Category 08 · low voltage
We buy fire alarm and low-voltage cable
Red jacketed fire alarm cable, plenum and riser constructions, thermostat wire and low-voltage control cable — usually in boxes, usually partly used.
Life-safety and low-voltage wiring
Fire alarm cable is identified by its listing: FPLR for riser installations, FPLP for plenum spaces, and FPL for general use. It is typically 14, 16 or 18 AWG, two to four conductors, with a red jacket and a print that repeats the listing.
Low-voltage cable covers CL2 and CL3 rated cable for audio, control and signalling, thermostat wire in 18/2 through 18/8, doorbell and access control cable, and low-voltage lighting control wire.
We buy these in 500-foot and 1,000-foot boxes, on spools, and as partial boxes with the remaining length written on the flap. Original packaging with the listing visible is the easiest to quote.
Alarm contractors and building closeouts
Fire alarm work is device-dense and cable-light: a contractor might install 300 devices across a building and finish with three partial boxes of red 16/2 and one of 14/2. Those partials accumulate in the van and then in the shop.
- FPLR and FPLP partial boxes from alarm installers.
- CL3 and CL2 cable from audio, access control and building automation work.
- Thermostat wire from HVAC contractors and controls installers.
- Plenum cable left over from a data or AV package.
- Unopened boxes from a cancelled fit-out.
Because these are low-value-per-foot products, quantity matters more than in feeder cable. A single partial box may not be worth a pickup on its own; a shelf of them is a different conversation.
Listings, gauge and conductor count
Send the listing (FPLR, FPLP, CL2, CL3), the gauge, the conductor count and the remaining footage. On a box, the end label carries all four; on a spool, the print and the tag do.
Note whether the cable is shielded, and whether it is solid or stranded. Fire alarm cable is usually solid; audio and control cable may be stranded.
If the box has been opened and the length is unknown, give us the weight or the approximate diameter of the remaining coil. For low-voltage cable, that estimate is usually good enough.
Send low-voltage cable details
Listing, gauge, conductor count, footage and the number of boxes or spools.
Fire alarm and low-voltage questions
Do you buy opened boxes of fire alarm cable?
Yes, if the remaining length is known or can be estimated. A box with 200 feet left is still useful.
What is the difference between FPLR and FPLP?
FPLR is rated for riser shafts; FPLP is rated for plenum air spaces. Both are bought, and the print should show the listing.
Do you buy thermostat wire?
Yes, in 18/2 through 18/8, on spools or in boxes.
Is alarm cable with a damaged outer jacket accepted?
Small scuffs are normal. Deep cuts exposing conductors, or cable that has been wet, are assessed from photos.
Shelf of partial alarm boxes?
List the listings and lengths. Low-voltage lots are quoted as a group.
Keep reading
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- Wire sizes we buyReference
- Who we buy fromSeller guide
- BirminghamJefferson County
- HuntsvilleMadison County
- MobileMobile County