Frequently asked questions about product

• Which control systems can I use the ONE 18AWG x 2C + 22AWG x 1P Control Cable with?

  Kordz ONE 18AWG x 2C + 22AWG x 1P Control Cable is designed for building automation systems that use low voltage power and RS-485 communication. This is a common power and control strategy amongst manufacturers such as Lutron, Crestron and Control4 and also includes lighting, shade, HVAC, sensor and control processors across residential and commercial platforms. System compatibility remains dependent on the manufactures specific device requirements. 

• Why combine power and RS-485 communication in a single cable?

  Using one cable for both power and RS-485 reduces installation complexity, simplifies cable routing and minimises conduit and cable usage. This approach supports an efficient deployment of modern control hardware while maintaining separation of conductors for reliable signalling. 

• What makes the 18AWG conductors suitable for SELV circuits?

  The 18AWG stranded conductors are sized for Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) power delivery, providing appropriate current capacity and flexibility for control devices. SELV classification supports safety compliance in low-voltage building automation environments. 

• Why is a 22AWG twisted pair used for RS-485?

  RS-485 is a balanced differential signalling protocol that benefits from a twisted pair to maintain impedance and reduce noise. The 22AWG pair in this cable is engineered for reliable transmission across typical control bus distances. 

• What does CPR Eca mean for installation requirements?

  CPR Eca indicates the cable meets specific European Construction Products Regulation fire performance criteria. It is suitable for installations where a basic reaction-to-fire classification is required, supporting compliance in commercial and residential projects. 

• Is the ONE 18AWG x 2C + 22AWG x 1P Control Cable suitable for both new builds and retrofit projects?

  Yes. Its balanced strand construction, metre markings and internal ripcord support ease of installation in conduits, risers and existing cable pathways commonly found in newbuild, retrofit and renovation environments. 

• Why use PVC rather than LSZH for this control cable?

  The cable’s PVC jacket is engineered to IEC60332-1 flame-retardant requirements and CPR Eca classification, matching the needs of standard control installations. While LSZH is preferred in certain safety-driven environments, PVC remains widely accepted and compliant in general building automation applications. 

• What does AS/NZS S008:2020 compliance mean for this cable?

  AS/NZS S008:2020 compliance confirms the cable meets the mandatory safety requirements for customer cabling in Australia and New Zealand. It covers construction, material safety and electrical properties to ensure suitability for low-voltage control installations. This compliance provides integrators with assurance that the cable meets recognised regional safety standards. 

• Is Kordz ONE 18AWG x 2C + 22AWG x 1P Control Cable suitable for daisy-chain RS-485 topologies?

  Yes. The 22AWG twisted pair is well suited to the linear bus structures typically used for RS-485 control systems. Integrators should follow the device manufacturer’s requirements for termination, maximum bus length and node count. Although RS-485 supports flexible routing, avoid star wiring unless the connected devices are specifically designed for it, as branching can introduce signal reflections and reduce communication stability.

• Is Kordz ONE 18AWG x 2C + 22AWG 1P Control Cable backwards compatible with older control devices?

  Yes.  ONE 18AWG x 2C + 22AWG x 1P Control Cable supports standard RS-485 signalling and SELV power delivery used by earlier generations of building automation hardware. Compatibility is determined by device requirements, not the cable itself. 

• What is the SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) equivalent in the US NEC context?

  Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) is a term defined by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), which develops international electrical safety standards used widely outside North America. SELV describes extra-low voltage circuits designed to minimise shock risk through voltage limits and protective separation. In the United States, the National Electrical Code (NEC) uses Class 2 circuit classification under Article 725 to define power-limited, low-voltage circuits with similar safety intent. Class 2 circuits are therefore the closest NEC equivalent to SELV, with Class 3 covering higher power-limited applications where applicable.