Differences of 22/4

[sloav]

I went into an electrical wholesaler, and asked for 22/4 wire and they gave me a look of which kind I needed. I always read on here that you need 22/4, but no specifics. The options I had were for shielded, not shielded, twisted, solid, plenum, 2 pairs, and 4 conductor. I told them it was for residential, motion sensors, and keypads. I probably will use it for door/window sensors if I buy it in a 1000 ft roll. They still didn't know which I needed. 
 
Will I need shielded? I will have to run near a couple power wires, but they will not be parallel  The controller I will be using is either HAI or Elk. 
 
From what I've read, it seems I would need twisted and 4 conductor, I'm just not sure if I will need shielded or not. I thought I had read that some keypads require it. 
 
Any help would greatly be appreciated.

 

[picta]

It is always better to use shielded wire for signal. 4 conductor 22 AWG stranded CL3R wire is standard for use with security systems. Solid wire is generally easier to connect and stranded wire is easier to pull. Homedepot sells 500' spools for under $100.

 

[sloav]

Thanks Picta, I wasn't sure on the quality from Home depot and if that was the correct one. The wholesaler was around 230 for non shielded and stranded 1,000 ft. Last time I was in Home Depot, they didn't actually have any 22/4 in stock, but did have some 22/2. I was hoping to have it by the weekend, so I'll have to ask around.

 

[snakevargas]

I used shielded stranded 22/4 for my recent installation. Bought it on ebay. 38 dollars for 500ft.

 

[newalarm]

I used unsheilded. Put i also really paid attention to where i ran my wire (at least 12" from parrallel electrical wires, and always crossed line voltage at a 90 degree angle, etc...)
 
Pay attention to the jacket. I got some cheap wire, and the jacket is super thin. In translation, that means, as you pull it through, you need to be EXTRA careful and if exposed, it is more likely to be damaged. Not worth the risk in retrospect.
 
my HD also did not have signal wire, and the local electrical place was SUPER expensive. There are alarm stores that sell to the trade that you may be able to get an account, local to you.

 

[Del91574]

CL2 or CL3 are both typical in a residence. Shielded is generally not needed for anything but 2 way audio, and in actuality, on many panels and keypads it cuts down the allowable length.

$230/M is very expensive and high. Usually about 1/4 that/M

 

[sloav]

Thanks everyone for the info.
 
DEL - Can I run a 100ft run with shielded?
 
I was talking to my dad(he ran his own security system a few years back), and he said that all he used was old telephone wire and he hasn't had any issues. It is a honeywell system with window/door sensors and a couple motion sensors. Does that sound right? 

 

[Neurorad]

I would not use telephone wire for keypads, contacts, or sensors.
 
I would use 22/4 and/or 22/2.  Unshielded.  CL2 or CL3 rated, printed on the jacket.
 
As an aside, for an Elk M1 install, I'd run 18/2 to each keypad, for a speaker (if anyone considering an M1 install is reading).
 
I would run cat6 cables for Elk M1 keypads; I don't know what would be ideal for the Honeywell you have - read the installation manual(s).
 
The shield is only useful if properly grounded - that info might be found in the installation manual.