Temperature Control - Control Systems

Summary: Temperature Control - Control Systems

Temperature Control – Control Systems

Windy City Wire supplies purpose-built, low-voltage temperature control wire and cable for modern control systems. From controller trunks to sensor, actuator, and FIELD DEVICE terminations, our U.S.-made SmartWire products help contractors, integrators, and facility teams deploy reliable BAS and DDC infrastructure with fewer callbacks and faster installs.

SmartWire is our registered brand of low-voltage cable manufactured in the United States. Every SmartWire construction in this category is designed for control signals and low-voltage power-limited circuits commonly used in BAS, DDC, RS-485, BACnet MS/TP, Modbus, Lon, and related control networks.

Why SmartWire for control systems

• Built for signal integrity: Low-capacitance options and consistent twist lay support stable RS-485 and other control signaling over longer runs in BAS and DDC applications.
• Right shielding for the environment: Options include individually shielded pairs and overall foil shields (O/A) to reduce noise from VFDs and other electrical equipment.
• Code-compliant pathways: Plenum (CMP/CL3P) and non-plenum (CM/CMR/CL3) constructions help you match cable to space type and specification.
• Installation efficiency: SmartWire Glide lubrication is applied during manufacturing to reduce pulling friction by up to 70%, helping crews finish more pulls with less effort.
• Better inventory control: FastFIND Footage Markers appear every two feet to simplify footage calculations, confirm delivered quantity, and reduce waste across projects.
• Color identification: Broad jacket and stripe color options support standardized identification schemes across sites and trades. Ask us about custom colors to match your organization’s standards.
• Low-voltage focus: All SmartWire offerings in this category are engineered for low-voltage control work.

Designed for real BAS workflows

• Controller trunks and communication lines (BACnet MS/TP, Modbus RTU, Lon) across plenum and riser spaces.
• Zone buses, thermostat runs, sensor loops, and actuator leads where low capacitance and shielding improve stability.
• Multi-conductor options for panel wiring and multi-point FIELD DEVICE drops to reduce overall homeruns.

Available gauges, shielding, and length

• Gauges: 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24 AWG
• Shielding options: Shielded (overall and/or individually shielded pairs) and Non-Shielded
• Standard length: 1000 FT per item

