Belden 5506UE is a commercial-grade, multi-conductor unshielded security and audio cable engineered for high-density, low-voltage installations in commercial and residential settings. Featuring 8 independent 22 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. It offers an excellent balance of flexibility, density, and safety for multi-circuit interconnect arrays.
Key Features of Belden 5506UE
Versatile Multi-Conductor Build: Packages 8 discrete 22 AWG circuits into a single, cohesive cable profile, minimizing installation labor and streamlining wire management behind panels and racks.
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 30 stranding layout). The stranded configuration delivers exceptional physical flexibility, making it easy to route around tight corners and through complex structural cavities.
Premium Polypropylene Insulation: Conductors are wrapped in a high-dielectric polypropylene (PP) 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 Systems: Interconnecting multi-zone alarm control panels, high-density keypad arrays, motion detectors, glass-break sensors, and biometric access control readers.
Intercom & PA Systems: Routing multi-station audio, paging grids, and master control voice lines in schools, hospitals, and office complexes.
Sound & Audio Distribution: Connecting multi-channel background music systems, low-voltage speaker zones, and localized audio controls.
Background Control & Signaling: Distributing discrete low-voltage digital signals, relay controls, HVAC sensor networks, 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
Technical Specifications
Part Number: Belden 5506UE
Conductor Size: 22 AWG
Number of Conductors: 8
Conductor Type: Stranded Bare Copper (7 x 30)
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, 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 5506UE is an unshielded cable, it is highly flexible but lacks protection 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, the plenum-rated equivalent (Belden 6506UE) must be used instead.
CABLE TYPE: 22 AWG / 8-Conductor 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.