Security & Access Control Plenum Cables

Summary: Security & Access Control Plenum Cables

Security & Access Control Plenum Cables

Windy City Wire manufactures SmartWire low-voltage cable in the United States for professional security and access control installations in commercial and industrial facilities. Our plenum-rated security cable portfolio is built for code compliance in air-handling spaces while supporting clean terminations, consistent performance, and efficient pulls across access control panels, readers, door hardware, sensors, and auxiliary devices. As our partner, we focus on dependable products and practical solutions that help you complete projects on time, reduce rework, and standardize across jobs.

• Built for plenum spaces: UL Listed CL3P and CMP options help meet stringent fire and smoke requirements in return-air plenums and other environmental air spaces.
• All low-voltage: Bare copper conductors and non-shielded plenum constructions align with power-limited security and access control circuits.
• Installation efficiency: SmartWire Glide lubrication is applied to every cable jacket, reducing pull friction by up to 70% to save time in conduits and crowded pathways.
• Right-sized for the run: Multiple gauges (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 AWG) and conductor counts let you match current needs, distance, and device requirements without over- or under-specifying.
• Color identification: A wide range of jacket and stripe color options is available to help standardize your organization’s installations and simplify identification onsite. Contact us to discuss custom color requests.
• Compliance you can trust: UL plenum listings, RoHS compliance, and U.S. manufacturing support quality, consistency, and AHJ acceptance.

Lengths and options
Standard 1000 ft lengths are available across this category, with select constructions also offered in 500 ft and 250 ft. Constructions are non-shielded plenum.

Where these cables fit
Use SmartWire plenum security cable for door strikes and mag locks, card readers and keypads, request-to-exit devices, door position switches and contacts, panel I/O, power-limited runs, intercom control leads, intrusion sensors, and building automation signaling that must route through plenum spaces.

How Windy City Wire adds value to your next project
Choosing SmartWire plenum cables means fewer surprises at install time, consistent jacket handling, and the ability to standardize BOMs across facilities. Our broad portfolio allows you to select the correct gauge and conductor count for each opening, reduce parallel pulls, and streamline device terminations. Combined with our U.S.-made quality and responsive support, you get a dependable, scalable cable solution for security and access control projects.

Available Constructions

• 12 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Listed CL3P: Heavy-duty two-conductor plenum cable for higher-current door hardware and power-limited feeders in air-handling spaces. Bare copper supports reliable terminations and reduced voltage drop on longer runs.
• 14 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Listed CL3P: Versatile two-conductor plenum choice for access control power and annunciation circuits. Ideal where moderate current and low voltage drop are required.
• 14 AWG 3 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Three conductors for readers with LED/buzzer or REX devices needing an additional lead. Supports clean terminations and efficient home runs.
• 14 AWG 4 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Four-conductor build to combine power and control in one jacket. Helps reduce multiple pulls to the same opening.
• 16 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Listed C(UL)US CMP: CMP plenum cable for power-limited runs to locks, strikes, and sensors in return-air spaces. Satisfies stringent plenum fire/smoke requirements.
• 16 AWG 3 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Adds a third lead for shared power and control or reference wiring. Balanced choice between flexibility and current capacity.
• 16 AWG 4 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Listed C(UL)US CMP: Four-conductor CMP-rated option to consolidate power and I/O leads. Suitable for longer plenum runs with reduced voltage drop versus 18–22 AWG.
• 18 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Common pick for locks and power feeds on access-controlled doors. Offers a good balance of flexibility and current-carrying capability.
• 18 AWG 3 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Three conductors combine power and control in one cable. Helps eliminate separate pulls for auxiliary leads.
• 18 AWG 4 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Four-conductor construction for readers, keypads, and sensors with power, data, and status. Efficient for centralized panel terminations.
• 18 AWG 5 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Adds an extra control lead for devices with additional I/O. Consolidates multiple circuits into one plenum-rated jacket.
• 18 AWG 6 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Supports doors with multiple signals—DPS, REX, tamper, and power—in a single cable. Helps reduce penetrations and pathway congestion.
• 18 AWG 8 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): High-count option for multi-function openings or combined reader/lock/monitoring. Useful when expansion capacity is desired.
• 18 AWG 10 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Handles complex access points with numerous supervised inputs/outputs. Reduces separate pulls and simplifies cable management.
• 18 AWG 12 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Maximizes conductor count in 18 AWG for dense control bundles. Ideal for panel-to-door harnesses in plenum environments.
• 20 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Slimmer two-conductor option for lower-current devices over short to moderate runs. Good for sensors and relays where flexibility is valued.
• 20 AWG 3 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Three conductors for power plus signal on compact devices. Helps standardize terminations across similar endpoints.
• 20 AWG 4 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Four-conductor cable with a small outside diameter for multi-signal devices. Saves space in filled conduits and trays.
• 22 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Popular for contacts, sensors, and control loops with low current. Flexible and easy to manage at device back boxes.
• 22 AWG 3 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Adds an extra lead for supervised circuits or shared power. Efficient for simple access control points.
• 22 AWG 4 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Four-conductor design for readers, REX, and basic control wiring. A go-to for short to medium plenum runs where small size matters.
• 22 AWG 6 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Supports devices with multiple status and control points. Enables single-cable home runs to control panels.
• 22 AWG 8 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Higher count for auxiliary monitoring, audio triggers, or expanded I/O. Streamlines labeling and troubleshooting.
• 22 AWG 12 Conductor Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Consolidates many low-current control circuits into one plenum cable. Useful for dense panel terminations and harness builds.
• 22 AWG 6 Pair Bare Copper, Non-Shielded Plenum, UL Plenum Rated (CL3P or CMP): Twisted pair format aids organization and reduces crosstalk on control and sensor circuits. Preferred where pair-level identification is required.

