Aiphone Cable for Intercom Systems

Aiphone Cable | Wire Detail Specifications 

At BEC Integrated Solutions we offer all Aiphone Cable for intercom systems and other types of systems. Cable Aiphone intercom systems with the right cable to ensure your system works perfectly. You will even get extended warranty when using these cables. Cables are listed with specs to ensure compatibility with the right Aiphone intercom system. 

Below is a comprehensive technical article on Aiphone phone wire cables – covering model designations, electrical properties by wire gauge, voltage drop calculations, and maximum allowable run distances across various product lines and building‐type applications. The article blends data from multiple Aiphone technical documents and manufacturer guidelines. All key numbers and assertions are fully cited. Read on for an expert‐level review that should take about 60 minutes to digest.

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Introduction

Aiphone is widely recognized for producing robust, reliable intercom and access control solutions. Central to their system performance is the use of properly engineered phone wire cables, which are critical to maintaining voltage, signal integrity, and overall system reliability. This article addresses detailed technical specifications for Aiphone phone wire cables—including maximum allowable distances for cable runs based on wire gauge (AWG), voltage drop calculations, and considerations for various building types (commercial, residential, multi-tenant, etc.). We detail the differences across product lines such as GT, LE, IX, and JO systems, with abundant citations from Aiphone technical publications.

View all Aiphone Intercom Systems

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Aiphone Phone Wire Cable Models and Their Electrical Specifications

Designated Models and Conductor Materials

Aiphone classifies several models as "phone wire." Key models include:

• AE7090220B and AE7090220G – Listed on the Aiphone Approved Product Wire page Aiphone Approved Product Wire.
• 87180250C – An 18 AWG, 2-conductor, solid, non-shielded cable 87180250C.
• In the specifications archives, models #822203 (22 AWG) and #821803 (18 AWG) are designated as phone wire Specifications Archives - Aiphone Corporation.
• The GT Series additionally designates models like #872002 (for audio) and #871802 (for video).
• Additional products include model numbers such as 872002P10C, 851602DBW10C, and 82180210C.

In all these models, the conductor material is specified as copper, whether the conductors are solid or stranded. There is no indication that copper-clad aluminum (CCA) is used.

AWG Sizes and Electrical Characteristics

The primary wire gauges used for Aiphone phone wires are 18 AWG and 22 AWG; however, additional sizes (24, 20, and 16 AWG) may be available for different system requirements. For example, the detailed technical product page for model 87180250C (18 AWG) shows:

• DC Resistance: 6.2 Ω per 1000 feet (or approximately 0.0062 Ω per foot)
• Capacitance: 13.0 pF/ft
• Insulation Material: Polyethylene
• Jacket Material: PVC
• Cable Rating: (UL) CL3, FPL, c(UL)us CM

These characteristics, especially the resistance and capacitance, are critical for ensuring that voltage drop along the cable run remains within acceptable limits.

For additional AWG sizes, reference documents indicate:

• 8 AWG: Approximately 3.28 Ω per 1000 feet
• 14 AWG: Approximately 2.57 Ω per 1000 feet
• 16 AWG: Approximately 4.0 Ω per 1000 feet

Some specification archives note maximum wiring distances—for instance, 650 feet for 22 AWG and up to 1600 feet for 18 AWG—which rely on the typical electrical properties of these gauges.

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Maximum Allowable Cable Run Distances

Standard Maximum Distances by Wire Gauge

Aiphone documentation provides specific maximum run distances for different wire gauges. These distances are derived primarily from considerations of voltage drop, signal attenuation, and system design:

(Citations: GT Existing Wire Distance Chart, LEM Specs)

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Voltage Drop Calculations for Cable Runs

Voltage drop along a cable is critical to system performance. Aiphone calculates voltage drop using the standard formula:

Voltage Drop = 2 x Length (ft) x Current (A) x Resistance (Ω per ft)

For example, for 22 AWG cable with a resistance of approximately 0.01614 Ω per foot (or 16.14 Ω per 1000 feet), the voltage drop across a certain run is computed using the current draw of the connected devices. Specific ratings for connected devices are IX Series 95mA and JO Series 80mA IX System Operation Manual, GLC-2019. A general design goal is to keep the voltage drop below 10% of the nominal supply voltage (or 5% in some residential installations, especially with 16 AWG) IS-CCU Manual, Voltage Drop Calculations.

