Paige Electric 222600307 24AWG 2-Pair RS485 Cable Assembly
Overview
The Paige Electric 222600307 is a 24-gauge, 2-pair stranded twisted cable designed for RS485 serial communication in security infrastructure. The CMP (Communications Plenum) jacket rating ensures compliance with building codes when running through plenum spaces—critical in retrofit and new installations where conduit may not be practical. Low-capacitance construction maintains signal integrity over longer runs, reducing the risk of data corruption in access control panels, door readers, and CCTV system backbone connections.
Key Features
- 24 AWG Stranded Conductor: Smaller gauge than 22 AWG alternatives means thinner cable diameter, easier routing through tight conduit and existing cable trays, though trades some distance headroom—monitor voltage drop on runs exceeding 1200 feet.
- 2-Pair Twisted Configuration: Two twisted pairs support full RS485 differential signaling (one pair for communication, one as reserve or shield reference), reducing crosstalk and EMI susceptibility in electrically noisy environments typical of warehouses and industrial facilities.
- CMP Plenum Rating: Jacket meets NEC Article 800 and IEC 61034 smoke and flame criteria for installation above drop ceilings and in HVAC return-air plenums without additional conduit or compartmentalization—saves installation labor and future retrofit complexity.
- Low-Capacitance Specification: Minimizes signal attenuation and crosstalk between pairs, extending reliable communication distance and reducing the need for signal repeaters or intermediate active hubs in multi-device RS485 networks.
- Stranded Construction: Provides mechanical flexibility for terminal connections and conduit bending without copper fatigue or strand breakage, unlike solid-core alternatives that require gentler handling and occasional replacement after relocation.
- RS485 Serial Interface: Supports multi-drop architectures common in access control systems, magnetic lock controllers, and distributed I/O modules—allows a single cable backbone to serve 32 or more addressable devices.
Integration and Compatibility
The 222600307 is compatible with panel-to-device RS485 connections in door access systems, badge readers, and CCTV system backbone wiring. The stranded construction accommodates both permanent conduit installations and semi-flexible runs typical in warehouse automation systems where cable may be repositioned during reconfiguration. Pair density and low-capacitance design allow integration with standard RS485 termination resistors (typically 120Ω) without additional filtering or buffering, simplifying BOM and reducing troubleshooting points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the 222600307 be used in outdoor or wet-location plenums?
A: CMP rating addresses plenum fire safety, not water resistance. For outdoor or direct-moisture applications, specify cables rated CMX with additional jacket materials or use conduit protection.
Q: What is the maximum recommended run length for this cable?
A: RS485 segment length depends on baud rate and cable capacitance. At standard 9600 baud, 1200 feet is typical; higher speeds or longer runs may require termination resistors or repeater hubs. Consult your panel manufacturer's documentation.
Q: Is shielding included in the 222600307?
A: This cable features twisted pairs; external shield is not specified in the standard 2-pair configuration. If EMI susceptibility is a concern, consider a shielded variant or run the cable in grounded metal conduit.
Q: Does the cable come pre-terminated?
A: The 222600307 is supplied as bulk cable. You will need to terminate both ends with RS485-compatible connectors (typically screw-terminal or 3.5mm euroblock) matched to your panel and device headers.
Q: What jacket material is used for CMP compliance?
A: CMP rating is achieved through polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or similar thermoplastic jacketing; exact formulation is noted on the cable itself and datasheet. Verify flame-spread index if substituting alternatives.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Paige Electric 222600307 is a foundational cable choice for access control and distributed RS485 networks. The 24 AWG stranded construction and low-capacitance spec are not decorative—they directly affect how far you can run a single backbone segment and how cleanly that signal arrives at the panel.
Technical Highlights:
- CMP Plenum Rating: Eliminates conduit requirement in ceiling plenums, reducing installation labor by 20–30% on retrofit projects and simplifying future moves/adds/changes without code resubmission.
- 2-Pair Twisted Configuration: Supports up to 32 addressable RS485 nodes on a single segment. Low capacitance keeps signal rise time sharp, enabling reliable 19,200 baud or higher without active repeaters on runs up to 800–1200 feet depending on your panel's termination resistor tolerance.
- Stranded 24 AWG: Provides flexibility that solid-core cable cannot match. In warehouse environments where cable gets relocated during conveyor system upgrades or rack reconfiguration, stranded won't fatigue after three bends.
Deployment Considerations:
- 24 AWG is thinner than 22 AWG alternatives—voltage drop becomes real concern on runs exceeding 1400 feet at full panel current draw. Calculate drop before committing to long backbone segments.
- The cable is unterminated bulk stock. Factor termination labor and connector cost (euroblock or D-sub) into your material take-off; do not assume plug-and-play delivery.
- No external shield is specified. In environments with VFD motor drives or high-frequency switching supplies nearby, consider running this cable in grounded metal conduit or upgrade to a shielded RS485 variant.
Choose the 222600307 when you need plenum compliance without the cost premium of fully shielded cable, and when your run length and baud rate fall within RS485's standard 1000-foot envelope. For longer backbone segments or noisy industrial environments, evaluate shielded alternatives or segmented architectures with repeater hubs.
