Aiphone 87180210C 18AWG 2-Conductor Intercom Wire 1000ft

Aiphone 87180210C 18AWG 2-Conductor Intercom Wire

The Aiphone 87180210C is a 1,000-foot spool of solid 18AWG, 2-conductor non-shielded cable engineered for Aiphone intercom and access control system installations. Designed with low capacitance characteristics and polyethylene insulation rated for fire safety (CL3, FPL, CM c(UL)us), this cable delivers reliable signal transmission for voice and data across residential, commercial, and institutional deployments without the cost premium of shielded alternatives. Solid copper construction minimizes installation noise and ensures optimal impedance matching on longer runs—critical for multi-floor intercom systems where signal degradation must stay below the detection threshold.

Key Features

• Low Capacitance (13.0 pF/ft): Prevents signal reflections and crosstalk on extended cable runs up to 1,000 feet. This specification directly reduces voice clarity loss and data transmission errors on multi-story buildings or warehouse access control loops where cable lengths often exceed 500 feet.
• Solid Copper Conductors (18AWG): Solid core construction (not stranded) provides superior impedance matching compared to stranded wire, reducing installation-induced noise and minimizing high-frequency signal loss. Translates to clearer audio on intercom handsets and more reliable access control card reader signaling.
• DC Resistance (6.2Ω per 1,000 feet @ 68°F): Low resistance ensures efficient power delivery to door stations and control devices. On a typical 500-foot run, you'll see negligible voltage drop—important for battery-backed access control systems where voltage margin is already tight.
• Polyethylene Insulation with PVC Jacket: PE core rated CL3, FPL, and CM (c(UL)us) fire ratings means the cable meets building code requirements for concealed runs in walls and ceilings without conduit wrapping. PVC jacket resists mechanical damage during installation and outdoor storage.
• Non-Shielded Topology: Reduces material cost without sacrificing performance in standard indoor and protected outdoor environments. Shielding becomes necessary only when the 87180210C runs parallel to high-voltage power lines or runs exceed 1,000 feet—neither common in typical intercom deployments.
• USA-Manufactured: Domestic sourcing ensures consistent supply and quality control through domestic distribution channels.
• 1,000-Foot Spool: Bulk format minimizes connector counts on large-scale deployments, reducing termination labor and potential failure points. A single spool covers most single-building installations without requiring mid-run splices.
• Warranty Extension (Factory-Matched): Using the 87180210C as OEM-specified wire extends your Aiphone system warranty by one additional year—a material advantage when deploying systems across institutional or multi-tenant properties where warranty coverage directly impacts five-year total cost of ownership.
• RoHS III and REACH Compliant: Meets environmental and hazardous substance regulations required for institutional procurement and export to regulated jurisdictions.
• UL and c(UL)us Listed: North American electrical safety certification required for code-compliant installations in most US municipalities and Canadian provinces.

Integration & Compatibility

The 87180210C is technically matched to Aiphone intercom platform specifications and integrates seamlessly with Aiphone JV, GT, and AC series systems, including master stations (JV-1MD, JV-1FD), audio/video tenant stations (GT-1C7, GT-1C7W, GT-1M3), vandal-resistant door stations (JV-DV, JV-DVF), and access control platforms (AC Nio). The non-shielded, low-capacitance construction is engineered to deliver optimal signal integrity for 2-conductor intercom communication protocols used across these product families. Suitable for new construction, retrofit expansions, and system upgrades where OEM cable specification and warranty preservation are requirements. When planning intercom cabling infrastructure, ensure total cable run (master to furthest device) does not exceed 1,000 feet without adding a powered repeater or buffer amplifier.

What's in the Box

One 1,000-foot spool of Aiphone 87180210C 18AWG 2-conductor non-shielded cable. Weight: 20 lbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use the 87180210C outdoors?

A: Yes, in protected outdoor environments (covered eaves, conduit protection). The PVC jacket resists UV degradation and moisture in short-term outdoor storage, but extended direct sun exposure will degrade the jacket over 2–3 years. For permanent outdoor runs, consider routing through conduit or specifying shielded exterior-rated cable.

Q: What's the maximum recommended cable run length?

