If you’re looking for high-quality security and alarm cables online, visit EWCS Wire online at EWCSWire.com.

They carry a wide range of UL-listed and approved security and alarm cables (included fire alarm cables) and many of their offerings are made in the United States.

For more information, visit their website or contact them directly at Sales@EWCSWire.com.

Marine Battery & Cable Maintenance

Your boat’s battery is necessary to start the engine, power the electrical system, including lights and navigation, and much more.

For boats powered by a trolling motor, it i the only power source for the vessel.

Without it, you would be dead in the water.

With that said, here are some high-level ways to take care of your marine battery and cables.

Protect and Clean the Terminals
The easiest aspect of marine battery maintenance is to keep the terminals clean. Over time, discharge will exude from the terminals, and this corrosion can damage the battery and make it difficult to establish a solid electrical connection.

Use a solution of warm water and baking soda with a battery terminal brush or a steel wire brush to scrub them clean from time to time.

Then, apply some dielectric grease to the terminals. A thin coating will help prevent water ingress and almost entirely prevent corrosion.

Keep the Battery Charged
A fully charged battery will last longer than one that is fully discharged and allowed to remain at a low level. If possible, you should never allow your battery to die.

Keep your battery fully charged before leaving port. When in port, you may want to hook it up to a battery maintainer with a trickle charge function.

Protect It Against Extreme Temperatures
For small vessels that are removed from the water during the winter, it might be a good idea to remove your battery when your vessel is dry-docked.

Keep it somewhere that preferably won’t experience freezing temperatures, as these can damage batteries, and keep it charged throughout the winter.

Use Only Approved Marine Battery Cable
For wiring purposes and battery leads, it is important to use only USCG and UL-approved marine battery cables.

Marine battery cable is made with very thin copper conductors that are individually tinned. This does two things: it makes them very flexible, and it helps prevent corrosion as the tinned copper is better insulated.

Use the Right Size Marine Battery Cable
It is also critical to use the right gauge of marine-grade wire for the application.

The use of a wire in a gauge that is inappropriate for the load of the circuit will cause the wire to overheat, can cause the insulation to break down, and can cause fires.

Protect Against Chafing
Be cognizant of where the cable exits and enters from any compartments in your vessel. These are all chafing points.

If the wire’s insulation chafes and wears through, you’re at a much higher risk of fire.

Instead, protect your cables with conduit, electrical tape, silicone, or some other buffer at entry points. Consult a marine electrical engineer if you have questions.

Where Can You Find Quality Marine Battery Cable?
Need to replace some of your boat’s wiring or its battery leads? Visit EWCS Wire at EWCSWire.com.

In addition to a wide range of other specialty electrical cables, EWCS Wire also sells marine battery cable that is highly flexible, individually tinned, and USCG, UL, and ABYC approved.

Visit their website for details.

Welding Cable for Sale: Three Key Features to Assess

When you’ve got welding cable on its last legs and are looking for a replacement, one of the best things you can do is buy an exact match for the cable you’ve been using (assuming you were using a suitable cable in the first place).

That isn’t always possible, so if you’re looking for welding cable for sale, judge quality by these three criteria.

Voltage Rating
This is the most important single consideration you need to make when looking at prospective welding cables.

Voltage rating is an indication of how much voltage the cable can work with, which will impact how much current it can carry as well.

Thicker cables can carry a higher voltage than thinner cables, all things considered.

Many welding cables are rated to 600V, just like much building wire. Whatever the case, be entirely certain that the application for which the cables are intended is within the cable’s voltage range.

Insulation
The insulation with which welding cables are made also plays a prime role in how well they can fill their role.

Welding cable should be made with insulation that is extremely durable and resistant to abrasion. This is because these cable will often be used outdoors in extreme conditions and temperatures.

Many types of welding cable for sale are made with insulation that is resistant to weather, moisture, high and low temperatures, acids, oils, bases, and oil and gasoline.

Some of these types of cable are even made with insulation that is resistant to ultraviolet light as well.

Because of these reasons, welding cable for sale is also often marketed as solar PV wire, inverter cable, and as leads for motors and generators.

It’s also customary for these types of cable to be made with red and black insulation, making it suitable for use as battery wire.

Insulator Strand Count (Flexibility)
Last but not least, it is important to choose a flexible welding cable that has a high conductor strand count.

Welding cable for sale is customarily manufactured with a very high conductor strand count (using fine, 100% copper conductors) as these are more flexible than larger, stiffer wires.