Available constructions

• 22 AWG 2 Conductor Tinned Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Shielded, low-capacitance control pair for RS-485 links, sensors, and terminal devices in BAS/DDC.
• 22 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Shielded plenum control cable for general RS-232/485 and point-to-point control runs.
• 24 AWG 2 Pair Tinned Copper CMP/CL3P Low Voltage: Each pair individually shielded (O/A foil) and low-cap for zone bus and communication lines, including Lon and BACnet MS/TP.
• 24 AWG 1 Pair Tinned Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Shielded low-cap pair for short control, sensor, and thermostat circuits.
• 24 AWG 1.5 Pair Tinned Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Shielded plenum construction for combined thermostat and comm/sensor runs.
• 22 AWG 1 Pair Tinned Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Shielded plenum pair suited for sensor loops and controller I/O.
• 24 AWG 1 Pair Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Shielded plenum pair for general BAS control signaling where tinned conductors are not required.
• 18 AWG 1 Pair Tinned Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Shielded plenum pair for power-limited control and analog signal circuits.
• 24 AWG 1 Pair Tinned Copper CM (Non-Plenum) Low Voltage: Shielded low-cap pair for riser and general spaces outside the air plenum.
• 18 AWG 1 Pair Tinned Copper CL3/CM 300V (Non-Plenum): Shielded pair for power-limited control in non-plenum spaces.
• 24 AWG 2 Pair Tinned Copper CM (Non-Plenum) Low Voltage: Shielded low-cap two-pair for multi-point device drops and short trunk extensions.
• 16 AWG 1 Pair Tinned Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Non-shielded plenum pair for actuators and devices that need higher current capacity.
• 22 AWG 1 Pair Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Non-shielded plenum pair for general thermostat and control wiring.
• 22 AWG 2 Pair Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Non-shielded plenum two-pair for dual sensor or combined control runs.
• 18 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Shielded plenum multi-conductor for control power and signal in shared cable.
• 18 AWG 3 Conductor Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Shielded plenum three-conductor for combined power-limited and signal circuits.
• 18 AWG 4 Conductor Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Shielded plenum four-conductor for multi-point device terminations.
• 18 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper CMR (Non-Plenum) 300V: Shielded riser-rated control cable for vertical shafts and general spaces.
• 18 AWG 3 Conductor Bare Copper CMR (Non-Plenum) 300V: Shielded riser-rated three-conductor for panel and device wiring.
• 18 AWG 4 Conductor Bare Copper CMR (Non-Plenum) 300V: Shielded riser-rated four-conductor for bundled FIELD DEVICE connections.
• 18 AWG 3 Conductor Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Non-shielded plenum three-conductor for panel and room device wiring.
• 18 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Non-shielded plenum two-conductor for general control loops.
• 18 AWG 4 Conductor Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Non-shielded plenum four-conductor for multi-signal terminations.
• 20 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Non-shielded plenum option balancing flexibility and voltage drop.
• 20 AWG 4 Conductor Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Non-shielded plenum four-conductor for compact multi-signal runs.
• 16 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Non-shielded plenum pair for higher current control devices.
• 18 AWG 6 Conductor Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Shielded plenum six-conductor for dense I/O in panels and junctions.
• 18 AWG 6 Conductor Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Non-shielded plenum six-conductor for multi-point room device wiring.
• 23 AWG 4 Pair Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Category 6 unshielded data cable for controller networking, gateways, and head-end connections.
• 24 AWG 4 Pair Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Category 5e unshielded data cable for BAS switch-to-controller links and IP-enabled devices.
• 18 AWG 2 Pair Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Individually shielded pairs for noise-sensitive analog signals and control power.
• 22 AWG 4 Conductor Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Non-shielded plenum four-conductor for multi-sensor and peripheral wiring.
• 22 AWG 3 Conductor Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Shielded plenum three-conductor for mixed signal/control runs.
• 22 AWG 2 Pair Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Shielded plenum two-pair for BAS zone bus and device daisy chains.
• 14 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper CL3P (Plenum) 300V: Non-shielded plenum pair for power-limited control circuits requiring larger gauge.
• 24 AWG 3 Pair Solid Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Category 3 unshielded for legacy voice/control applications in BAS environments.
• 22 AWG 6 Conductor Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Shielded plenum six-conductor for multi-point FIELD DEVICE terminations.
• 22 AWG 8 Conductor Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Non-shielded plenum eight-conductor for high-density control wiring in ceilings and risers.
• 18 AWG 1 Pair Solid TFN 600V: Twisted solid pair for power-limited circuits requiring a 600-volt rated TFN insulation.
• 20 AWG 3 Conductor Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Shielded plenum three-conductor for balanced signal and control power paths.
• 20 AWG 3 Conductor Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Non-shielded plenum three-conductor for compact multi-signal runs.
• 22 AWG 3 Conductor Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low Voltage: Non-shielded plenum three-conductor for sensors and wall controllers.
• 22 AWG 1 Pair Tinned Copper Direct Burial (Non‑UL): Shielded moisture-resistant construction for underground sensors and control lines between buildings.

How we help you deliver better projects

• Reliable performance in control spaces: Low-capacitance and shielded options support stable communication on BAS trunks (BACnet MS/TP, Modbus, Lon) and clean analog signals to FIELD DEVICE endpoints.
• Faster, cleaner installs: SmartWire Glide lubrication and footage markers help crews plan routes, reduce pulls, and use more cable from every box.
• Fit to spec: Broad mix of AWGs (14–24), plenum and non-plenum ratings, shielded and non-shielded designs, and individually shielded pairs cover most control-system specs without substitutions.
• Standardized identification: Extensive jacket and stripe color options make it easier to maintain consistent standards across locations and trades.

Summary

When your project calls for dependable temperature control wire and cable, SmartWire from Windy City Wire gives you a focused portfolio for BAS and DDC needs. With U.S.-made quality, practical features that reduce labor, and constructions that match real jobsite conditions, our products and solutions help teams finish on time and support long-term system stability.

