The difference between power limited cables and non-power limited cables comes down to which sections of NEC they comply with. Non-power limited cables is a fire alarm circuit powered by a source that complies with NEC sections 760-21 and 760-23. Power limited cables is a fire alarm circuit powered by a source that complies with section 760-41.

There are five basic types of Fire Alarm Cable:

• FPL - Power Limited General Purpose
• FPLR - Power Limited Suitable from Floor to Floor
• FPLP - Power Limited Suitable for use in Ducts, Plenums, and other spaces
• NPLF - Non-Power Limited General Purpose
• NPLFP - Non-Power Limited Suitable for use in Ducts, Plenums, and other spaces