Consider the conductor count, wire gauge, stranded construction, and unshielded or shielded design needed for the connected devices, such as keypads, sounders, intercoms, control panels, and alarm circuits. Also match the cable’s jacket rating and listing, such as CL2, CL3R, CL3P, FPLR, or FPLP, to the installation space and local requirements, then choose a reel or dispensing box with a suitable length for the project.

Riser-rated multi-conductor cables, such as CL3R or FPLR, are designed for vertical runs between floors and other nonplenum spaces. Plenum-rated cables, such as CL3P or FPLP, are designed for air-handling spaces where the cable jacket must support stricter flame and smoke requirements, so select the rating based on the pathway and applicable local codes.

Shielded multi-conductor cables include a conductive layer that helps limit electromagnetic interference, while unshielded cables do not have that added layer and are typically simpler to install. Use shielded cable near motors, power wiring, or other noise sources when signal integrity is a concern, and use unshielded multi-conductor cable for many security, alarm, fire alarm, signal control, intercom, and audio connections in lower-noise environments.

Stranded construction and tangle- and twist-free dispensing boxes can make multi-conductor cables easier to pull and route through an installation. Jacket colors, conductor counts, and descending length markings help installers identify cable types, configurations, and remaining cable during the job.