Belden 5408UE 20 AWG 10 Conductor Unshielded Sound & Security Cable | CMR Riser Rated

Belden 5408UE is a commercial-grade, multi-conductor unshielded security and audio cable engineered for high-density, low-voltage installations in commercial and residential environments. Featuring 10 independent 20 AWG conductors, this cable bridges the gap between ultra-compact 22 AWG wiring and heavier 18 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, offering a balance of data/power transmission capacity and space-saving routing flexibility.

Key Features of Belden 5408UE

• Mid-Gauge 20 AWG Profile: Features a 20 AWG conductor size that minimizes voltage drop over mid-to-long installation distances compared to standard 22 AWG cables, without adding the outer bulk of an 18 AWG setup.

• 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 (7 x 28 stranding layout). This stranded configuration delivers excellent physical flexibility, allowing it to navigate tight terminal housing configurations and architectural bends cleanly.

• 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 Systems: Interconnecting multi-zone alarm control panels, keypad arrays, access control door strikes, magnetic locks, card readers, and multi-sensor arrays.

• 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.

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

Conductor Identification: Belden Standard Multi-Conductor Color Code

• 1: Black

• 2: Red

• 3: White

• 4: Green

• 5: Brown

• 6: Blue

• 7: Orange

• 8: Yellow

• 9: Purple

• 10: Gray

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: Belden 5408UE

• Conductor Size: 20 AWG

• Number of Conductors: 10

• Conductor Type: Stranded Bare Copper (7 x 28 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

• Flame Test Ratings: UL1666 Riser, C(UL) FT4

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

Technical Note: Because Belden 5408UE 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 6408UE) must be used instead.

CABLE TYPE: 20 AWG / 10-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.