Temperature Control - BAC NET™ | RS232/485 Cables

Summary: Temperature Control - BAC NET™ | RS232/485 Cables

Temperature Control – BAC NET™ | RS232/485 Cables

Windy City Wire manufactures SmartWire low-voltage temperature control wire and cable designed for reliable building automation communication. These constructions support BACnet MS/TP networks, RS-485 device loops, and RS-232 point-to-point connections used in thermostats, controllers, VAV boxes, sensors, and integration gateways. With low-capacitance options, robust shielding choices, and plenum and non-plenum ratings, our products and solutions help maintain signal integrity from the head-end to the field device.

Whether you specify rs-232 wire and cable, rs-232 wire and cable, or rs232 wire and cable, our BAC NET and RS232/485 offerings are engineered to meet code, reduce noise, and simplify installation. SmartWire is manufactured in the United States and comes standard with SmartWire Glide lubrication on the jacket, which can reduce pulling friction by up to 70% to streamline your installation without messy residue.

• Application-ready performance: Low-capacitance designs and aluminum foil shielding help protect BACnet (Bacnet) and RS-485 signals against EMI in noisy mechanical rooms and long corridor runs.
• Construction choices: Plenum (CMP/CL3P) and non-plenum (CM/CL3) constructions, plus a shielded direct-burial option, cover common installation environments.
• Shielding options: Overall foil shield or EPS (each pair shield) for added noise rejection where pair isolation is critical.
• Material options: Tinned copper for corrosion resistance and clean terminations, or bare copper for standard applications.
• Sizes and identification: Available in 18, 22, and 24 AWG with commonly requested conductor color codes for straightforward field terminations.
• Lengths: Standard 1000 ft, with additional 2500 ft and 500 ft options available to align with project takeoffs and reduce leftover scrap.
• Compliance: Selections include UL Listed CMP and CL3P plenum ratings, CM and CL3 non-plenum ratings, and RoHS compliant options.

Where these cables fit
BAC NET trunk and MS/TP segments, controller and supervisory communication lines, RS-485 device loops, RS-232 management ports, jobsite retrofits, and new BMS installations in commercial offices, education, healthcare, and industrial facilities.

Available Constructions

• 22 AWG 2 Conductor Tinned Copper Shielded Plenum Low-Cap CMP: Suited for BACnet MS/TP and RS-485 communications in plenum spaces where low capacitance helps maintain stable signaling. Overall foil shield supports EMI mitigation.
• 22 AWG 2 Conductor Bare Copper Shielded Plenum CMP: A solid choice for general RS-485 control loops in plenum environments. Overall foil shield provides noise rejection on shared pathways.
• 24 AWG 1 Pair Tinned Copper Shielded Plenum Low-Cap CMP: Compact plenum-rated pair for short RS-232 or RS-485 runs where space is limited. Low capacitance supports clean data transmission.
• 24 AWG 2 Pair Tinned Copper Shielded Plenum Low-Cap CL3P/CMP: Each pair is individually shielded (EPS) for enhanced crosstalk control on multi-drop BACnet segments. Ideal for combined control and monitoring pairs in one cable.
• 24 AWG 1.5 Pair Tinned Copper Shielded Plenum Low-Cap CMP: Flexible option when an extra conductor pair is required for auxiliary signals. Maintains plenum compliance with added noise protection.
• 22 AWG 1 Pair Tinned Copper Shielded Plenum CMP: Plenum-rated pair for point-to-point links or short controller interconnects. Tinned copper aids in corrosion resistance and easy soldering.
• 24 AWG 1 Pair Bare Copper Shielded Plenum CMP: Cost-effective plenum-rated pair where tinned conductors are not required. Overall foil shield supports signal integrity near HVAC equipment.
• 18 AWG 1 Pair Tinned Copper Shielded Plenum CMP: Larger gauge for longer RS-485 runs or when voltage drop is a concern. Tinned copper conductors help ensure durable terminations.
• 24 AWG 1 Pair Tinned Copper Shielded Non-Plenum Low-Cap CM, C(UL): For non-plenum risers and open spaces, this low-capacitance pair supports consistent data performance. Overall foil shield reduces interference.
• 18 AWG 1 Pair Tinned Copper Shielded Non-Plenum CL3/CM: Heavier gauge option for extended non-plenum runs or higher current low-voltage control needs. Suitable for equipment rooms and closed conduits.
• 24 AWG 2 Pair Tinned Copper Shielded Non-Plenum Low-Cap CM: Two-pair construction consolidates multiple signals into one jacket in non-plenum areas. Low-capacitance design supports communication accuracy.
• 24 AWG 1 Pair Tinned Copper Shielded Non-Plenum CM: General-purpose non-plenum pair for RS-232/485 patching and device drops. Overall foil shield helps block ambient electrical noise.
• 22 AWG 1 Pair Tinned Copper Shielded Direct Burial Non-UL: Designed for underground pathways between buildings or to exterior devices in conduit-rated applications. Rugged build supports long service life in outdoor runs.

