Appendix e: wire requirements – Fire-Lite MS-9050UDC Addressable Fire Alarm Control Panel User Manual
Page 171

MS-9050 Series Manual — P/N 52413:G 4/14/2014
171
Appendix E: Wire Requirements
T-tapping of the SLC loop wiring is allowed for 2-wire (Style 4) configurations. The total resis-
tance of any branch cannot exceed 40 ohms. The total wire length of all branches cannot exceed 
10,000 feet (3,000 m).
Connecting external system accessories to the MS-9050UD main circuits must be carefully consid-
ered to ensure proper operation. It is important to use the correct type of wire, wire gauge and wire 
run length for each MS-9050UD circuit. Reference the charts below to specify wire requirements 
and limitations for each MS-9050UD circuit.
SLC Loop Using Twisted, Unshielded Wire
While shielded wire is not required, it is recommended that all SLC wiring be twisted-pair to mini-
mize the effects of electrical interference. Use the following table to determine the specific wiring 
requirements for the SLC when various wire is used.
NOTE:
If the SLC loop is to be run in conduit with Notification Appliance Circuits, the risk of
encountering problems can be greatly reduced by exclusively employing electronic sounders 
(such as MA/SS-24D) instead of more electronically noisy notification appliances such as 
electromechanical bells or horns
CIRCUIT CONNECTIONS
WIRE REQUIREMENTS
Circuit Type
Circuit Function
Wire Type and Limitations
Recommended
Max. Distance
Feet (meters)
Wire Gauge and Compatible Brands
SLC loop
(power-limited)
Connects to 
Addressable 
Devices
Twisted, shielded pair
40 ohms maximum per length 
of Style 6 and 7 loops. 40 
ohms per branch maximum 
for Style 4 loops
10,000 (3,000 m)
8,000 (2,400 m)
4,875 (1,450 m)
3,225 (980 m)
12 AWG (3.25 mm
2
): Genesis 4410,
 Signal 98230, Belden 9583, WPW999
14 AWG (2.00 mm
2
):Genesis 4408 & 4608
 Signal 98430, Belden 9581, WPW995
16 AWG (1.30 mm
2
): Genesis 4406 & 4606
 Signal 98630, Belden 9575, WPW991
 Direct Burial Cable Isotec NP713110VNQ-S
18 AWG (0.75 mm
2
): Genesis 4402 & 4602
 Signal 98300, Belden 9574, WPW975
 Direct Burial Cable Isotec NP714110VNQ-S
Twisted, unshielded pair
40 ohms maximum per length 
of Style 6 and 7 loops. 40 
ohms per branch maximum 
for Style 4 loops
10,000 (3,000 m)
8,000 (2,400 m)
4,875 (1,450 m)
3,225 (980 m)
12 AWG (3.25 mm
2
): Belden 5020UL &
 6020UL, Genesis WG-4315 & WG-4515
14 AWG (2.00 mm
2
):Belden 5120UL &
 6120UL, Genesis WG-4313 & WG-4513
16 AWG (1.30 mm
2
): Belden 5220UL &
 6220UL, Genesis WG-4311 & WG-4511
18 AWG (0.75 mm
2
): Belden 5320UL &
6320UL, Genesis WG-4306 & WG-4506
Untwisted, unshielded pair
1
3,000 (900 m)
12-18 AWG (3.25 - 0.75 mm
2
) using listed wire
ANN-BUS
(EIA-485)
(power-limited)
Connects to 
annunciator 
modules
Twisted pair with a 
characteristic impedance of 
120 ohms or less
6,000 (1,800 m)
refer to Table 2.1, “Wiring Distances,” on page 37.
EIA-232
(power-limited)
connects to PC 
computer
Twisted, shielded pair
50 (15 m)
18 AWG (0.75 mm
2
) minimum
MMF-300 and 
MMF-301
(power-limited)
Initiating Device 
Circuit: Contact 
Closure
Maximum loop wire 
resistance is 1500 ohms
2,500 (760 m)
12-18 AWG (3.25 - 0.75 mm
2
)
MMF-302
(power-limited)
Initiating Device 
Circuit: Two-wire 
Modules
No more than a 2.4 volt drop 
allowed at end of circuit. 
Maximum loop wire 
resistance is 25 ohms
2,500 (760 m)
12-18 AWG (3.25 - 0.75 mm
2
)
CMF-300
(power-limited)
Notification 
Appliance 
Circuit
In alarm, no more than a 1.2 
volt drop allowed at end of 
circuit
Distance limitation 
set by 1.2 volt 
maximum line drop
12-18 AWG (3.25 - 0.75 mm
2
)
Table E.1 FACP Wire Specifications
1 When using untwisted, unshielded wire, full conduit is recommended for optimum EMI/RFI protection.
