Building Automation Single Conductor Stranded Cables

Summary: Single Conductor Stranded Cables

Building Automation Cabling for Commercial and Industrial Projects
Windy City Wire manufactures SmartWire® low-voltage cable engineered for the demands of building automation systems (BAS) in commercial and industrial environments. From control panels and equipment interconnects to sensor and actuator runs, our THHN and TFFN constructions deliver consistent performance in conduits and raceways across large facilities.

Why choose SmartWire for BAS?
SmartWire is the brand name of the low-voltage cable Windy City Wire manufactures in the United States. Our product line focuses on dependable materials, smart construction options, and features that help installation teams finish faster and more accurately across multi-phase projects.

• Proven BAS performance: 600 Volt-rated THHN and TFFN options serve control circuits, feeders to devices, and panel wiring throughout HVAC, lighting control, access, and monitoring systems.
• Faster pulls: SmartWire Glide Technology® is the name we use for the cable lubrication applied to SmartWire. It reduces friction during pulls by up to 70% to help crews move more footage per day with less rework.
• Standardization made easy: Available in single-conductor and twisted unshielded pair builds to match common BAS wiring methods and streamline terminations.
• Color identification: SmartWire can be made with custom jacket and stripe color combinations to support your organization’s standards and simplify troubleshooting and maintenance.
• B2B focus: Designed for professional installers, integrators, and contractors who need reliable, consistent cable for schedule-driven projects.

At-a-glance options

• Available AWGs: 12, 14, 16, 18
• Available Insulations: THHN, TFFN
• Available Shielding: Non-Shielded
• Available Lengths: 500 FT, 1000 FT, 2500 FT

Where SmartWire adds value

• Supports controls, sensors, relays, and equipment interconnects found in HVAC and building management systems.
• Twisted unshielded pairs help maintain signal integrity for many control and communication runs where project specifications permit unshielded cable.
• Consistent constructions help teams standardize BOMs across sites and phases, simplifying procurement and installation.
• Custom jacket and stripe colors assist with circuit identification and long-term maintenance.

Available constructions

• 14 AWG 1 Pair Stranded THHN Twisted 600 Volt: General-purpose unshielded twisted pair for BAS control runs where THHN is specified. Suitable for point-to-point device wiring and control loops.
• 16 AWG 1 Pair Stranded TFFN Twisted 600 Volt: Flexible unshielded twisted pair for controls and interconnects. A good balance of size, flexibility, and durability for panel and device terminations.
• 18 AWG 1 Pair Stranded (7 Strand) TFFN Twisted 600 Volt: Compact, flexible twisted pair for short-to-medium BAS runs. Ideal for device-level connections and space-constrained pathways.
• 12 AWG 1 Conductor Solid THHN 600 Volt: Rigid single conductor suited for feeders and control power in conduit. Often used for panel wiring and higher-current control circuits.
• 14 AWG 1 Conductor Solid THHN 600 Volt: Solid single conductor for general control and power-limited circuits. Good for fixed installations with minimal movement.
• 16 AWG 1 Conductor Solid TFN 600 Volt: Solid fixture-type conductor for tight terminations and short control runs. Useful where a smaller diameter and firm conductor are preferred.
• 12 AWG 1 Conductor Stranded (19 Strand) THHN 600 Volt: Stranded single conductor for easier pulls and terminations on larger control power circuits. Offers flexibility in conduits with bends.
• 14 AWG 1 Conductor Stranded (19 Strand) THHN 600 Volt: Versatile stranded conductor for common BAS control circuits. Easier handling than solid in congested panels.
• 16 AWG 1 Conductor Stranded (19 Strand) TFFN 600 Volt: Flexible fixture wire for device wiring and panel work. Good for pathways that benefit from smaller bend radius.
• 16 AWG 1 Conductor Stranded TFFN 600 Volt: Stranded single conductor for control circuits requiring flexibility. Suitable for terminations in dense control panels.
• 18 AWG 1 Conductor Stranded (7 Strand) TFFN 600 Volt: Lightweight, flexible control wire for short runs and device pigtails. Helps simplify routing in tight spaces.