Flexibility is often used as a prerequisite determinant of quality in welding cable for sale, as these large, heavy cables must often be used outside or in tight spaces, in which it would be difficult to manipulate stiffer cables.

Therefore, just like marine battery cables, cables used for welding applications should have a high strand count and be extra flexible.

Where Can You Find High-Quality Welding Cable for Sale?
If you’re looking for quality welding cable for sale, we’ll give you the place to start looking: EWCS Wire, at EWCSWire.com.

They carry a wide range of electrical wires and cables (including specialty wire) including extra-flexible welding cable made with ultra-durable, abrasion and oil-resistant EPDM insulation.

For more information on the specifications and ratings of their welding cable for sale, visit their website via the link above or get in touch with them at Sales@EWCSWire.com or at 1-800-262-1598.

Factors to Look Out for When Selecting a Boat Battery Cable

Whether you’re an experienced boater or just getting started, it’s important to make sure your boat is properly outfitted with the right battery cables. Boat batteries provide power to the many electrical components of your boat, and the battery cables are responsible for transferring that power safely and efficiently. Selecting the right cables is essential to making sure your boat runs smoothly and that you’re able to enjoy your time on the water.

When selecting boat battery cables, there are a few key characteristics to look for.

High-Quality and Marine Grade
First, you’ll want to look for cables that are made from high-quality materials that can withstand the elements. The cables should be able to handle the rigors of a marine environment, including exposure to saltwater, UV rays, and extreme temperatures. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure the cables are flexible and easy to install, as this will make the job of connecting the cables to your battery much simpler.

Gauge
Another important factor to consider when selecting boat battery cables is the gauge of the cable. The gauge of a cable refers to its thickness, and the thicker the cable, the more power it can transfer. When choosing the right gauge for your boat, you’ll want to consider the size of your battery, the type of equipment you’re running off of the battery, and the distance between the battery and the equipment.

UL-Approved and ABYC-compliant
Finally, you’ll want to look for cables that are designed with safety in mind. This means that the cables should be constructed with insulated sheathing and have secure terminals that will not come loose or short out. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that the cables meet the standards set by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and are UL approved as well.

Buy Boat Batter Cables Online
When it comes to selecting the right boat battery cables, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re getting the best quality cables for your boat. The good news is that EWCSwire offers a wide selection of high-quality, marine grade, UL-approved, and ABYC-compliant boat battery cables that are made from durable materials and designed with safety in mind.

EWCSWire is the go-to source for every electrical wire or cable solution. Send them an email at sales@ewcswire.com if you can’t find the cable you need on the site. You can get your order from one of their seven distribution facilities across the country, and it will reach your doorstep in two to five business days, at no cost to you.

Overall, EWCSWire is an excellent choice for your boat battery wire needs. With top-notch materials, a wide selection of sizes and colors, and excellent customer service, they’re sure to meet your needs and provide you with the best possible products. So if you’re in the market for reliable, high-quality boat battery wire, then look no further than EWCSWire. With their selection of cables, you can be sure that your boat’s electrical system is safe, reliable, and ready to hit the water.

Why It’s so Important to Use Marine Electrical Wire

When it comes to safety and performance on the water, the quality of the electrical wiring on your boat is essential. Marine electrical wire is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the marine environment, making it the ideal choice for boats of all sizes and types.

The wire that we use in our homes and for other land-based applications is designed to be tough and durable, but marine conditions introduce a lot of new variables. From near constant motion on the water to the corrosive effects of saltwater, marine cables have to handle a lot of strain.

For those who are unfamiliar with marine electrical wiring, it is a specialized type of wire specifically designed to be used in boats and other marine vessels. This type of wiring is made from special materials and components that are designed to resist corrosion and withstand the harsh conditions that are common on the water. This includes saltwater, high humidity, extreme temperatures, and more.

When it comes to electrical wiring, safety is always the top priority. Marine electrical wire is designed to be safe and reliable in any situation. It is designed to meet UL and ABYC standards, which are the highest standards in the marine industry. This means that the wiring is safe to use, even in the toughest of conditions.

In addition to safety, marine electrical wiring is also designed to be highly efficient and reliable. The wires are designed to be flexible and durable, so they can easily be bent and moved to fit the needs of any boat. This makes it easy to customize the wiring for any boat, making it more efficient and reliable.

Another benefit of marine electrical wiring is that it is designed to be easy to install and maintain. The wiring is designed to be easy to work with and can be easily connected to other components of the boat. This makes it easy to maintain and repair any electrical issues that may arise.