Get started
Talk with Windy City Wire about your door-by-door requirements, conductor color needs, and stocking preferences. Our SmartWire plenum security cable products and solutions help you standardize, simplify installation, and deliver reliable access control performance across your portfolio.

Solutions: Security & Access Control Plenum Cables

Security & Access Control Plenum Cables from Windy City Wire are engineered for dependable low-voltage performance in commercial and industrial environments. Built for air-handling spaces and compliant plenum pathways, these non-shielded, bare copper constructions support the critical power and control circuits that keep doors, facilities, and assets secure. Our portfolio covers a wide range of gauges and conductor counts to match run length, load requirements, and panel design, helping integrators standardize on a security cable solution that installs cleanly and services efficiently over the life of the system.

Where these plenum-rated security cables are used

• Access control door hardware: electric strikes, magnetic locks, motorized locks, door operators, and power transfer hinges
• Sensing and egress: door position switches, request-to-exit devices, interlock/mantrap control, tailgate detection I/O, and turnstiles
• Intrusion systems: panel zone loops, keypads, sirens/sounders, relay outputs, and auxiliary power distribution
• Elevator and gate interfaces: relay control, floor call enable/disable, parking controls, and perimeter barrier control panels
• Video and intercom tie-ins: low-voltage power to edge devices (when PoE is not used), relay triggers, door release circuits, and station call signaling
• Building and facility integrations: BMS alarms/overrides, occupancy-based control I/O, rack access locks, and cabinet monitoring

Industries and environments served

• Corporate campuses and commercial real estate
• Healthcare facilities, labs, and life sciences
• K-12 and higher education
• Government, municipalities, and public safety buildings
• Data centers and technology campuses
• Manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution centers
• Hospitality, stadiums/entertainment venues, and retail
• Transportation hubs, airports, and parking structures
• Utilities and critical infrastructure

Integration-friendly for modern security systems

• Compatible with access control panels, door controllers, I/O expansion modules, and networked power supplies
• Supports lock power, dry contact signaling, relay control, and supervisory circuits common to Class 2 and Class 3 systems
• Clean terminations and clearly identifiable conductor color codes support faster panel builds, testing, and service
• SmartWire features are designed to help teams streamline installation workflows, documentation, and maintenance across multi-door deployments

