Who may require the use of solid wire in alarm installations?

• A. AHJ may require solid wire and some alarm types require solid
• B. The installer may decide based on preference
• C. Manufacturer specifications always dictate solid wire
• D. Property owner's preference determines wire type

Answer: (A)

Wiring requirements come from the authority approving the installation and from the device maker, not from personal preference. The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) has the legal right to approve or require specific wiring practices during plan review and inspection, including whether solid conductor is required for alarm wiring. Some alarm products or circuits are designed to be installed with solid wire, and the manufacturer’s specifications may specify solid conductors for proper termination and reliability. As a result, the AHJ may mandate solid wire, and certain alarm types may require it by design. Installer choices and property owner preferences don’t override these requirements, and manufacturer mandates aren’t universal—some systems allow stranded wire depending on the device.