Finally, marine electrical wiring is also designed to be cost-effective. The wiring is designed to be affordable and can be easily purchased in bulk, making it a great choice for those who are looking to save money.

When it comes to boats, marine electrical wiring is essential. It is designed to be safe, efficient, reliable, and cost-effective. That is why it is so important to use marine electrical wiring on your boat. It is the best way to ensure that your boat is safe and efficient, while still being cost-effective.

If you are looking for the best marine electrical wiring for your boat, look no further than EWCS. Their team of experts will work closely with you to ensure that you get the perfect wiring for your boat. They are dedicated to providing their customers with the best products and services, so you can be sure that you are getting the best marine electrical wiring for your boat. Contact their team today to learn more about how they can help you get the best marine wiring for your boat.

What Is Belden Fire Alarm Cable?

When it comes to electrical wiring and cabling, it’s important to make sure that you are using the right type of cable for the job. With respect to fire alarm systems, the cable you use is even more important as it needs to be able to withstand the heat, smoke, and other hazards associated with a fire. It also needs to be operable in times of crisis, which is its main function. That’s why it’s important to use quality cables like Belden fire alarm cable.

Belden fire alarm cable is a type of cable specifically designed to be used in fire alarm systems. It is constructed from a combination of high-quality materials, including copper, polypropylene, and PVC. The conductors are made from copper, while polypropylene and PVC provide the necessary insulation and fire protection. This combination of materials makes Belden fire alarm cable an ideal choice for fire alarm systems.

Belden fire alarm cable is designed to meet the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 72. This standard outlines the requirements for fire alarm systems, including the type of cable that must be used. Belden fire alarm cable meets these requirements, ensuring that your fire alarm system is safe and effective.

Belden fire alarm cable is also designed to be durable and reliable. It is constructed from materials that are resistant to fire, heat, smoke, chemicals, and other hazards. This ensures that the cable will be able to withstand the conditions that can occur in a fire. Additionally, Belden fire alarm cable is designed to be flexible, making it easier to install in tight spaces – this is a big bonus in tight plenum and riser spaces where there is minimal room.

Belden fire alarm cable is also designed to be cost-effective. It is available in a variety of sizes and lengths, making it easy to find the right cable for your needs. Additionally, Belden fire alarm cable is UL listed, meaning that it has been tested and certified to meet the safety standards set by Underwriters Laboratories. This ensures that you can trust the quality of the cable you are using.

If you are looking for a reliable, safe, and cost-effective cable for your fire alarm system, Belden fire alarm cable may be the ideal choice. It is designed to meet the requirements of NFPA Standard 72, as well as being UL listed. Additionally, Belden fire alarm cable is designed to be durable and reliable, making it the perfect choice for any fire alarm system.

Quality Fire Alarm Cables at Great Prices
EWCS Wire offers a wide selection of both plenum and riser-rated fire alarm cable, shielded and unshielded. Their cables are designed to be durable and reliable, ensuring that your fire alarm system is safe and effective.

If you are looking for a reliable and cost-effective cable for your fire alarm system, look no further than the fire alarm cable available online at EWCSWire.com. Visit their website to learn more about what’s available or get in touch with them directly at 1-800-262-1598.

Two Important Things You Need to Know About Marine Electrical Wire

Do you own a boat? Are you a member of a ship’s crew? Are you a ship’s mechanic or an electrician by trade?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you will at some point or other come across marine electrical wire in the course of your career.

Something important you’ll need to keep in mind is that marine electrical cable and wire is not the same as standard building wire; nor is it the same as automotive battery wire.

Here are the two big defining traits.

Marine Electrical Wire Is Highly Flexible
If there’s one thing you need to know about marine electrical wire (also sometimes called marine battery cable or marine battery wire) it’s that it’s highly flexible.

This is accomplished by making these conductors out of very high strand counts of very thin conductors.

Typically, marine battery wire conductors are made from pure, 100% copper and each conductor is very thin. Doing so makes the cable very flexible.

Why is this necessary? Well, for that, there are three things you need to know about seagoing vessels.

One is that they are constantly in motion as a result of the water. Another is that being in motion puts potentially high stress on everything within.

Finally, the interior of a vessel is often very cramped. Getting thick, heavy, stiff electrical conductors in and out of a vessel’s interior for the purpose of establishing an electrical connection would be very difficult without flexible wire.

Marine Electrical Wire Is Tinned
Equally important to flexibility is the fact that marine electrical wire is protected against corrosion.

