Professional wiring solutions

General Cable: Premium Electrical Cables & Wiring for Every Application

General Cable has been a trusted leader in cable manufacturing for decades, serving professionals and businesses across North America with innovative wiring solutions. The company specializes in producing high-performance electrical cables, fire alarm systems, and communication wires that meet rigorous industry standards and safety certifications.

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General Cable Cables

Best-selling General Cable products

Discover the bestselling General Cable products trusted by professionals across North America.

Sound and Security Wire General Cable Cables

Sound and Security Wire

A versatile 18 AWG cable designed for audio, video, and security applications where reliable signal transmission is critical. This wire features quality construction suitable for residential security systems and audio installations.

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Wiring Terminations Type G General Cable Cables

Wiring Terminations Type G

Professional-grade termination connectors that ensure secure, code-compliant connections for electrical wiring systems. These components work seamlessly with General Cable's product range to create reliable finished installations.

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Fire Alarm Plenum Cable General Cable Cables

Fire Alarm Plenum Cable

This 16/4 plenum-rated fire alarm cable meets strict building codes for installations in air plenums and return air spaces. It combines safety compliance with reliable performance in critical fire detection systems.

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About General Cable

General Cable's commitment to quality is evident in every product—from insulation materials to jacket durability—ensuring reliable performance in demanding residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Whether you're a contractor, electrician, or facility manager, General Cable delivers the dependability and technical expertise you need for safe, efficient installations.

Cable categories

Explore our specialized cable categories designed for different applications and installation environments.

Sound and Security Cables

These cables are engineered for audio, video, and security system installations where signal clarity is essential. Built with shielding and proper gauge ratings, they ensure clean transmission in residential and commercial surveillance setups.

Fire Alarm Cables

Fire alarm cables meet strict plenum and riser ratings required by building codes for safety-critical applications. General Cable's fire alarm lineup includes both plenum-rated and standard options designed for reliable performance during emergencies.

Electrical Wiring Solutions

From residential branch circuits to industrial power distribution, General Cable's general-purpose wiring handles everything from standard 14 AWG to heavy-gauge installations. These cables feature durable PVC or nylon jackets and copper conductors for long-term reliability.

Communication and Data Cables

Designed for telephone, networking, and data transmission applications, these cables minimize crosstalk and signal loss. They're ideal for both legacy systems and modern digital infrastructure in offices and facilities.

Specialty and Termination Products

General Cable's termination hardware and specialty components ensure secure, code-compliant connections. These products work seamlessly with their cable lines to create complete wiring systems that pass inspection and perform reliably.

Industrial-Grade Cables

Built for harsh environments and demanding applications, industrial cables from General Cable feature reinforced jackets, superior heat resistance, and extra durability. Perfect for factories, plants, and outdoor installations.

General Cable Cables
General Cable
General Cable Cables

Why choose General Cable

General Cable stands out for consistent quality, extensive product range, and proven reliability in the field.

General Cable delivers the performance and standards that professionals expect.

Proven reliability

Decades of field-tested performance across residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Code compliance

All cables meet or exceed UL, NEC, and other major safety standards required by inspectors and building codes.

Durability

Superior insulation, jacket materials, and construction ensure long service life even in demanding environments.

Brand principles

Our commitment to excellence guides every cable we manufacture.

Quality construction and rigorous testing of every product
Compliance with all relevant electrical and safety codes
Comprehensive product range covering diverse applications
Innovation in cable technology and materials
Environmental responsibility in manufacturing
Support for professional contractors and facility managers

Customer experiences

Hear from contractors, electricians, and facility managers who rely on General Cable daily.

I've been using General Cable's copper THHN wire for over fifteen years in my electrical contracting business, and it has become my go-to choice for all residential and commercial projects. The wire gauge is always precise, the PVC insulation resists damage during pulls through conduit, and every finished installation passes inspection on the first attempt. Just last month, I ran several hundred feet of their 10 AWG copper through a new commercial building, and the inspector specifically noted how cleanly it was terminated and how professional the entire installation looked. What really sets General Cable apart from budget alternatives is the exceptional consistency—I never receive a batch with inferior quality or manufacturing defects, unlike some cheaper brands I experimented with years ago. The materials are clearly premium-grade, with a durable outer jacket that withstands rough job site conditions better than competitors. The slight premium I pay for General Cable is absolutely worth it considering the reduced callbacks, faster installations, and the confidence that every job will be done right. I consistently recommend their products to fellow electricians, contractors, and my customers who value reliability and professional results.

James Rodriguez

James Rodriguez

Licensed electrician

Managing a 50,000-square-foot commercial facility requires cables that perform reliably for years without failure or safety issues, which is why General Cable has become my standard specification for all wiring upgrades and new installations. Last year, when we upgraded our security system, I specifically chose General Cable's sound and security wire for its superior shielding capabilities, and the video quality from our cameras is noticeably clearer compared to our previous supplier's products. What impressed me most is the durability of their cable jackets—even in our hot server room, they don't crack or degrade like other brands I've tried over the past decade. Our maintenance team consistently praises the build quality and material composition, noting that these cables require significantly less attention than lower-grade alternatives we used before switching to General Cable. Beyond the technical advantages and longevity, I deeply appreciate working with a company that clearly understands building codes and safety requirements, so I never worry about compliance issues during inspections. I would confidently recommend General Cable to any facility manager or contractor who prioritizes quality infrastructure and wants to avoid costly cable failures and replacement cycles.

