Alarm Cable | 4, 6 & 8 Core | Meteor Electrical

AL8 In-Stock

8 Core Alarm Cable White (100mt coil)

£28.24 inc. VAT

AL4 In-Stock

4 Core Alarm Cable White (100mt coil)

£16.40 inc. VAT

AL6 In-Stock

6 Core Alarm Cable White (100mt coil)

£21.44 inc. VAT

AL12 In-Stock

12 Core Alarm Cable White (100mt coil)

£42.38 inc. VAT

FIR4C1.5R/EU Ships in 3-5 days

Kilflam Enhanced 3000 4 Core Fire Alarm Cable

£322.80 inc. VAT

How to choose the right alarm cable

Alarm cable comes in two very different families: security (intruder) alarm cable and fire alarm cable. They are not interchangeable, so the first step is always to confirm which type of system you are wiring.

Security alarm cable

Multicore security cable carries power and signal between the panel and devices. Choosing the core count is a matter of adding up what each device needs:

4 core – simple devices such as door contacts or basic sensors (power plus one signal pair).
6 core – PIR detectors with alarm and tamper circuits.
8 core – keypads, sounders or detectors with extra outputs, leaving spare cores.
12 core – trunk runs between the panel and multiple devices, or complex keypads.

Always leave spare cores in case a device needs changing later; it costs little at first fix and saves a re-run.

Fire alarm cable

Fire detection and alarm circuits must keep working during a fire, so they need fire resistant cable such as Kilflam Enhanced 3000. Standard and enhanced grades are specified for different system categories, so check the system design and the applicable fire alarm standard (BS 5839-1 in the UK) before buying. Use metal clips or fixings that will not fail in a fire, and see our full fire resistant cable range for 2 core and earth options.

Installation tips

Keep alarm cables segregated from mains wiring to reduce interference and false alarms, and never share a compartment unless the cables are suitably rated. Conceal runs where possible, as exposed cable is easier to tamper with. Use mini trunking on solid walls, and connect to panels and detectors following the manufacturer's diagrams. For the system hardware itself, browse our fire alarm systems.

Meteor Electrical is a family-run wholesaler with 5,000+ products in stock. Orders over £30 / €35 ex VAT ship free, and credit accounts are available subject to approval. Call 028 8675 1515 (048 from ROI) for help.

FAQ's Ask Your Own Question

How many cores do I need for a PIR detector?: Most wired PIR detectors use six cores: two for power, two for the alarm contacts and two for the tamper circuit. Some panels and detectors need more, for example for remote LED control or anti-masking. Check the detector and panel manufacturer's wiring diagrams, and consider 8 core to leave spares.
Can I use security alarm cable for a fire alarm system?: No. Fire alarm circuits must use cable designed to keep working in a fire, such as enhanced or standard fire resistant cable. Ordinary security alarm cable will fail quickly when exposed to heat. Check the system design and applicable fire alarm standards for the grade of cable required.
Is alarm cable screened?: Some alarm cables include an overall foil screen and drain wire to reduce interference, while others are unscreened. Screened cable is useful for long runs or electrically noisy environments. Check the product description and data sheet, and connect the screen at the panel end only unless the manufacturer says otherwise.
Can alarm cable run in the same trunking as mains cables?: Alarm cable is a low-voltage cable and should be segregated from mains cables, usually by running it in a separate compartment or separate containment. Unless every cable is insulated for the highest voltage present, sharing a compartment is generally not permitted. Check current wiring regulations for segregation rules.
Can I use alarm cable for CCTV or access control?: Multicore alarm cable is often used for door entry, access control locks and push-to-exit buttons, provided the conductor size suits the current and run length. For analogue CCTV video, use coaxial cable, and for IP cameras, network cable. Check the equipment manufacturer's cable recommendations before buying.
How should alarm cable be fixed?: Alarm cable can be clipped, run in trunking or concealed in walls and ceiling voids. Fix it at regular intervals so it does not sag, and avoid sharp bends or crushing the sheath. Fire alarm cable should use fixings that will not fail in a fire, such as metal clips, in line with current regulations.