Question:
Fire Alarm Control Panel Can fire rated cable be installed through the control panel knockouts without using a fitting? Panel will be surface mounted with no conduit. Cables to enter: Pull Station Loop 2 Wire Smoke Loop Horn Strobe Loop AC Power w/ground

Answer: -We can't here. All fire wire under 8' height MUST be protected by conduit. Even if the entire system is free-wired, you'll see it all come together and into a pipe(s), then into the panel. If you don't use piped risers, though, I would at least use a romex connector or some other type of strain relief for your wires. Or flush mount your panel and use the wall as your conduit. Flush mounted panels look cooler.

-What do you mean by "fire rated cable"? If you're talking mineral cable, you'll need to use the connectors for it. Most AHJ's require you to protect the cable from physical damage as well as fire (check with them with respect to the minimum rating required). This usually means conduit (EMT).