Belden 5321UE 18 AWG 3 Conductor Solid Unshielded Sound & Security Cable | CMR Riser Rated

Belden 5321UE is a commercial-grade, multi-conductor unshielded security and audio cable engineered for multi-circuit, low-voltage installations requiring a heavier current capacity or lower resistance than standard 22 AWG wire. Featuring 3 independent 18 AWG conductors, this cable is UL-rated as CMR (Communications Riser), making it safe and compliant for vertical installations between floors, inside riser shafts, or within walls. Utilizing a solid-core layout, it offers enhanced structural integrity, minimal signal attenuation over long distances, and stable terminations.

Key Features of Belden 5321UE

• Heavy-Duty 18 AWG Wire Gauge: Built with larger 18 AWG conductors to support longer cable runs and higher current demands with minimal voltage drop, making it ideal for critical low-voltage power and signaling pathways.

• 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 Solid Copper: Manufactured with premium, solid bare copper conductors. Solid copper provides maximum signal integrity, lower DC resistance, and reliable connections in punch-down blocks, crimp terminals, or screw-clamp terminals.

• Premium Polyolefin Insulation: Conductors are wrapped in a high-dielectric polyolefin insulation. This formulation ensures stable electrical performance and prevents physical conductor-to-conductor shorts within the tight bundle.

• 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 arrays, door strikes, magnetic locks, and biometric access control hardware requiring low-voltage power supply loops.

• Intercom & PA Systems: Routing multi-station audio, master control voice networks, and high-output paging circuits in schools, hospitals, and office complexes.

• Sound & Audio Distribution: Connecting high-fidelity background music systems, low-voltage speaker zones, and localized audio control attenuators where a larger gauge is needed to preserve audio quality.

• Background Control & Signaling: Distributing discrete low-voltage digital signals, power-limited relay controls, HVAC sensor networks, thermostat zones, and industrial automation commands.

Conductor Identification: Belden Standard Multi-Conductor Color Code

• 1: Black

• 2: Red

• 3: White

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: Belden 5321UE

• Conductor Size: 18 AWG

• Number of Conductors: 3

• Conductor Type: Solid Bare Copper

• Insulation Material: Polyolefin

• 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

• Flame Test Ratings: UL1666 Riser, FT4

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

Technical Note: Because Belden 5321UE is an unshielded cable with solid conductors, it is optimized for fixed, permanent installations within walls or conduits. It should not be utilized in applications requiring continuous flexing, such as inside robotic tracks or on moving machinery. Additionally, 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 6321UE) must be used instead.

CABLE TYPE: 18 AWG / 3-Conductor Solid 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.