Plenum compliance and construction

• UL Listed plenum-rated constructions available, including CL3P and CMP, for use in air-handling spaces per applicable codes
• Non-shielded, bare copper conductors for consistent conductivity and reliable low-voltage performance
• Excellent for runs above suspended ceilings and other plenum pathways where code requires plenum cable

Product range to match your design

• Multiple gauges available: 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 AWG
• Conductor counts from 2 conductors up to 12 conductors, plus select multi-pair options (such as 22 AWG 6-pair) for efficient home runs and panel wiring
• Standard length: 1000 ft, supporting large commercial projects and consistent project planning
• Non-shielded constructions optimized for lock power, dry contacts, relay control, and general access control signaling

How to select the right cable for the job

1. Match gauge to load and distance
   - 12–14 AWG: higher-current lock power, longer runs, or multi-device drops
   - 16 AWG: medium-distance lock power and control circuits
   - 18–22 AWG: panel I/O, door contacts, REX, relay control, and low-current signaling
2. Choose conductor count for the device set at each opening
   - 2C: single-function power or contact loops
   - 3–4C: lock power with a status or request signal
   - 6–12C: multi-function openings, interlocks, or combined devices sharing a home run
   - Multi-pair: structured panel terminations or grouped circuits to simplify organization
3. Confirm plenum pathways
   - Use CL3P/CMP plenum cable in air-handling spaces and wherever your specification or local code requires it.

Why security integrators choose Windy City Wire plenum cables

• Wide selection of gauges and conductor counts helps standardize projects across diverse sites and door types
• Plenum-rated, UL Listed constructions support code-compliant installs in commercial facilities
• Bare copper conductors and quality materials deliver consistent pulls and long-term reliability
• SmartWire features contribute to faster installs and clearer documentation, reducing callbacks and simplifying service

Whether you are wiring a single secure door or a campus-wide access control system, Windy City Wire can help you specify the correct security & access control plenum cable for lock power, control I/O, and panel terminations. Contact our team for assistance selecting the right AWG and conductor count for your load, distance, and device mix.

Frequently Asked Questions: Security & Access Control Plenum Cables

• What AWG conductors are available with this SmartWire Security & Access Control Plenum Cables cable?
  

  12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 AWG.

• What other colors is this SmartWire Security & Access Control Plenum Cables cable available in?
  
  • Black/Red
  • Black/White
  • Black/White/Red
  • Black/White/Red/Green
  • Black/Red/White/Green
  • Black/White/Red/Green/Brown
  • Black/White/Red/Green/Brown/Blue
  • Black/Red/White/Green/Brown/Blue
  • Black/White/Red/Green/Brown/Blue/Orange/Yellow
  • Green/White
  • Black/Red/Green/Yellow
  • Black/Red/White/Green/Brown/Blue/Orange/Yellow
  • White/Green
  • Blue/Brown
• Is this SmartWire Security & Access Control Plenum Cables cable made with solid or stranded copper conductors?
  

  These cables feature bare copper conductors. Stranded constructions are commonly used in this category for flexibility and easier terminations; contact Windy City Wire to confirm the construction for your specific part number or to discuss solid options.

• What length is this SmartWire Security & Access Control Plenum Cables cable sold in?
  

  Windy City Wire manufactures and stocks SmartWire Security & Access Control cable in a 1,000 ft length as our standard. Depending on the construction, additional options of 500 ft and 250 ft may also be available.

• What are some distinctions between BACnet, RS-232, and RS-485 cables?
  
  • BACnet: BACnet MS/TP typically runs over RS-485 cable. Use 120-ohm balanced, twisted pair with proper termination for multi-drop building automation networks.
  • RS-232: Single-ended, point-to-point signaling intended for short runs (often up to ~50 ft). Generally uses fewer conductors and does not support multi-drop networks.
  • RS-485: Balanced differential signaling for longer distances (often up to thousands of feet) and multi-drop topologies. Requires twisted pair, impedance control, and termination for noise immunity and network stability.

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