Solutions: Temperature Control - Control Systems

Temperature Control – Control Systems

Windy City Wire supplies temperature control wire and cable engineered for reliable communication, power-limited control, and sensor connectivity across Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Direct Digital Control (DDC) networks. From network trunks to field-level terminations, our constructions help reduce noise, support longer runs, and simplify installation in commercial and industrial environments.

Designed for leading control platforms

• Seamless use across major control ecosystems including Trane, Honeywell, Alerton, Johnson Controls, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Carrier, Delta Controls, and Distech Controls.
• Support for common protocols and topologies: BACnet MS/TP over RS‑485, Modbus RTU, LonWorks (Lon), and sensor/actuator home runs. For IP-based controllers and supervisory devices, plenum-rated Category cabling options help support BACnet/IP segments and device connectivity.
• Low-capacitance shielded pairs help maintain signal integrity on longer RS‑485 trunks and zone buses, reducing retransmissions and service calls.

Where temperature control cabling is used

• Air handlers, rooftop units, boilers/chillers, heat pumps, cooling towers, and energy recovery systems
• VAV/VVT boxes, terminal units, damper and valve actuators, and relay interlocks
• Room thermostats, wall modules, space sensors (temp, humidity, CO2), and pressure transducers
• Supervisory controllers, plant controllers, and integration panels for BAS and DDC
• Equipment monitoring, metering interfaces, and network backbones for central plants and mechanical rooms

Industries and facilities we serve

• Commercial offices, mixed‑use, and multi‑family
• Healthcare, laboratories, and life sciences
• K‑12 and higher education campuses
• Hospitality, retail, and entertainment venues
• Industrial manufacturing, warehouses, and distribution centers
• Data centers, mission‑critical spaces, airports, and transportation hubs
• Municipal and government facilities

Cable constructions that match the application

• Signal and control pairs: 22 and 24 AWG twisted, shielded low‑capacitance pairs are well‑suited for BACnet MS/TP, Modbus RTU, Lon trunks, zone buses, and sensitive sensor circuits.
• Power‑limited control: 18, 16, 20, and 14 AWG conductors available for longer runs, higher current draw on actuators, or multi‑device daisy chains where voltage drop must be minimized.
• Shielding choices: Overall foil shields (OAS) and unshielded (UNS) options let you balance noise immunity with flexibility and cost. Shielding is recommended in high-interference areas, near VFDs, and in dense mechanical spaces.
• Plenum and non‑plenum: CMP/CL3P plenum cables for air-handling spaces; CMR and CM non‑plenum options for general pathways where code allows. RoHS compliance supports modern specification requirements.
• Pair counts and multi‑conductor: From 1‑pair sensor runs to multi‑pair or multi‑conductor designs for combined control and monitoring. Individually shielded pairs are available where cross‑talk must be minimized.
• Direct‑burial options: For outdoor sensors, remote equipment pads, and site networking between buildings when conduit is impractical.
• TFN insulation: Select 600‑volt TFN constructions for specific control circuits and equipment interconnects when required by the design.
• Data connectivity: Plenum‑rated Category 5e and Category 6 options for controllers and supervisory equipment using Ethernet or BACnet/IP.

How to choose the right temperature control wire and cable

1. Match the protocol: For RS‑485 (BACnet MS/TP, Modbus) or Lon trunks, choose 22–24 AWG twisted, shielded, low‑capacitance pairs to maintain signal integrity on longer runs.
2. Plan for distance and load: Use larger gauges (18, 16, 14 AWG) for actuator power leads or long home runs to reduce voltage drop and maintain device performance.
3. Consider the environment: Use CMP/CL3P in plenum spaces, CMR where acceptable, and direct‑burial for outdoor pathways. Add shielding in areas with VFDs, generators, or dense power distribution.
4. Organize by function: Dedicate pairs for supervisory trunks, FIELD DEVICE terminations, and sensor leads to simplify commissioning and service.
5. Plan for growth: Where future devices are expected, select multi‑pair or multi‑conductor cables to minimize future pulls and downtime.