For 18 AWG wires (with lower resistance), the voltage drop is less severe, supporting the longer maximum runs (up to 980 feet) as confirmed by Aiphone's GT Series guidelines.

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Building-Type and System-Specific Considerations

Residential versus Commercial Installations

Aiphone adapts cable run limits based on the specific application environment:

• Residential (Single-Unit and Multi-Unit Apartments)
  In residential applications (such as LE Series apartment intercoms), the design often permits:

  • 22 AWG cable: Maximum runs of up to 650 feet (in certain scenarios) to cater to typical apartment layouts LE-D, LE-A.
  • 18 AWG cable: Longer runs of up to 1,600 feet can be achieved if using thicker cables, although GT Series for residential often cites 980 feet for 18 AWG.
  • Recommended practices include using proper shielding (for 3-conductor overall shield designs) and maintaining a minimum separation (more than 30 cm) from high-voltage power lines to minimize interference.

• Commercial Installations (High-Density Applications and Hospitals)
  In commercial settings—such as high-rise office buildings or hospital environments—system requirements are more demanding:

  • 18 AWG cable is used routinely up to 980 feet, with professional installers sometimes switching to heavier gauge (e.g., 16 AWG) for runs that may exceed 1000 feet.
  • 22 AWG cable is generally limited to around 490–600 feet to control voltage drop.
  • Certified contractors enforce a maximum voltage drop threshold of 5% in critical installations such as hospitals AVIXA guidelines.

System Configuration Impacts

The maximum cable run distances vary considerably with system configuration:

• Audio versus Video Lines: Video lines require shorter cable runs than audio lines due to higher bandwidth and power requirements. For example, while audio systems may run 18 AWG up to 980 feet, video systems might restrict runs to closer to 490–600 feet.

• Product Series Differences:

  • GT Series: Optimized for extended run lengths with 18 AWG cable rated at 980 feet and longer cumulative runs (up to 8200 feet across multiple connections) GT Existing Wire Distance Chart.
  • IX Series: Typically uses 22 AWG cable with a maximum run distance of around 150 meters (490 feet) IX System Operation Manual.
  • JO Series: Designed for specific applications with a reported maximum of 330 feet for 18 AWG shielded cables JO Series Video Intercom.

• LEM Series: The maximum distances are 200m (660 feet) for 22 AWG and 300m (980 feet) for 18 AWG cables with conductor size conversions to AWG equivalents (LEM Series).

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Recommended Best Practices for Long Cable Runs

Maintaining signal integrity on long cable runs requires adherence to installation best practices:

• Use of Proper Shielding:
  • In multi-tenant and multi-story environments (e.g., LE Series in apartment complexes), enhanced shielding like overall cable shielding and proper grounding measures is recommended LEF Series Archives.
• Voltage Drop Calculations and Booster Requirements:
  • Calculate the expected voltage drop using the provided formula to ensure it remains below the acceptable threshold (typically 10% or 5% of the nominal voltage).
  • For 22 AWG runs exceeding approximately 1000 feet, install booster or repeater modules to maintain the signal.
• Cable Separation and Routing:
  • Maintain a minimum distance of 30 cm (about 12 inches) between low-voltage intercom wiring and high-voltage AC lines to reduce interference IS-Series Installation Manual.
• Adapting Cable Gauge to System Requirements:
  • For systems with longer distances or where higher current draw is expected (e.g., hospital or commercial installations), consider a heavier gauge cable (such as 16 AWG) to reduce resistance and voltage drop.
• Adhering to Consolidated Electrical Tables:
  • Use the provided consolidated wiring tables from Aiphone documentation for different product lines (GT, IX, LE, JO) to select the appropriate cable type and gauge based on the installation environment.
• Conductor Size/AWG Equivalency:
  • Reference the equivalency chart: 0.65mm = 20 AWG, 0.8mm = 18 AWG LEM Series.

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System Configuration Differences Among Building Types

Residential Installations

• Single-Unit and Multi-Unit Apartments:
  Residential installations typically use Aiphone LE Series intercom systems. The documented maximum cable run with 22 AWG phone wire is 650 feet, while with 18 AWG, longer runs up to 1,600 feet are possible. Lower branch counts and reduced interference allow for these extended cable lengths LE-D, LEF Series Archives. Best practices include using well-shielded wiring and proper cable routing.

