Belden 5542UE 22 AWG 3 Pair Unshielded Sound & Security Cable | CMR Riser Rated

Belden 5542UE is a commercial-grade, multi-paired unshielded security and audio cable engineered for multi-circuit, low-voltage installations in commercial and residential settings. Featuring 3 pairs (6 independent conductors total) of 22 AWG wire, 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. By twisting conductors into distinct pairs, it provides a high degree of natural noise rejection for multi-line low-voltage arrays.

Key Features of Belden 5542UE

• Paired Architecture for Cross-Talk Reduction: Features 3 pairs twisted together to minimize inductive coupling and cross-talk between signal channels. This provides cleaner data and audio transmission compared to standard straight parallel multi-conductor cables.

• 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). This 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, keypad arrays, dual-circuit motion detectors, glass-break sensors, and multi-wire access control readers.

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

• Sound & Audio Distribution: Connecting balanced audio signals, multi-channel line-level components, and localized audio controls.

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

Conductor Identification: Belden Standard Multi-Pair Color Code

• Pair 1: Black & Red

• Pair 2: Black & White

• Pair 3: Black & Green

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: Belden 5542UE

• Conductor Size: 22 AWG

• Number of Pairs: 3 (6 Conductors Total)

• Conductor Type: Stranded Bare Copper (7 x 30 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, 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 5542UE is an unshielded cable, it relies entirely on its twisted-pair design to combat cross-talk between internal channels, but it lacks an overall metallic barrier against severe external 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 6542UE) must be used instead.

CABLE TYPE: 22 AWG / 3-Pair 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.