Belden 5309UE 18 AWG 12 Conductor Unshielded Sound & Security Cable | CMR Riser Rated

Belden 5309UE is a commercial-grade, multi-conductor unshielded security and audio cable engineered for multi-circuit low-voltage control and signal distribution. Featuring 12 independent 18 AWG conductors, this cable is designed to support longer cable runs and higher current demands with less voltage drop than standard 22 AWG options. It is UL-rated as CMR (Communications Riser), making it code-compliant for vertical installations inside riser shafts, between floors, or within walls, bundling multiple zones or control lines into a single structured pull.

Key Features of Belden 5309UE

• Heavy-Duty 18 AWG Wire Gauge: Built with robust 18 AWG conductors to support longer installation distances and minimize line resistance, ensuring reliable signal and power distribution across complex layouts.

• 12-Conductor Distribution Layout: Combines 12 discrete, color-coded circuits under a single jacket, drastically reducing physical deployment time and organizing multi-zone environments into a clean home-run path.

• CMR Riser Safety Rating: Certified with a UL 1666 Riser rating. The flame-retardant outer PVC 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 7x26 stranding layout. This design balances cross-sectional mass with optimal physical flexibility for neat routing through walls and crowded terminal enclosures.

• Premium Polypropylene Insulation: Conductors are wrapped in a high-dielectric polypropylene (PP) insulation. This thin-wall formulation delivers superior electrical performance and defense against conductor shorting while keeping the overall diameter slim.

• 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

• Commercial Security & Access Control: Interconnecting multi-zone alarm control panels, keypad matrices, card readers, biometric scanners, and heavy-duty magnetic locks or door strikes requiring low-voltage power supply loops.

• Intercom & PA Systems: Routing multi-station voice paths, balanced paging networks, and master control lines in schools, commercial offices, and healthcare complexes.

• Sound & Audio Distribution: Connecting multi-channel background music networks, low-voltage paging zones, and localized audio controls where line loss needs to be managed over extended distances.

• Background Control & Signaling: Distributing multi-circuit low-voltage digital signals, power-limited relay controls, HVAC sensor loops, thermostat zones, and building automation commands.

Conductor Identification: Belden Multi-Conductor Color Code Chart

• 1: Black

• 2: Red

• 3: White

• 4: Green

• 5: Brown

• 6: Blue

• 7: Orange

• 8: Yellow

• 9: Purple

• 10: Gray

• 11: Pink

• 12: Tan

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: Belden 5309UE

• Conductor Size: 18 AWG

• Number of Conductors: 12

• Conductor Type: Stranded Bare Copper (7x26 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, IEC 60332-1-2

• Compliance Standards: NEC Article 800 Type CMR, CEC Type CMG, California State Fire Marshal Approved, RoHS Compliant

Technical Note: Because Belden 5309UE is an unshielded cable, it is highly flexible but lacks defense against high-frequency electromagnetic interference (EMI). To avoid signal degradation, noise coupling, or data corruption, 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 layout requires installation through drop ceilings utilized for environmental air exchange, the plenum-rated equivalent (Belden 6309UE) must be used instead.

CABLE TYPE: 18 AWG / 12-Conductor Stranded Unshielded Riser Cable

DISCLAIMER: The technical information provided is for general reference only. Low-voltage electrical and security 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.