Application highlights by subsystem

• Supervisory trunks: Shielded, low‑capacitance 22–24 AWG twisted pairs for BACnet MS/TP and Lon controllers on Trane, Honeywell, and Alerton networks.
• Zone and terminal devices: 22–24 AWG pairs for thermostats and room modules; 18–16 AWG for damper/valve actuators and relay control where current draw is higher.
• Plant equipment: Shielded pairs for sensor signals (temperature RTDs/thermistors, pressure) and multi‑conductor cables for pump/VFD interlocks and status circuits.
• IP controllers: Plenum Category cable for BACnet/IP and controller‑to‑switch connections in ceiling spaces and mechanical rooms.

Installation and service advantages

• Low‑capacitance designs support stable communication on long runs, helping reduce retries and improve commissioning speed.
• Durable jackets and easy‑to‑identify conductors streamline termination and testing.
• When paired with our SmartWire approach to cable management, teams can stage, route, and document temperature control cabling more efficiently across floors and zones, improving pull consistency and reducing waste.

Why Windy City Wire

• Broad portfolio spanning 14–24 AWG control conductors and 23–24 AWG data cables to cover sensor circuits, actuator power, network trunks, and IP connectivity.
• Plenum and non‑plenum offerings, with shielded and unshielded options, help match specification and code requirements across diverse project types.
• UL‑listed and RoHS‑compliant constructions support rigorous project documentation and approvals.
• Consistent performance across BAS and DDC platforms from Trane, Honeywell, Alerton, and other major manufacturers.

Get started
Specify Windy City Wire for dependable temperature control wire and cable on your next BAS project. Our team can help you align gauge, shielding, and rating with system requirements, site conditions, and installation goals.

Frequently Asked Questions: Temperature Control - Control Systems

• What AWG conductors are available with these SmartWire Temperature Control Systems cable?

  Multiple gauge options are available to match your control system needs, including 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, and 24 AWG. Constructions span shielded and non-shielded designs (including OAS) across plenum and non-plenum ratings.

• What other colors are these SmartWire Temperature Control Systems cable available in?

  SmartWire® offers a wide range of color codes to streamline identification in the field. Available options include: Black/White; White-Blue/Blue; White-Orange/Orange; Pair - Black/White; Single - Yellow; White/Blue; Black/White/Red; Black/White/Red/Green; Black/White/Red/Green/Brown/Blue; Black-Red/White-Green; Black/Red/Green/Yellow; Black/Gray; Black/Orange; Black/Violet; Black/Tan; Black/Yellow; Black/White/Blue; Black/White/Violet; Black/White/Tan; Black/White/Yellow; Black/White/Purple; Black/White, Red/Blue; Black/Red/Green; Blue-White/White-Blue; Black/Red/White/Green; Black/Red; White/Green; Brown/Blue; Black/White/Red/Green/Brown/Blue/Orange/Yellow; Black/White/Red/Green/Brown; Black/Red/White. Select constructions also feature jacket colors such as Yellow, Raspberry, Orange, and Blue. Custom jacket and stripe color combinations are available to standardize your installs—contact Windy City Wire for details.

• Are these SmartWire Temperature Control Systems cable made with solid or stranded copper conductors?

  Both are available. Depending on the part number, SmartWire® Temperature Control cables are manufactured with either solid or stranded copper conductors, in bare copper or tinned copper variants. All stock SmartWire cables include SmartWire Glide lubrication on the jacket to reduce pull friction by up to 70%.

• What lengths are these SmartWire Temperature Control Systems cable sold in?

  At Windy City Wire we manufacture and stock SmartWire® Temperature Control cable in 1,000 ft lengths as our standard. Additional lengths of 100 ft, 250 ft, 500 ft, and 2,500 ft are available on select items.

• How is your SmartWire low-voltage Temperature Control cables sold on spools or in boxes?

  Our SmartWire® Temperature Control cable is packaged in our patented RackPack carton as part of the complete RackPack Field Systems Solution that enhances safety and efficiency while helping reduce labor costs. Learn more about our RackPack: https://windycitywire.com/solutions/rackpack-overview

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• Learn more about our SmartWire Cable
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