Belden 530BUE 18 AWG 20 Conductor Unshielded Sound & Security Cable | CMR Riser Rated

Belden 530BUE is a commercial-grade, multi-conductor unshielded security and audio cable engineered for high-density, low-voltage control and signal distribution. Featuring 20 independent 18 AWG conductors, this heavy-duty composite cable is built to handle multiple circuits simultaneously while delivering lower DC resistance over long distances than standard 22 AWG cables. It is UL-rated as CMR (Communications Riser), making it code-compliant for vertical installations inside riser shafts, between floors, or within walls, streamlining complex multi-zone layouts into a single pulled cable.

Key Features of Belden 530BUE

• Heavy-Duty 18 AWG Wire Gauge: Built with robust 18 AWG conductors to support longer cable runs and higher current demands with minimal voltage drop, ensuring stable signal transmission for complex low-voltage networks.

• Massive 20-Conductor Capacity: Combines 20 separate circuits under a single outer sheath, drastically lowering deployment time, labeling logistics, and conduit congestion compared to pulling multiple smaller wire pairs.

• CMR Riser Safety Rating: Certified with a UL 1666 Riser rating. The flame-retardant 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 robust cross-sectional mass with optimal physical flexibility for routing through crowded wall channels or junction enclosures.

• Premium PVC Insulation: Conductors are wrapped in a high-dielectric polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulation. This thin-wall formulation delivers dependable physical protection and isolation to ensure circuit integrity between all 20 conductors.

• 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-Density Access Control Systems: Interconnecting multi-door control panels, centralized mainframes, biometric scanner arrays, card readers, request-to-exit buttons, and electronic locking hardware within a single home-run path.

• Commercial Security & Alarm Matrices: Wiring extensive commercial alarm hubs to whole-building sensor loops, multi-zone security windows, perimeter sensors, and system status indicators.

• Intercom & Complex PA Networks: Routing master control stations, multi-line paging grids, and signaling channels across vast multi-floor complexes like schools and office buildings.

• Industrial Automation & HVAC Control: Distributing multiple discrete low-voltage control loops, relays, motorized valve linkages, dampers, and environmental thermostat arrays.

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

• 13: White/Black

• 14: White/Red

• 15: White/Green

• 16: White/Orange

• 17: White/Blue

• 18: White/Brown

• 19: White/Yellow

• 20: White/Violet

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: Belden 530BUE

• Conductor Size: 18 AWG

• Number of Conductors: 20

• Conductor Type: Stranded Bare Copper (7x26 layout)

• Insulation Material: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

• Shielding: None (Unshielded)

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

• Nominal Outer Diameter: 0.400 inches

• Voltage Rating: 300V RMS

• Current Rating: 2.5 Amps per conductor at 25 degrees C

• 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, RoHS Compliant

Technical Note: Because Belden 530BUE contains 20 unshielded conductors carrying up to 2.5 Amps per circuit simultaneously, be mindful of cumulative thermal conditions when bundle-routing this cable tightly through long conduits. As an unshielded cable, it is highly efficient for power and general control signaling but lacks integrated foil shielding against severe 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, a plenum-rated cable alternative must be used instead.

CABLE TYPE: 18 AWG / 20-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.