This article was machine-translated from French and is being reviewed. Prices are in Algerian dinars excl. VAT.
Fire cable CR1 or C2: CR1 is designed to keep working during a fire, while C2 is only non‑flame spreader. CR1 costs more per meter: for both data cables, about 2.5 × the price of C2. The right choice depends on the line’s role and building, and applicable requirements are confirmed with civil protection and the control office. Here’s how to read these classes, which cable for which line, and how to compare prices without misreading the length.
In short
- CR1: fire resistance, to maintain line operation. C2: flame non-propagation, no guarantee of operation during fire.
- The choice is made line by line: a line that must still operate when fire reaches it has different requirements than a detection line.
- Always compare per meter: the CR1 from the store costs 219 DA HT per meter (100 m for 21,900 DA HT).
Fire cable CR1 or C2: what the classes mean
These acronyms come from the French standard NF C 32-070, which appears on the cable data sheets. Two concepts apply. The first is the cable’s behavior in flame. Class C2 denotes a non‑flame‑propagating cable (test on an isolated cable). Class C1, more demanding, denotes a non‑fire‑propagating cable (test on a bundle of cables). In case of fire, the cable must not act as a wick from one room to another.
The second is fire resistance: the cable continues to transmit signal or current for a given time while exposed to flames. That is the role of class CR1.
A “CR1 C1” cable combines both. A lone “C2” cable only guarantees flame non-propagation. One example shows the stakes: a siren whose cable was cut by fire no longer sounds during evacuation.
Which cable for which line?
| Line | Role | Question to ask yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Detection | connects the control panel to the detectors | Can the fire reach this route before the alarm is triggered? |
| Audible alarm | connects the control panel to sirens and speakers | Should this line operate during evacuation, in an existing fire? |
| Power and safety connections | powers and connects the security equipment | Should they remain powered when the fire progresses? |
In practice, CR1 is reserved for lines that must survive during a fire. For other lines, the required class depends on line type and building, confirmed by the control office and Civil Protection. The project study decides line by line, as for choosing between conventional or addressable detection.
Price: bring both cables to the meter
The two cables are not sold at the same length: comparing the price of both coils would be misleading. Here is the calculation, in DA excl. VAT.
| CR1 C1 1P (online shop) | C2 9/10 (quote reference) | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 100 m | 200 m |
| Price excl. VAT | 21,900 DA | 17,500 DA |
| Price excl. VAT per meter | 21,900 ÷ 100 = 219 DA | 17,500 ÷ 200 = 87.5 DA |
The CR1 costs 21,900 DA HT (price from the asloitech.com store on 06/11/2026, subject to availability), see the product sheet, in stock as listed. The price of the C2 coil is an order of magnitude observed on our quotes (6 confirmed orders). Per metre, 219 ÷ 87.5 = 2.503: the CR1 costs about 2.5 times more.
These two cables are not identical. The CR1 from the store is labelled “1P” and its sheet does not give the section. The C2 is a “9/10” cable from CATEL; “9/10” generally denotes the conductor diameter, i.e. 0.9 mm. The 2.5 ratio therefore compares two products that also differ in construction: it gives a magnitude, not an equal‑section difference.
Another trap: you pay for the whole coil. For 150 m of line, you need 2 coils of CR1 at 100 m each (2 × 21,900 = 43,800 DA HT, with 50 m leftover) or 1 coil of C2 at 200 m (17,500 DA HT, order of magnitude seen on our quotes).
Install without losing the cable’s value.
- Fastenings matter: a CR1 held by plastic ties that melt loses its value, because the cable falls as soon as the ties give way.
- Measure the actual route before buying, to choose the correct coil length.
- Plan cable inspection during testing and the system maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
Can CR1 be installed everywhere, just in case?
Technically yes, at a higher per‑metre cost. The opposite is to be avoided: a C2 does not replace a CR1 on a line that must withstand fire.
Can a network or video cable connect detectors?
No. A Cat6 network cable or a CCTV cable is not a fire‑safety cable: it is neither designed nor classified for that use. Use a fire‑safety cable.
Is the C2 coil of 200 m in store?
No, it is sold on quote. Only the CR1 C1 100 m coil is listed in store, subject to availability.
To estimate a complete fire‑cable installation (cable, fixings, installation), discover our solution alarm, intrusion and fire or the Alarm and Fire category in the store.