A Fire Rated Cable is one that can operate safely for an extended period of time under flame-burning conditions. High-rise structures, subways, underground retail malls, power plants, and large industrial and mining businesses all use fire-resistant cables for fire protection and fire rescue. Power supply and flexible power cable for firefighting facilities, for example.
There are two types of fire-resistant cable: class A and class B. Class B cable can endure a flame of 750°C to 800°C and rated voltage for at least 90 minutes without breaking. It can be 950 °C – 1000°C flame and rated voltage to withstand burning for at least 90 minutes and the cable is not perforated in the refractory layer to enhance the manufacturing process and expand the refractory layer and other ways based on Class A fire rated cable development. The performance of Class A fire-resistant cable is superior to Class B. Also known as MI (mineral insulated cables), mineral insulated cable is a superior performing fire-resistant cable constructed of copper core, copper sheath, and magnesium oxide insulation material processing.
MI cable has good fire resistance properties and can work for a long time at temperatures up to 250°C, but it is also explosion-proof, corrosion-resistant, has a high flow rate, and is radiation resistant. Explosion-proof, high corrosion resistance, high current carrying capacity, radiation resistance, high mechanical strength, small size, lightweight, long life, and smokeless are all features of MI cable. However, the cost is prohibitively expensive. In the oil irrigation area, major timber public buildings, high-temperature sites, and other fire-resistant needs, the procedure is complicated, and construction is difficult, but the economy can accept the occasion and utilise fire cable.
Fire Rated Cable Specification
The maximum long-term working temperature of the cable
(1) Resistant vinyl polyfluoroethylene insulation and sheath: 70℃ and 105℃ both kinds; Cross-linked polyethene insulation: 90℃.
(2) Fluoroplastic insulation and sheathing: 220℃ and 260℃ two kinds; Fluoroplastic insulation and 105℃ flame retardant polyvinyl fluoride sheathing: 90℃ and 125℃ two kinds.
(3) Low-halogen, low-smoke flame-retardant PVC insulation, and sheathing: 70℃; Halogen-free, low-smoke flame-retardant polyolefin insulation and sheathing: 90℃ and 125℃ both.
Minimum ambient temperature.
(1) Flame retardant PVC insulation and sheathing: fixed laying -40℃; non-fixed laying -15℃.
(2) Fluorine plastic insulation and sheathing: fixed laying -60℃; non-fixed laying -20℃.
The safe laying temperature of the cable should not be lower than 0℃.
Fire resistance characteristics.
Flame temperature 950℃-1000℃ Flame temperature 750℃-800℃
Burning time 90min (recommended) Burning time 90min (recommended)
Additional voltage Rated voltage (min. 100V) Rated voltage (min. 100V)
Fire resistance class A (Class IA~Class IVA) Class I~IV
Flame-retardant vs. Fire rated cable
Fire rated cable are a generic word for fire-resistant wire and cable, which are normally split into flame retardant and fire-resistant wire and cable. Flame retardant cables and IEC 60331 fire resistant cable are frequently confused by the general public.
Flame retardant cables, on the other hand, have a number of features that are more relevant to chemical businesses, such as low halogen, low smoke flame retardant, and so on. Fire resistant cables may often replace flame retardant cables, however flame retardant cables cannot replace fire resistant wires. Znergy Cable has provided a brief overview of their distinctions and features.
Flame retardant cable is not the same as fire cable. The flame retardant action of halogen is used in the Halogen-containing cable flame retardant principle. The idea of halogen-free cable flame retardant is to rely on water precipitation to lower the temperature and extinguish the fire roast. The refractory layer of mica materials in the fire-resistant, heat-resistant features of a fire-resistant cable ensures that the cable works effectively in the case of a fire.
The criticised cable’s principle, which is indicative of fire-resistant cables, is that the cable can develop a self-supporting ceramic body in the flame, which has a specific strength and can be utilised in the flame at a temperature of 650 to 1000°C without being destroyed. As a result, the fire-resistant cable creates very little smoke in the fire and contains no halogen, which is extremely beneficial to the environment. Many people are eager to buy the cable because it is simple to install.
The structure and materials of fire-resistant and flame-retardant cables varies.
The flame retardant cable’s basic structure is as follows:
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Flame retardant is used in the insulating layer.
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Both the inner and outer sheaths are flame retardant.
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Flame retardant material is used for the tape and filler.
Between the conductor and the insulation, a fireproof cable is created by adding another layer of fire-resistant material. It is possible to add a fire-resistant layer to the structure of fire-resistant cables, resulting in both fire-resistant and fire-resistant cables, however this is not necessary in reality. Because the fire-resistant cable’s refractory layer may usually be wrapped directly on the wire with various fire-resistant materials. It has a long burn resistance and can keep the line running normally even if the polymer at the applied flame is burned.
Flame-retardant wires slow the propagation of flame along the cable, preventing the fire from spreading farther. Fire rated cable is particularly popular because of its inexpensive cost.
Under flame-burning conditions, fire cable can maintain normal operation for a limited time while maintaining line integrity. When burning fire-resistant cable, the amount of smoke produced is less, especially with refractory materials, resulting in fire-resistant flame retardant performance, especially when burning is accompanied by water sprinkling and fire fighting, the cable can still maintain the integrity of the wire operation.
Where Can I Purchase Fire Rated Cable?
The wire and cable sector is a typical manufacturing industry, with raw material costs accounting for 70% to 80% of total costs. As a result, the benefits and drawbacks of raw materials have a significant impact on the quality of wire and cable goods, and certain firms can offer ultra-low-cost products.
Some companies can offer low-cost products, but only in terms of raw materials, with poor product quality. The increase and decrease of copper prices has a significant impact on the price of wire and cable.
Znergy cables can meet fire rated cable specifications. The test’s raw material procurement aspects are very stringent, the supplier’s products, then the quality, price, and service of the entire process, from manufacture, transportation, sales, and other quality control issues.
All of the company’s Flexible Power Cable and fire cable performance indexes have been favourably appreciated and recognised, meeting the requirements of the International Electrotechnical Commission and national standards.
