Belden 5201UE 16 AWG 3 Conductor Unshielded Sound & Security Cable | CMR Riser Rated

Belden 5201UE is a commercial-grade, multi-conductor unshielded security and audio cable engineered for multi-circuit, low-voltage installations requiring an elevated current capacity or lower resistance than standard 18 AWG or 22 AWG wiring. Featuring 3 independent 16 AWG conductors, this cable balances robust current distribution with excellent space efficiency. It is UL-rated as CL3R / CMR (Communications Riser), making it safe and legally compliant for vertical pathways inside riser shafts, between floors, or within walls.

Key Features of Belden 5201UE

• Enhanced 16 AWG Power Profile: Built with larger 16 AWG conductors to support long operational runs and higher current demands, significantly lowering voltage drop and power loss compared to thinner cables.

• Streamlined Multi-Conductor Build: Packages 3 discrete 16 AWG circuits into a single, cohesive cable profile, minimizing installation labor and streamlining wire management behind multi-zone audio racks or control panels.

• CMR / CL3R Riser Safety Rating: Certified with a UL 1666 Riser rating. The flame-retardant outer jacket is engineered to prevent the spread of fire vertically from floor to floor, satisfying strict commercial building code requirements.

• Highly Conductive Stranded Copper: Manufactured with premium stranded bare copper conductors in a 19x29 stranding layout. This configuration delivers exceptional electrical conductivity while maintaining excellent physical flexibility for clean routing through wall cavities and conduits.

• Premium Polypropylene Insulation: Conductors are wrapped in a high-dielectric polypropylene (PP) insulation. This material ensures stable electrical performance and prevents physical conductor-to-conductor shorts within the outer jacket.

• Rip Cord Integration: Includes a built-in nylon rip cord beneath the jacket, allowing installers to easily score and strip back long sections of the outer sheath without risking damage to the inner conductor insulation.

Common Applications

• High-Power Sound & Commercial Audio: Perfect for high-wattage, low-impedance (4-ohm/8-ohm) speaker runs, professional monitoring setups, and long-distance constant-voltage (70V/100V) speaker networks in auditoriums, commercial venues, and places of worship.

• Access Control & Critical Security: Powering multi-device security arrays, heavy-duty magnetic door locks, electronic crash bars, motorized gates, and hardware nodes requiring stable low-voltage power supply loops.

• Addressable Fire & Emergency Systems: Connecting power-limited fire alarm components, multi-circuit notification appliances, and signaling networks requiring heavy-gauge multi-conductor infrastructure.

• Building Control & Signaling: Routing high-current low-voltage digital signals, power-limited relay controls, ventilation damper actuators, and climate control automation networks.

Conductor Identification: Belden Standard Multi-Conductor Color Code

• 1: Black

• 2: White

• 3: Red

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: Belden 5201UE

• Conductor Size: 16 AWG

• Number of Conductors: 3

• Conductor Type: Stranded Bare Copper (19x29 layout)

• Insulation Material: PP (Polypropylene)

• Shielding: None (Unshielded)

• Jacket Material: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) with Rip Cord - Gray

• Voltage Rating: 300V RMS

• Temperature Rating: -20 degrees C to +75 degrees C (Operating)

• Flame Test Ratings: UL1666 Riser, FT4

• Compliance Standards: NEC Article 725 Type CL3R / Article 800 Type CMR, California State Fire Marshal Approved, RoHS Compliant

Technical Note: Because Belden 5201UE is an unshielded cable, it is optimized for higher-power distribution and speaker pathways but lacks protection against severe high-frequency electromagnetic interference (EMI). To avoid signal degradation or inductive noise coupling, do not route this low-voltage cable parallel to high-voltage AC power lines (120V/240V or higher) within the same wall cavity or conduit unless separated by an approved physical barrier or a minimum distance of 50 mm (2 inches). If your project layout requires installation through drop ceilings utilized for environmental air exchange, the plenum-rated equivalent (Belden 6201UE) must be used instead.

CABLE TYPE: 16 AWG / 3-Conductor Stranded Unshielded Riser Cable

DISCLAIMER: The technical information provided is for general reference only. Low-voltage electrical, audio, and fire safety installations must strictly adhere to the National Electrical Code (NEC), local building structures, and relevant NFPA fire safety standards. Always cross-reference the official Belden manufacturer data sheet prior to finalizing physical system designs.

General Shipping Information

In-stock orders placed before 3pm EST typically ship within 1-2 business days. Our business days are Monday through Friday; we do not process orders on Saturday, Sunday, or major US Holidays.

You will receive an e-mail with a tracking number within 1-2 business days from the time its shipped. You will also be able to view your order status and tracking numbers in your account order history.

Expedited Shipping

Expedited shipments are delivered Monday-Friday except on US Holidays. The order must be placed before 12pm CST to ship same day ( Mon-Fri Only).

Returns

You have 30 days from the day you receive the item to contact us for a return. Returns are subject to a 30% Restocking Fee.

Please contact us at help@wireamerica.com to request a return authorization. Have your order number or name the order was placed with ready and we will email you an RMA (return) number and instructions for return. Currently, we do not offer exchanges. A new order must be placed if you need a different item. If you provide the new order number at the time of your return request, the restocking fee may be lowered.

Orders on any items with a material value of $50 or less are non-returnable.