Project support
Windy City Wire supplies product and solution sets that help BAS contractors deliver consistent, repeatable results at scale. For specifications, quotes, or to standardize jacket and stripe colors across your program, contact the Windy City Wire team to discuss SmartWire options for your next project.

Solutions: Single Conductor Stranded Cables

Building Automation Single Conductor Stranded Cables

Windy City Wire single conductor, stranded, 600-volt building wire is designed for the day-to-day demands of building automation and controls work. Offered in multiple gauges (12, 14, 16, and 18 AWG) and in THHN or TFFN insulation, these conductors deliver the flexibility, durability, and code-compliant performance required for field wiring in conduits, control cabinets, and mechanical spaces. Cables are unshielded, making them a practical choice for power and control circuits that do not require noise mitigation. Standard 1000 ft lengths are available, with additional 500 ft and 2500 ft options to help match project size and staging needs.

Where these conductors fit in your BAS scope

• HVAC Controls – Power and control wiring for actuators (dampers/valves), relays and contactors, end switches, safeties, float switches, thermostats, and 24 VAC transformer secondaries in mechanical rooms and at equipment.
• Equipment Interlocks – Fan and pump starts, VFD run/stop and fault contacts, boiler/chiller enable signals, heat trace enable, and general contact-closure circuits.
• Lighting Control – Coil control to relay panels, contactor control for exterior or emergency lighting bypasses, and low-voltage trigger circuits specified for conduit installations.
• Shading/Window Control – Control and power leads for shades and motorized window systems when installed in raceway as single conductors.
• Access and Door Hardware (support wiring) – Power leads to strikes/magnets and relay interface wiring inside panels and door control enclosures, where project specs call for single-conductor pulls in conduit.
• Energy and Metering Interfaces – Pulse outputs and status contacts from meters and building services, when shielding is not required by the device manufacturer.
• Mechanical Smoke Control and Life Safety Interlocks – Control and monitoring interlocks associated with mechanical systems, per project specifications and local code requirements.

Industries and facilities that benefit

• Commercial offices and mixed-use buildings
• Healthcare and laboratories (mechanical rooms, central plants, isolation areas)
• Higher education and K–12 campuses
• Retail, hospitality, and entertainment venues
• Industrial manufacturing, warehouses, and cold storage
• Data centers and technology campuses
• Airports, transit, and public-sector facilities

Why single-conductor stranded makes sense for BAS work

• Routing flexibility – Stranded conductors pull and terminate easily in crowded panels and tight conduit bends, reducing rework and termination stress.
• 600 V rating – Suitable for a broad range of control and power applications typically encountered in mechanical rooms and distribution pathways when installed per code.
• Appropriate for unshielded control circuits – Ideal for relay logic, coil control, and power runs to field devices. For noise-sensitive analog or high-EMI environments, consider shielded alternatives as required by the specification.
• Choice of insulation – THHN for robust building wire applications; TFFN for tighter spaces and improved flexibility where thin-wall insulation is preferred.
• Gauge options that match the load and distance – 12 and 14 AWG for higher-current or longer control runs; 16 and 18 AWG for lighter loads, device power, and panel interconnections.

Common BAS use cases by system

• Air handling units and RTUs – Fan interlocks, freezestats, smoke detector shutdown circuits (as permitted by code), damper/valve actuation, and status contacts.
• Terminal units (VAV/FPB) – Reheat valve actuation, fan enable, and end-switch feedback wiring within ceiling spaces when installed in raceway.
• Chiller/boiler plants – Enable/disable, pump starts, differential pressure switch contacts, and equipment status back to the BMS.
• Exhaust and pressurization systems – Fan start/stop, proving switches, and alarm contacts for BMS monitoring.
• Lighting control interfaces – Low-voltage control to relay panels and contactors, time-clock and BAS override circuits, and emergency bypass controls as specified.

