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Bettesworth Construction
electromagnetic interference

FCI 7200 Wiring: Cable Requirements and Electrical-Noise Control

The 1997 FCI 7200 manual specifies unshielded twisted-pair wiring in separate, grounded conduit for the analog signaling line circuits it covers, plus defined resistance, capacitance, and conductor-separation limits.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 2 min read
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The 1997 FCI 7200 Series Installation/Operating Manual specifies unshielded twisted-pair cable in separate, grounded conduit for the analog signaling line circuits it describes. It sets maximum line resistance at 40 ohms and maximum capacitance at 0.5 μF. For common-mode noise problems, it says an NCM-1 Noise Control Module may be installed. These are specifications from the legacy manual, not confirmation of current code compliance.

What cable and routing does the FCI 7200 manual specify?

For the analog signaling line circuits covered by the manual, Fire Control Instruments, Inc. specifies unshielded twisted-pair wiring installed in separate, grounded conduit to protect against extraneous electrical interference. The instruction is circuit-specific; it should not be generalized to every conductor or circuit in an FCI 7200 installation.

The manual gives these electrical limits for the cited analog signaling line circuit:

  • Maximum line resistance: 40 ohms.
  • Maximum circuit capacitance: 0.5 μF.

These figures come from the FCI 7200 Series Installation/Operating Manual, part 9000-0176, Version 2.12, copyright 1997. They are manufacturer specifications for the equipment described in that document, not modern code limits.

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What should you do if the circuit has noise?

The manual says that an NCM-1 Noise Control Module may be installed in the event of common-mode noise problems. This is a conditional measure, not a claim that all interference is common-mode noise or that the NCM-1 resolves every noise fault. Confirm compatibility with the installed panel configuration and current equipment documentation before considering the module.

Which wiring details depend on the installation?

The manual includes specific diagrams and instructions for Class A and Class B signaling line circuit arrangements. The proper arrangement depends on the equipment and approved system design; use the applicable diagram rather than substituting generic fire-alarm wiring advice. The 1998 IDU addendum, part 9000-0437, is a separate document that directs readers to 9000-0176 for general installation information. IDU-specific instructions should not be treated as applying to every FCI 7200 circuit.

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  • These (UL) Certified Riser / FPLR rated cables have been designed specifically and approved by the NEC (National Electric Code) for use in fire alarms and signal control circuits, as well as other fire protection devices and are rated for installation for use in between floors and in non-plenum areas. They are rated NEC 760 FPLR, 800CMR and 725 CL2R This cable is not recommended for outdoor use or direct burial
  • EWCS's 16 AWG cable is made of two solid bare 100% copper conductors color coded Black and Red. The cable is shielded with an aluminum mylar shield, and has a solid 24 AWG tinned copper drain wire. It is rated for 300 volts 75C. This cable has a Red PVC jacket. A rip cord is included for easy stripping
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The manual also limits analog-device selection: it calls for manufacturer-approved listed analog sensors, bases, monitor modules, and control modules referenced by publication 9000-0427. Check that publication and the documentation for the specific installed equipment before selecting or replacing a device.

How should power-limited and non-power-limited conductors be separated?

The manual’s transient-overvoltage section specifies at least 1/4 inch separation between power-limited and non-power-limited field conductors. It identifies AC power, standby battery, and municipal box circuits as exceptions to the power-limited designation. Apply the separation instruction to the relevant field wiring and verify the terminal locations and routing against the panel diagrams.

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18 AWG 2/C Solid 100% Copper EWCS FPLR Riser Rated Shielded Fire Alarm Cable (UL) Certified - 1000 Feet
  • These (UL) Certified Riser / FPLR rated cables have been designed specifically and approved by the NEC (National Electric Code) for use in fire alarms and signal control circuits, as well as other fire protection devices and are rated for installation for use in between floors and in non-plenum areas. They are rated NEC 760 FPLR, 800CMR and 725 CL2R This cable is not recommended for outdoor use or direct burial
  • EWCS's 18 AWG cable is made of two solid bare 100% copper conductors color coded Black and Red. The cable is shielded with an aluminum mylar shield, and has a solid 24 AWG tinned copper drain wire. It is rated for 300 volts 75C. This cable has a Red PVC jacket. A rip cord is included for easy stripping
  • This cable has a diameter of .155” and weighs 21# per 1000 Feet. Footage markings have been added to the jacket so you can always determine the amount remaining on the spool. The cable ships on a 12” diameter plywood spool
  • All EWCS products are proudly made in the USA! Have a job that needs another conductor count or requires a different length or different color jacket? EWCS offers a selection of hundreds of electronic & fire alarm cables, rated Riser or Plenum in non-shielded or shielded configurations
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What the 1997 manual can—and cannot—establish

The cited instructions come from the FCI 7200 Series Fire Alarm Control Installation/Operating Manual, part 9000-0176, Version 2.12, copyright 1997, intended for factory-trained installers and operators. It is legacy equipment documentation. By itself, it does not establish compliance with current electrical or fire-alarm codes, local authority requirements, or the approval and support status of equipment now in service. Have qualified fire-alarm personnel verify the installed configuration and applicable requirements before work.

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