Security & Access Control Multi-Pair Cables
Windy City Wire manufactures SmartWire low-voltage cable in the United States for our customers who demand reliable performance in commercial and industrial security environments. Our Security & Access Control multi-pair cables are built to support card readers, keypads, door contacts, REX sensors, mag locks, controllers, and panel-to-device home runs with consistent signal integrity and efficient installation. By combining multiple circuits in a single cable, you can streamline pulls, simplify terminations, and standardize your access control and security wiring across projects.
SmartWire Security & Access Control multi-pair cables are available in plenum (CMP) and riser (CMR) constructions and in key sizes such as 22 AWG and 18 AWG to match run length, power requirements, and device needs. Shielding choices include each-pair shielded (EPS) and non-shielded options to address EMI/RFI conditions and maintain reader and controller performance. All stock SmartWire cables include SmartWire Glide lubrication applied to the jacket during manufacturing to reduce pull friction by up to 70%, helping installers move faster and protect cable during installation.
Why teams choose Windy City Wire for security and access control cable:
Count on Windy City Wire for products and solutions that help you deliver clean, serviceable installations, from controller enclosures to field devices, with the cable performance and consistency your team expects.
Available Constructions
Applications
Project Value
Talk with Windy City Wire about standard and custom SmartWire jacket colors and striping to support your security cabling standards and simplify identification across sites.
Security & Access Control Multi-Pair Cables
Windy City Wire multi-pair cables are designed for professional security and low-voltage integrators who need reliable, code-compliant performance for door access, intrusion detection, intercom, and building automation interfaces. These cables consolidate multiple device connections into a single pull, reduce pathway congestion, and help standardize installations across projects and sites.
Where Multi-Pair Security & Access Control Cables Fit
Key Construction Options
When to Choose Shielded vs. Non-Shielded
Selecting 18 AWG vs. 22 AWG
Common Use-Case Configurations
Industries and Facilities We Serve
Installation and Project Planning Benefits
Compatibility and Best Practices
Why Spec Windy City Wire Multi-Pair for Security & Access Control
From single-door openings to campus-wide access control and integrated security, Windy City Wire multi-pair security cables provide a dependable, code-conscious foundation for professional installations.
22 AWG and 18 AWG options are available across select multi-pair constructions and shielding types (individually shielded or non-shielded).
Available conductor color codes include: Black-Red/White-Green; Black/Red, White/Green, Brown/Blue; Black/Red, White/Green, Blue/Brown; Black/Red, White/Green; Black/Red, Green/White, Brown/Blue. Custom SmartWire jacket and stripe colors can also be made to your standards—contact Windy City Wire for details.
These SmartWire cables use bare copper conductors. Most control and access installations specify solid conductors for fixed runs, while stranded options may be available on select items for added flexibility. Confirm conductor construction per the specific part number.
At Windy City Wire we manufacture and stock SmartWire Security & Access Control cable wire in 1,000 ft length as our standard length. Select items in this category are also offered in 500 ft lengths.
- BACnet: A building automation protocol; when used as BACnet MS/TP it rides on an RS-485 physical layer and typically calls for a 120-ohm, low-capacitance twisted pair (often 22–24 AWG). Pair counts may increase when power or additional control lines are run alongside.
- RS-232: Single-ended, point-to-point signaling for short distances; commonly uses multi-conductor control cable with at least one twisted pair and a common reference. Shielding is recommended to limit noise; impedance control is less critical than with RS-485.
- RS-485: Balanced, differential bus supporting multi-drop networks over longer distances; best with 120-ohm, low-capacitance twisted pair (1–2 pairs depending on direction/control needs). Shielded constructions improve noise immunity in electrically noisy environments.