This is accomplished by treating the conductors with tin, or “tinning” them. In the case of marine electrical wire, usually, the conductors are individually tinned, eliminating any proverbial chinks in the armor.

Saltwater is noxiously corrosive and copper is highly suspect to chemical attack. Fortunately, tin is much more resilient, so protecting this type of battery cable against these influences is a must.

Saltwater, however, is not the only dangerous substance with which marine cables frequently come in contact. There are also gasoline and oil, acids and alkaline chemicals, and more.

As a result, most high-quality marine electrical cable is resistant to moisture, oil, gasoline, acids and alkalis, and even abrasion.

This helps protect marine electrical cables not only against seawater-induced corrosion but against other forms of chemical assault.

Where Can You Find High-Quality Marine Electrical Wire?
Ensuring marine electrical battery cable and wire meet these two important criteria is tantamount to producing reliable, reputable, quality electrical equipment.

These are some of the reasons it is inadvisable to use automotive battery wire on vessels. While it might be flexible enough to establish connections, it is rarely if never adequately protected against corrosion.

If you’re looking for quality marine electrical wire that satisfies these requirements, visit EWCS Wire online at EWCSWire.com.

They carry a wide range of marine electrical cable and other specialty electrical conductors including welding cable, battery and alarm cable, armored cable, tray cable, aluminum cable, and of course building cable.

Visit their website for more information via the link above or get in contact with them directly at 1-800-262-1598.

Wire Voltage Ratings, Explained

Voltage rating is one of the most basic, fundamental ratings associated with electrical wire and cable, given in volts.

Voltage itself is a measurement of electrical potential, calculated by multiplying a given electrical current (in amperes, I), by the resistance of a conductor, (in ohms, Ω).

The material of the conductor, as well as the thickness, will all impact resistance. These things, being variables from which voltage is drawn, affect voltage rating.

Think of voltage as the force “pushing” the electricity through a wire or cable, similar to how plumbing pipes experience line pressure, except that line pressure is measured in PSI instead of volts.

Just like with water pipes, it is essential never to exceed the voltage rating of a given conductor – but instead of a burst pipe, exceeding the voltage rating of an electrical conductor can cause overheating, fires, and an elevated risk of dangerous electrical shock.

But what exactly is a wire’s voltage rating?

So, What Really Is 600 Volt Wire?
The voltage rating is the highest voltage that can be continuously applied to an electrical conductor in a sustained manner without the risk of overheating or circuit failure.

Voltage rating is calculated by accounting for Ohm’s Law, related to electrical resistance, and the Power Calculation Formula, which is related to power output.

Voltage rating is affected by the diameter of the wire, the electrical resistance of the material from which it is made, and the dielectric rating of the conductor’s insulation. All things being equal, the thicker the wire, the greater voltage it can tolerate. However, material and insulation can affect this, too.

It is critical never to exceed the posted voltage rating of an electrical conductor because it will cause the wire to overheat and increases the risk of electric shock.

Excess voltage can also be extremely destructive to sensitive electronic components and connections. Sustained, excessive voltage can cause them to melt or burn out.

What Is Voltage Drop?
Voltage drop is the natural loss of electrical potential of an electrical stream running through an electrical conductor, which is the product of the conductor’s length, thickness, and resistance.

Voltage drop is an undesirable condition that impacts the voltage supplied at one point of a given circuit. Electric Codes (such as the NEC) may be responsible for setting guidelines for the maximum voltage drop permitted in a circuit in order to ensure an efficient supply of power.

Where Can You Get High Quality 600 Volt Wire and Specialty Wire?
Looking for high-quality 600-volt wire, building wire, and other specialty electrical wire and cable? Visit EWCS Wire online at EWCSWire.com.

They carry a broad assortment of building wire, as well as wire and cable for a number of specialty applications, such as solar panel cable, battery leads, flexible welding cable, marine battery cable, tray cable, armored cable, fire alarm cable, and much more.

In addition to offering high-quality electrical wire and cable, EWCS Wire offers fast shipping as well as a customer satisfaction guarantee. For more information, visit their website via the link above or get in touch with them at 800-262-1598 or at Sales@EWCSWire.com.

Obtaining the Most Agile Welding Cable for Sale

Agility is important for a few kinds of electrical wires, but it isn’t required for all of them for the same rationale. With this in mind, marine battery cable is often designed to be very pliable to fit through a boat’s tight spaces more readily.

Welding cables for sale are another kind of cable that need a high level of flexibility during production. To be able to withstand the rigors of the industry, they must be designed to be as flexible as possible, much like marine battery wire.