Why choose Windy City Wire for BAC NET and RS232/485 projects

• SmartWire quality: U.S.-manufactured low-voltage cable built for the demands of temperature control wire and cable in modern BMS environments.
• Installation efficiency: SmartWire Glide lubrication is applied during manufacturing to help cables pull smoothly and reduce rework on tight pulls.
• Consistency and choice: Multiple AWGs (18, 22, 24), shielding formats (overall foil and EPS), and environments (plenum, non-plenum, direct burial) let you match cable to each segment of the system.
• Code alignment: Options include CMP/CL3P and CM/CL3 ratings to meet typical mechanical and electrical code pathways for building automation.
• Project fit: Standard 1000 ft lengths, plus 2500 ft and 500 ft options, help align with estimates and minimize leftover material.

Summary
Windy City Wire’s SmartWire BAC NET and RS232/485 temperature control wire and cable portfolio gives contractors and integrators dependable signal performance, clear construction choices, and jobsite efficiency. From plenum-rated low-capacitance designs for BACnet trunks to non-plenum and direct-burial runs, our products and solutions help you deliver stable communications across the entire building automation system—backed by U.S. manufacturing and a team committed to your next project’s success.

Solutions: Temperature Control - BAC NET™ | RS232/485 Cables

Temperature Control – BACnet | RS‑232/485 Cables

Windy City Wire supplies purpose‑built temperature control wire and cable engineered for reliable communication between building automation system (BAS) components. Whether you are networking BACnet MS/TP controllers over RS‑485, connecting legacy supervisory devices via RS‑232, or wiring sensors and actuators across large campuses, our constructions support consistent performance, code compliance, and straightforward installation.

Where these cables fit in your BAS

• Major control platforms: Trane, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Alerton, Delta Controls, Distech, Automated Logic, Carrier, and other open-protocol systems using Bacnet MS/TP or serial links.
• Common applications:
  • Controller trunks: BACnet MS/TP RS‑485 trunks and subnets, supervisory controller networks, and integration gateways.
  • Zone wiring: wall sensors, thermostats, VAV controllers, RTUs, fan coils, pumps, boilers, and chiller interfaces.
  • Field devices: damper and valve actuators, pressure, temperature, humidity, and CO₂ sensors; relays and I/O modules.
  • Inter-system integration: bridging BAS with lighting controls, access control, and energy dashboards over serial links.

Construction options aligned to BAS needs

• Multiple gauges for distance and device requirements:
  • 18 AWG 1 pair for longer runs or power‑limited devices (e.g., actuators with control and feedback).
  • 22 AWG and 24 AWG pairs for controller communication buses and sensors where low capacitance and signal integrity are critical.
• Conductor materials: tinned copper or bare copper options to match environment and termination preferences.
• Shielding choices to reduce noise:
  • Overall aluminum foil (O/A) shield for general BAS communications.
  • Each‑pair shielding (EPS) on multi‑pair designs to minimize crosstalk on more demanding networks.
• Plenum and non‑plenum compliance:
  • UL Listed CMP and CL3P/CMP for supply/return air spaces and above‑ceiling pathways.
  • CM/CL3 non‑plenum for standard pathways and device drops.
  • Direct‑burial selections for outdoor sensors, equipment pads, and inter‑building runs.
• Clear identification in the field: easy‑to-follow color coding (e.g., Black/White pairs, White‑Blue/Blue, White‑Orange/Orange, and Yellow single‑pair jackets) speeds termination and troubleshooting.

Why this matters for BACnet and serial communications

• Low‑capacitance designs help maintain signal quality on long MS/TP trunks and zone bus lines, reducing retries and data errors.
• Shielded constructions limit EMI/RFI in mechanical rooms, near VFDs, elevators, generators, and other electrical noise sources.
• Consistent diameter and quality materials support reliable terminations at controllers, DDC boards, and gateways across Trane, Honeywell, Alerton, and other ecosystems.
• RoHS compliance and UL listings simplify specification and inspection.