A: The 13.0 pF/ft capacitance rating supports runs up to 1,000 feet without measurable signal loss. Beyond 1,000 feet, capacitive loading may introduce voice clarity loss or access control signaling delays. Consult Aiphone system documentation for your specific platform's maximum supported run, or use a powered repeater for longer distances.

Q: Does using the 87180210C really extend my Aiphone system warranty?

A: Yes. Aiphone specifies this cable as OEM-matched wire for JV, GT, and AC series systems. Using the 87180210C as recommended in system documentation qualifies the installation for a one-year warranty extension beyond the standard term. Keep proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Q: Is shielding necessary for my installation?

A: Not in most cases. The non-shielded design works well for standard indoor runs up to 1,000 feet and protected outdoor deployments. Shielding becomes advisable only if the 87180210C runs parallel to or bundled with 120VAC/240VAC power lines over extended distances (more than 20 feet), or if you experience crosstalk issues in heavily RF-congested environments (rare in typical buildings).

Q: Is the 87180210C stranded or solid conductor?

A: Solid 18AWG copper. Solid conductors minimize noise and provide better impedance matching than stranded wire, which is why intercom systems specify solid core for voice clarity and reliable signaling. Solid wire is less flexible during installation but will not fray at terminated ends.

Q: What fire ratings does this cable meet?

A: The 87180210C is rated CL3, FPL (Fire Power Limited), and CM (Communications/Multipurpose) under c(UL)us certification. These ratings allow the cable to be run concealed in walls and ceilings without additional conduit wrapping in most building codes. Check your local building department for specific requirements in your jurisdiction.

Jerry Tildsen

Perspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.

I have specified the Aiphone 87180210C on multiple intercom deployments across mid-rise residential and commercial access control projects. The low 13.0 pF/ft capacitance rating makes this cable well-suited for runs up to 1,000 feet without measurable signal loss, and the solid conductor design minimizes installation noise compared to stranded alternatives. The non-shielded topology reduces material cost without sacrificing performance in standard indoor environments—a real advantage when budgeting across 30+ door stations in a multi-building campus.

Technical Highlights:

• 13.0 pF/ft Low Capacitance: Prevents signal reflections and crosstalk on longer cable runs. On a 500-foot run to a remote guard station, this spec ensures the intercom audio remains clear and access control card readers respond immediately without timing delays.
• 6.2Ω DC Resistance (per 1,000 feet): Low resistance means efficient power delivery to door stations and control devices. On a 750-foot run, voltage drop stays below 5%, critical for battery-backed access control systems operating on tight power margins.
• Solid 18AWG Copper Conductors: Solid core minimizes high-frequency signal loss and provides superior impedance matching. During installation, solid wire is stiffer than stranded but terminations are cleaner and less prone to fraying—saves time during punch-down and reduces future intermittent failures.
• Warranty Extension (Factory-Matched): Using the 87180210C as OEM-specified wire extends Aiphone system warranty by one year. On institutional deployments with 5-year service contracts, this translates to meaningful cost recovery and reduces risk of out-of-warranty repair calls on devices approaching end of life.

Deployment Considerations:

• Run Length Planning: Maximum supported run is 1,000 feet per spool without a powered repeater. On multi-floor buildings (10+ stories), calculate actual cable path length carefully—vertical runs plus horizontal distribution often exceed straight-line distance. A 10-story building with basement typically consumes 400–600 feet for a single master-to-perimeter door loop.
• Non-Shielded Topology Watch: The 87180210C is non-shielded, which means it will pick up EMI if run parallel to 120VAC/240VAC power lines over long distances. Route intercom cable separately from power, or use conduit if co-location is unavoidable. This is a real installation constraint on retrofit projects in older buildings where conduit space is already saturated.
• Solid Conductor Handling: Solid wire does not coil as easily as stranded and can kink during rough handling. Unroll carefully from the 1,000-foot spool and avoid sharp bends during installation. Pre-plan your cable path to minimize rework.

Positioning: The 87180210C is the right choice for new-build and planned-upgrade intercom deployments in multi-tenant residential or commercial properties where OEM cable specification and warranty preservation are non-negotiable. Skip this cable if you're retrofitting an existing system with unknown cable history or if your installation already exceeds 1,000 feet—those scenarios call for shielded cable and a powered repeater strategy instead.