Selecting the right conductor

• Insulation type
  • THHN: A solid choice for general building wire in conduit, providing robust mechanical characteristics for mechanical rooms, risers, and equipment spaces.
  • TFFN: Thinner wall insulation that offers easier handling and tighter bend radii in crowded panels or short conduit runs.
• Gauge
  • 12 AWG: Long runs to coils/relays, higher-current device feeds, and control power distribution from panels.
  • 14 AWG: General-purpose field control wiring and device power where moderate current and distances are expected.
  • 16–18 AWG: Low-current control circuits, panel interconnects, and terminations at small devices and controllers.
• Shielding – These conductors are unshielded. For analog signals or high-interference environments, verify specification requirements and consider shielded constructions where needed.

Installation considerations

• Use per project specifications and local codes, including conductor grouping, separation, and raceway fill.
• Match conductor gauge to device current and run length to minimize voltage drop and nuisance faults.
• Terminate with ferrules or appropriate lugs where required by panel standards and to reduce strand splay.
• Maintain clear labeling and documentation for commissioning and future service. Coordinate conductor color identification per project standards.

Procurement notes

• Available gauges: 12, 14, 16, 18 AWG.
• Available insulations: THHN and TFFN.
• Shielding: Non-shielded.
• Lengths: 1000 ft standard, with 500 ft and 2500 ft options for job sizing and fewer splices.

How we support your projects

• Consistent specifications across THHN and TFFN offerings help standardize submittals and streamline takeoffs.
• Multiple gauges and lengths reduce waste on TI, retrofit, and service work while accommodating large base-build pulls.
• Reliable availability for controls contractors, electrical contractors, panel shops, and facility teams working under tight schedules.

Not sure which insulation or gauge is best for your next BAS scope? Our team can help you align conductor type with device load, run length, and installation environment so you can bid confidently and install efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions: Single Conductor Stranded Cables

• 1. What AWG conductors are available with these SmartWire Building Automation Single Conductor Stranded cables?

  Available in multiple gauges: 12 AWG, 14 AWG, 16 AWG, and 18 AWG.

• 2. What other colors are these SmartWire Building Automation Single Conductor Stranded cables available in?

  SmartWire® offers a wide selection of jacket and stripe color combinations, and we can produce custom jacket and stripe colors to match your standards. Contact Windy City Wire to discuss color options for your project.

• 3. Are these SmartWire Building Automation Single Conductor Stranded cables made with solid or stranded copper conductors?

  This category features stranded copper conductors for flexibility and ease of installation.

• 4. What lengths are these SmartWire Building Automation Single Conductor Stranded cables sold in?

  Windy City Wire manufactures and stocks SmartWire Building Wire in 1,000 ft as the standard length. Select items are also available in additional 500 ft and 2,500 ft lengths.

• 5. Is SmartWire Building Automation Single Conductor Stranded Cables wet rated?

  Yes. Our THHN SmartWire cable is THWN/THHN dual rated for wet locations.

• 6. Is SmartWire Building Automation Single Conductor Stranded Cables 600V rated?

  Yes. These SmartWire Building Wire options are rated 600 volts.

• 7. What is difference between TFFN, TFN, and THHN ratings on SmartWire cables?

  - TFFN: Thermoplastic Flexible Fixture Nylon, stranded for flexibility; 600V; typically 90°C dry applications.
  - TFN: Thermoplastic Fixture Nylon, typically solid; 600V; 90°C dry applications.
  - THHN: Thermoplastic High Heat-Resistant Nylon; 600V; 90°C dry. When also marked THWN, it is approved for wet locations.

• 8. Is SmartWire Building Wire Gas and Oil resistant?

  Yes. Our SmartWire Building Wire cables are GRII (Gasoline and Oil Resistant II) rated. This rating helps protect the insulation/jacket from swelling, cracking, and degradation when exposed to gasoline and oils, improving durability and service life in demanding environments.

• 9. Do you offer SmartWire Building Wire in twisted pairs?

  Yes. We offer unshielded twisted 1-pair options in select gauges, including 14 AWG, 16 AWG, and 18 AWG, with THHN or TFFN insulation for building automation control and signal applications.

• 10. How is your SmartWire Building Wire cable sold on spools or in boxes?

  Our SmartWire Building Wire is packaged and sold in our patented RackPack carton for maximum efficiency and labor savings. Learn more about our RackPack.

Additional Links:

• Learn more about our SmartWire Cable
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