Cable Types & Ratings Field Guide for Low Voltage Technicians

A practical field guide that breaks down the different cable types, ratings, and installation considerations low-voltage technicians need to understand in the field.

This guide covers category cable, coax, speaker wire, security cable, access control cable, fire alarm cable, fiber, shielded cable, direct burial cable, plenum cable, riser cable, outdoor-rated cable, stranded vs solid conductors, copper vs copper-clad aluminum, jacket ratings, and common cable selection mistakes.

Inside this guide, you’ll learn:

• Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A, and when each one makes sense
• Plenum vs riser vs general-purpose cable
• Direct burial and outdoor-rated cable considerations
• Shielded vs unshielded cable
• Solid vs stranded conductors
• Pure copper vs copper-clad aluminum
• Cable types used for cameras, access control, audio, security, networking, and fiber
• Common jacket ratings and what they mean
• Voltage drop and distance considerations
• Cable installation best practices
• Common field mistakes to avoid
• How to choose the right cable before pulling wire

This guide is designed for newer low-voltage techs, helpers, installers, DIY-minded homeowners, and anyone who wants a clearer understanding of which cable to use and why.

Built by a tech, for techs.

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