What is the most commonly used wire in alarm system wiring?

• A. 22/4 stranded
• B. 18/2 solid
• C. 16/4 braided
• D. 24/6 stranded

Answer: (A)

In alarm wiring, the standard choice is a small, multi-conductor cable that combines flexibility with enough conductors for multiple circuits. A 22-gauge, four-conductor stranded cable hits that sweet spot: the thin gauge keeps runs easy to pull through walls and conduits, while the four conductors let you carry multiple signals (such as separate zones or a power/ground pair) in one cable. Stranded construction adds flexibility and durability, which is important when the cable is routed around corners or pulled through tight spaces.

Thicker gauges are stiffer and harder to route, and solid wire is less forgiving in installation because it doesn’t flex as well and can crack or break with movement. More or fewer conductors or different constructions (like braided) aren’t as commonly used for general alarm runs, making the 22/4 stranded option the typical, practical standard.