There’s another reason why welding cables for sale need to have a high degree of flexibility: a large percentage of activities involving welding are in industrial or construction environments. As you would expect, these workplaces are not “flexible.” The welding cable, however, has to be.

It is essential that the power cables that feed welding equipment be able to withstand the dangers of the working site while also being flexible enough to meet the needs of the welders. With no flexibility in either the welding equipment or the project as a whole, this leaves just one option: the welding cable.

Because of this, welding cable must have the greatest degree of flexibility. Welding cables on the market are marketed as “very flexible,” however there is no objective standard to measure their flexibility, and this is a concern for some.

To determine the most flexible welding cable, just count the number of strands in the cable before making your selection. One of the most reliable methods for determining a welding cable’s degree of pliability. For a given diameter, the stiffer a cable will be if the number of conductor strands is also increased.

If you’re looking for an easy method to measure your flexibility, this is a great option. In contrast to AWG, strand count as a single vector. The more strands in a welding cable, the more flexible it should be.

Welding wire for sale isn’t only beneficial because it’s flexible. In addition, the insulation of welding cables must be resistant to a broad variety of severe environmental conditions.

Insulation resistant to environmental conditions, such as temperature fluctuations, humidity, storms, and even UV radiation, is very important for a welding cable. Welding cables that are naturally resistant to chemicals, as well as gasoline and oil, are especially beneficial because of the nature of work sites.

Even better if you can discover a welding wire with highly robust insulation that is also mechanically strong. The harder the insulation, the better it can endure abrasion, regardless of chemical resistance. The fact that certain welding cables are useful as battery and solar array leads is a result of their wide range of properties.

Visit EWCS Wire at EWCSWire.com if you’d like to learn more about welding cables or view some samples of high-quality welding cables for sale! If you still have questions, you may reach out to them directly using their website’s live chat feature or by sending them an email. If you have any more queries, you may contact them at 800-262-1598 or sales@ewcswire.com.

Is Marine Battery Wire Silver?

If you’ve ever done any wiring on a boat, whether you’re in the electrical trade or just a casual boater, this is a legitimate question. After all, stripping marine battery wire will expose some silvery filaments that do, after all, look silver.

So are they? Let’s look at what qualifies marine battery wire and the reasons it is designed and manufactured according to those qualifications.

So What Is It Made of?
First things first, marine battery cable is actually not silver, although it looks like it.

Ironically, silver is an excellent electrical conductor, among the best known. However, silver, like copper (which is used for most electrical conductors, including marine cable as you are about to see) suffers from a common deficiency.

Both are prone to oxidation – that is, both silver and copper corrode. As you might know, these effects are broadly exacerbated in humid and saltwater environments – both of which ships and boats are prone to encounter.

To answer the question initially posited by this article, marine battery wire actually is made of copper conductors – it just has a special protective coating that helps to insulate it from the ravages of saltwater-induced oxidation.

Marine battery cables and wires are made from many fine strands of copper conductors that are then individually coated, typically in tin. These tin-coated strands can much better resist environmental influences that would cause corrosion and degradation.

This tin coating is readily apparent whenever you strip the wire – such as to make connections to the terminals of a battery. They do also give marine wire the appearance of being made of silver – but make no mistake about it, they are not.

What Should Marine Battery Wire Be Able to Withstand?
While the threat of corrosion is one of the most noxious influences faced in most marine environments, it is not the only factor against which marine-grade cables should be able to stand.

Consequentially, many tinned copper marine grade wires are also made with special insulation that makes them uniquely able to withstand acid, abrasion, gasoline, oil, and of course, moisture.

In addition, marine battery cables are made with a high number of strands which keep them extra flexible. This is a bonus given the tight confines of the inner workings of most vessels, as cables with superior flexibility are easier to manipulate into location and can better navigate the tight recesses within boats. Additionally, highly flexible cables withstand fatigue better.

Where Can You Get Marine Grade Copper Battery Cables?
Looking for high-quality marine-grade battery wire and cable? Visit EWCS Wire online at EWCSWire.com.

They carry a wide range of marine battery wire that is United States Coast Guard, American Boat and Yacht Council, and UL-approved. Their marine battery cables are made with a high conductor count of individually tinned 100% copper conductors and are highly flexible as well as resistant to corrosion, acid, alkalines, gasoline, and oil.

To learn more about the specifications of their marine battery wire, visit their website at EWCSWire.com or contact them for more information.