Fire alarm cable is a multi conductor electronic cable that comes in a shielded and unshielded version. The variations are PVC, Plenum, shielded and unshielded which automatically puts this cable in at least 4 types of different applications. Standard ways of asking for it would be fire alarm cable, shielded fire alarm cable, FPLR cable and FPLP cable which statnd for Riser and Plenum.

FPLR is a Riser fire alarm cable with a PVC jacket and solid copper conductors. This would be the cheaper version because it can't be used in as many applications as the plenum cable. Common applications for both plenum and non plenum cables are smoke alarms and detectors, voice communications, addressable fire alarm systems, microprocessor controlled systems, pull boxes, burglar alarms, wiring of fire alarms, and fire protective circuits. It usually comes in a RED colored outer jacket.

FPLP is Plenum fire alarm cable used in ducts and enclosed air spaces where fire can spread easily. The plenum jacket won't allow the fire to spread throughout the entire air duct system creating an even bigger problem than the fire itself. Both the FPLR and FPLP come in a shielded and unshielded version which would make the cable slightly more expensive.