Typical integration scenarios

1. BACnet MS/TP trunks (RS‑485): Use shielded 22 or 24 AWG paired cables for controller chains, VAV networks, and floor‑level loops. Each‑pair shielded multi‑pair options help where multiple links run in parallel.
2. Point‑to‑point serial links (RS‑232): Where supervisory devices or gateways require direct serial connections, select the appropriate rs‑232 wire and cable with shielding to ensure clean signaling in electrically noisy areas.
3. Sensor and actuator drops: Choose 22 or 18 AWG pairs depending on run length and power/current needs; shielding preserves stable analog signals (e.g., 0–10 V, 4–20 mA) back to the controller.
4. Outdoor controls: Direct‑burial options are available for remote sensors, hydronic equipment pads, and campus‑wide BAS loops between buildings.

Industries and facilities we serve

• Commercial office and mixed‑use buildings
• Healthcare and life sciences: hospitals, labs, clean rooms
• Education: K‑12, higher education, residence halls
• Hospitality and entertainment venues
• Manufacturing, distribution, and process facilities
• Retail and shopping centers
• Government, municipal, and public safety buildings
• Data centers and critical environments
• Agriculture and greenhouse climate control

Selecting the right temperature control wire and cable

• Protocol and topology: For Bacnet MS/TP (RS‑485), use shielded paired cable sized to your maximum segment length and device count. For legacy integrations, specify rs-232 wire and cable for point‑to‑point connections.
• Environment: Use CMP/CL3P/CMP for plenum spaces; CM/CL3 for general spaces; direct‑burial for underground runs. Shielding is recommended near VFDs and heavy electrical loads.
• Distance and load: 24 or 22 AWG is typical for communication; step up to 18 AWG where longer distances or higher current on actuators and relays are expected.
• Pair count: Single‑pair is common for most sensors and serial links; multi‑pair options simplify pulls where multiple signals share a pathway.
• Identification: Choose color codes that match your documentation standards to speed commissioning and service.

Available lengths
To match project scale and reduce waste, select from multiple put‑up lengths, including 500 ft, 1000 ft, and 2500 ft options.

Compliance at a glance

• UL Listed C(UL)US CMP, CL3P/CMP, and CM/CL3 options available
• RoHS compliant constructions
• Shielded and EPS (each‑pair shielded) designs for noise mitigation

A note on legacy serial support
Many buildings still rely on serial integrations for gateways and specialized devices. Our rs232 wire and cable and RS‑485 offerings are designed to help maintain these links while you modernize around open protocols like Bacnet within your BAS.

Get help spec‑ing your cable
Need guidance on gauge, shielding, or ratings for a specific Trane, Honeywell, Alerton, or multi‑vendor BAS? Contact Windy City Wire for application support, submittal assistance, and takeoff reviews to ensure your temperature control wire and cable aligns with performance and code requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions: Temperature Control - BAC NET™ | RS232/485 Cables

• What AWG conductors are available with these SmartWire Temperature Control - BAC NET™ | RS232/485 cables?
  18 AWG, 22 AWG, and 24 AWG options are available across this SmartWire Temperature Control family.
• What other colors are these SmartWire Temperature Control - BAC NET™ | RS232/485 cables available in?
  Available color options include Black/White, White-Blue/Blue, White-Orange/Orange, Pair - Black/White, and Single - Yellow.
• Are these SmartWire Temperature Control - BAC NET™ | RS232/485 cables made with solid or stranded copper conductors?
  These cables use stranded copper conductors (tinned or bare copper depending on the item) for flexible, reliable Temperature Control and RS-485/BAC NET™ installations.
• What lengths are these SmartWire Temperature Control - BAC NET™ | RS232/485 cables sold in?
  Windy City Wire manufactures and stocks SmartWire Temperature Control wire in 1,000 ft length as our standard length. Select items are also available in 500 ft and 2,500 ft lengths.
• How is your SmartWire low-voltage Temperature Control cables sold on spools or in boxes?
  Our SmartWire Temperature Control wire is packaged in our patented RackPack carton to maximize labor savings and jobsite efficiency. Learn more about our RackPack: https://windycitywire.com/solutions/rackpack-overview

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