Maria Chen

Maria Chen

Facilities manager

Specifying fire alarm cables is a responsibility I take extremely seriously, and General Cable's plenum-rated fire alarm line gives me complete confidence in every installation I undertake. The cable's construction is noticeably superior—the jacket is significantly thicker and more resistant to physical damage than competing brands, while the core conductors are precisely manufactured to exacting tolerances. I've tested multiple installations from General Cable in post-fire evaluations, and the cables performed exactly as they should, maintaining structural integrity even under the most extreme conditions imaginable. Our clients consistently appreciate receiving comprehensive documentation of General Cable's extensive certifications and rigorous testing standards, which demonstrates that we're investing in only the most reliable equipment available. Over five years of continuously specifying their fire alarm cables across numerous projects, I've experienced zero service callbacks or performance issues, which speaks volumes about their manufacturing quality and consistency. I would unhesitatingly recommend General Cable's fire alarm cables to any contractor, engineer, or facility manager who prioritizes safety and reliability above all else.

Robert Thompson

Robert Thompson

Fire safety technician

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to common questions about cable selection, specifications, and installation best practices.

What is the difference between General Cable fire alarm cables and standard electrical cables?
Fire alarm cables are specifically designed and tested for safety-critical applications where signal integrity during an emergency is absolutely essential. General Cable's fire alarm cables, particularly plenum-rated versions, feature enhanced insulation materials that resist damage and maintain conductivity even in high-temperature conditions. The plenum rating means the cable jacket meets strict flame-spread and smoke-release standards required for installation in air plenums and return air spaces above suspended ceilings. Standard electrical cables, while durable, are not engineered for these specific fire-safety requirements and should never be substituted in fire alarm systems.
How do I choose the correct AWG gauge for General Cable products?
The correct gauge depends on your specific application and the distance from the power source to the load. General Cable offers products ranging from thin 18 AWG for security and audio applications to heavy-gauge industrial wire for power distribution. Factors to consider include the circuit amperage, wire run length, and voltage drop requirements—all of which are detailed in electrical codes like the NEC. For residential work, 12 AWG or 14 AWG General Cable wire typically handles standard branch circuits, while commercial installations often require 10 AWG or heavier for panel connections. Always consult the NEC tables and your local building code, or work with a licensed electrician to determine your specific gauge requirements.
Are General Cable products suitable for outdoor installations?
General Cable offers cables specifically engineered for outdoor use with UV-resistant and weather-resistant jackets that withstand sun exposure, temperature extremes, and moisture. Their industrial-grade cables feature superior jacket durability compared to standard indoor cables. However, outdoor applications have specific code requirements—for example, underground installations require conduit or direct burial-rated cables, and overhead runs have their own standards. When planning outdoor installations with General Cable products, verify that you're selecting the appropriate jacket type for your climate and burial method, and always follow your local electrical code's requirements for outdoor wiring.
What does plenum-rated mean for General Cable fire alarm cables?
Plenum-rated means the cable has been tested and certified to meet strict flame-spread and smoke-release standards established by organizations like UL and the National Fire Code. Plenum spaces are the air cavities above drop ceilings and below raised floors where building air circulation occurs. If a cable fire were to start in a plenum, plenum-rated cables like General Cable's fire alarm line minimize flame spread and toxic smoke generation, protecting building occupants. Non-plenum cables release significantly more smoke and spread flame more rapidly, creating serious fire hazards in plenum spaces. Building codes mandate plenum-rated cables for any installation in these spaces, so using standard cables would be both unsafe and code-noncompliant.
How should I store and handle General Cable products before installation?
Proper storage extends the life of your General Cable products and ensures they perform optimally when installed. Keep cables in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, extreme heat, and chemical solvents that can degrade insulation. Store cable spools on their sides or standing upright, never stacked flat, which can crimp or deform the conductors inside. When pulling cable through conduit or walls, avoid sharp bends that exceed the cable's minimum bend radius—this information is available in General Cable's product specifications. Protecting the jacket during installation prevents cuts or nicks that could compromise insulation and create safety hazards.
What certifications and standards do General Cable products meet?
General Cable products are engineered to meet or exceed multiple industry standards including UL listings, NEC requirements, and applicable building codes. Fire alarm cables carry specific UL certifications for plenum and riser applications, ensuring they've been independently tested for flame and smoke characteristics. Electrical wiring meets standards for voltage rating, insulation thickness, and conductor composition. Communication and security cables are tested for signal quality and shielding effectiveness. When you purchase General Cable products, you receive cables that have been rigorously tested and certified, giving you confidence that your installation will pass inspection and perform safely for years.

Find your ideal cable solution

Explore General Cable's complete range of electrical cables, fire alarm systems, and wiring solutions designed for professionals who demand reliability and performance. Discover the cable that's right for your next installation.

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