NFPA 731 Section 4.6.3.1 requires the installation of all wiring, cable, and equipment to be performed in accordance with NFPA 70 (NEC), Article 725 or Article 800, where applicable. Many circuits in a security system are “signal circuits” and NEC^® Article 725 must be followed.

Many cable types can be used in the place of others. Many communications cables (Type CM, CMP, CMR, CMG, CM, CMX) covered in NEC^® Article 800 are also permitted to be used as a substitute for cable types mentioned in Article 725. NEC^® 725.154(A) provides a list of allowable cable substitutions.

Below is a sample of NFPA 731. For the complete section, see the actual NFPA 731 text at NFPA.ORG. Once there, click on the free access link to the latest edition of NFPA 731.

4.6.3 Wiring.

4.6.3.1 The installation of all wiring, cable, and equipment shall be performed in accordance with NFPA 70, Article 725 or Article 800, where applicable.

Below is a sample of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the latest NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.

725.154(A) Class 2 and Class 3 Cable Substitutions. The substitutions for Class 2 and Class 3 cables listed in Table 725.154(A) and illustrated in Figure 725.154(A) shall be permitted. Where substitute cables are installed, the wiring requirements of Article 725, Parts I and III, shall apply.