Commercial Installations

• High-Density Commercial and Hospital Environments:
  Commercial installations (such as the GT Series) often demand higher performance across longer distances. In such cases, 18 AWG cable runs up to 980 feet are common. For installations where cable runs approach or exceed 1000 feet, a switch to heavier gauge (16 AWG) is recommended for maintaining reliable system operation. Certified contractors enforce a stringent voltage drop of 5% in hospital installations to protect sensitive systems (AVIXA guidelines).

Multi-Building Campus and Convention Centers

• Campus and Convention Deployments:
  In campus environments, BICSI standards and telecom guidelines dictate using 22 AWG for distances up to a certain threshold (typically around 300 feet) and thicker wires like 20 AWG or even 14 AWG when longer runs are required. AV integrators may upgrade to 14 AWG cables in convention centers to reduce voltage drop and handle increased signal loads (BICSI guidelines).

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Conclusion

Aiphone's intercom systems rely heavily on the precise engineering of their phone wire cables to ensure efficient, reliable communication across various building environments. From the carefully specified models – such as AE7090220B/G, 87180250C, #822203, and the GT Series and LE Series models – to the detailed electrical characteristics (where 18 AWG typically has a resistance of 6.2 Ω per 1000 ft and capacitance figures around 13.0 pF/ft, and 22 AWG often exhibits similar considerations), every parameter contributes to setting maximum cable distances.

Aiphone consistently specifies that 18 AWG cables achieve certified runs of approximately 980 feet (300 m) in the GT Series, while 22 AWG cables are generally limited to runs ranging from 490 to 650 feet in LE Series applications. These distances are rigorously determined by voltage drop calculations using the standard formula – ensuring that voltage loss remains below 10% (or 5% in critical residential applications). Installation manuals and guidelines further direct that booster/repeater solutions are necessary for very long 22 AWG runs (exceeding 1000 feet), and that building type (residential versus commercial) significantly affects conductor pair counts, shielding, and power supply configurations.

For professionals, the proper matching of cable gauge to system application—as detailed in consolidated Aiphone technical datasheets—is essential. With systems such as the GT Series offering longer run lengths in commercial applications versus the more conservative limits in residential IX Series installations, installers must tailor their approach based on the environment and requirements.

This detailed, referenced review underscores that Aiphone has structured its product and installation guidelines to meet diverse needs across real estate, healthcare, and multi-tenant campus scenarios while ensuring high performance, signal integrity, and safety. For additional details, refer to the original documents such as the IS-Series Installation Manual, the GT Existing Wire Distance Chart, and various product pages on the Aiphone website.

By carefully balancing these specifications, Aiphone ensures that its intercom systems maintain reliability even in challenging installations—a testament to their engineering excellence and commitment to quality.

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This article has been designed to provide a comprehensive, professional analysis of Aiphone phone wire cable specifications and installation guidelines, with all critical data fully cited from manufacturer documentation.

The Takeaway

• Aiphone phone wire cable models such as AE7090220B, AE7090220G, 87180250C, #822203 (22 AWG), and #821803 (18 AWG) all use copper conductors to ensure reliable signal integrity.
• 18 AWG cables typically show a DC Resistance of 6.2 Ω per 1000 feet and are used for longer runs, while 22 AWG cables are generally limited to run lengths of about 650 feet in many scenarios.
• In the GT Series, 18 AWG cables can run up to 300 m (980 feet) in both residential and commercial installations, with 22 AWG cables operating within ranges of 490 to 650 feet.
• The LE Series allows 18 AWG cables to achieve runs of up to 1,600 feet in residential applications, whereas 22 AWG cables typically run up to 650 feet depending on the load.
• Voltage drop is calculated using Voltage Drop = 2 x Length (ft) x Current (A) x Resistance (Ω per ft), with design goals to maintain drops below 10% (or 5% in critical residential setups).
• Building-type considerations are emphasized: commercial installations (e.g., hospitals) may require heavier gauges like 16 AWG for long runs over 1000 feet, while proper shielding and routing enhance performance in residential systems.