Fire resistant cable can mean the difference between disaster and control.
In many applications, especially safety-related, fire resistant cables are a necessity.
They can ensure circuit integrity even when there&#;s a fire.
The fire resistance property of a cable is highly dependent on its quality.
A low-quality, cheaply-made cable may only be fire resistant at the extent of the name.
Its performance with or without fire conditions is highly dependent on the right construction, quality materials, and standards that have been set by international bodies.
In this post, you&#;ll learn all the aspects of fire resistant cables that will ultimately help you find the right product for your particular application.
Fire resistant cables are basically made of a material that can resist fire for a period, ensuring the power supply is uninterrupted while the rescue efforts are underway.
These are also important in applications that are traditionally prone to coming in contact with fire, such as during fire rescue operations.
Essentially, these are like any other cables as the main purpose is supplying power.
However, the material and the constructions distinguish them from regular cables.
These cables can withstand temperatures in hundreds and sometimes even thousands of degrees (Fahrenheit).
Fire resistance is an umbrella term for cables that are fireproof to some extent.
Many different types of cables can fall under this category, each serving its unique purpose or application.
The terms fire resistant and fire retardant are often used interchangeably for cables.
However, these are not the same thing. Knowing the difference is crucial because, for certain applications, only fire resistant cables may work.
Fire retardant cables are made of materials that do not convey or propagate a fire. In simpler words, the cables are designed not to start a fire themselves.
Fire resistant cables are designed to withstand fire and function normally for a period of time.
In essence, a fire resistant cable will continue to work even in a fire condition, at least for a set period. However, the same cannot be said about fire retardant cables.
They may not start a fire but may be vulnerable to damage in case of a fire because of other causes.
Fire retardant cables are not used for applications where circuit integrity needs to be maintained even when a fire is raging.
In such applications, only a fire resistant cable can work and maintain power supply.
Although the underlying purpose behind using these cables is essentially the same, the way they behave in case of a fire differs.
You can say that a fire resistant cable is also a fire retardant cable, but a fire retardant cable is not necessarily a fire resistant cable.
The construction of a fire resistant cable can vary depending on the type of cable.
Similarly, the materials may also vary. So there isn&#;t a standard blueprint of construction.
However, certain essential parts are universally present in all fire resistant cables.
The typical construction of a fire resistant cable includes:
The conductor is the metallic core that basically carries the current.
This is most commonly copper as it has high conducting capabilities.
Now, the conductor comes in different shapes and sizes that depend on the cable type and, more importantly, the standard it follows.
Some examples include stranded, compacted, and sector-shaped.
The standard the cable meets will tell you what cable it is, as standards usually dictate the features of the conductor, which of course, are in line with the application they are intended for.
This is the component that makes the fire resistant cable what they are.
This fireproof layer protects the conductor, which is moving the current.
It&#;s most commonly mica tape that&#;s fire resistant.
It provides great insulation from the fire up to a thousand Celsius temperatures.
However, there is not a universal fireproof tape standard, so it may differ from cable to cable.
Some may be insulated enough to fire for half an hour, while some may have ample resistance to keep the circuitry intact for several hours.
The insulation layer is pretty much like the insulation in any cable, except the materials used are in line with the fire resistance requirements of the cables.
For instance, it has become a standard that fire resistant cables don&#;t contain any halogens in insulation or otherwise for safety reasons.
Insulation also depends on the type of cable and application.
Some may need thicker insulation, while some may do with a thin layer.
However, the purpose is the same, which is ensuring the current doesn&#;t travel out of the conductor.
Each core needs its own insulation, so if the fire resistant cable has multiple cores, it should have each core properly insulated.
In multi-core cables, the conducting cores are laid together and covered with a non-hygroscopic material, typically a polymer compatible with the insulation material.
It serves as both a barrier between the outer layers and the insulation, but it also helps give the cable a circular shape, which is what most cables have.
It binds the cores together, so they become one unit and don&#;t separate out.
The bedding is like an inner sheath that, again, supplements protection and insulation.
It&#;s an extruded low-smoke halogen-free material (LSHF).
This is the flame retardant layer that ensures the cables don&#;t propagate fire.
After bedding, it&#;s the armor layer, which is optional and only present in so-called armored cables.
Armor is necessary for cables that may be underground because armoring can protect from mechanical pressure.
It basically further hardens the cable so it can withstand pressure and weight.
For single-core, it&#;s typically aluminum wire, and for multiple-cores, it&#;s typically galvanized steel wire.
Armor in cables doubles as Earth Continuity Conductor (ECC).
This is the outermost part of the cable that will likely come in contact with the fire.
It&#;s also made of LSHF materials.
The typical sheath color is black, but can also be red, blue, or orange.
It protects the cable from all the outer elements.
The standards dictate the sheath material and thickness, so materials may vary by standards the cable follows.
Apart from the construction, the characteristics of the cable are another important consideration.
In fact, they may be the deciding factor for you as they ultimately determine what application and quality standards they meet.
Like most cables, the first consideration is the voltage rating, i.e., how much voltage a cable can handle.
Fire resistant cables come in both low-voltage and high-voltage ratings as they are common in all kinds of applications that use a variety of voltage.
From as low as 300/500 V to 0.6/1 kV, you can easily find the voltage you&#;re looking for.
It&#;s important to note that certain constructional differences may be preset because of voltage rating.
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For instance, you won&#;t find mineral insulation in low-voltage fire resistant cables.
That&#;s mainly because such cables are difficult to install and low-voltage cables may be used indoors and in equipment.
The operating temperature of fire resistant cables is even more so important than regular cables.
While almost all types of cables have high operating temperatures to withstand hot climates and high underground temperatures, fire resistant cables have to be able to withstand fire, so their operating temperatures are much higher than average cables.
Typically, fire resistant cables have operating temperatures of 650 to 950 degrees.
However, some cables may have even higher operating temperatures.
This basically means that they can withstand these high temperatures which can only be possible in case of a fire.
Fire resistant cables can be single-core or multiple cores.
For some applications, a single core cable might be enough. However, for heavy applications with higher voltage requirements, multiple core cables are suitable.
The flexibility of a cable can be important when it&#;s laid on uneven surfaces or may need to twist.
Nowadays, most cables are bendable, but some are highly flexible and better for such a difficult layout.
The bendability of the cable depends on the materials, especially the insulation, and the outer sheath.
Standards from international bodies help you choose the right cable.
Not only does it ensure that the cable has met the physical or technical requirements, but it also ensures that the cable has been tested.
There are many different cable standards globally. Some are more globalized than others, so you may want to look for the standards typically followed in the region you&#;re in.
These standards also define specific applications for the cables, so you can be sure that the cable is best for the purpose you&#;re using it for.
The following are the common standards for fire-resistant cables:
In addition to the standards, you&#;ll also see categories within each standard.
These categories are denoted by alphabets, such as A, B, W, etc.
In fire resistant cables, categories tell the temperature resistance as well as how long the cable can maintain circuit integrity in that temperature.
While the standard tells the application and some technical details, the category defines these two crucial characteristics.
Some fire resistant cable categories also indicate that these cables are waterproof (category W).
Fire resistant cables are used in many industries, both big and small.
These play an important part in the electrical infrastructure of these industries, which goes to show how crucial their role is in the overall cable ecosystem.
Since these are made to withstand fire, the most application is in emergency services.
Fire resistant cables are used in emergency lighting and in rescue equipment, which may have to work in a fire.
These cables are also used in fire security systems in all sorts of buildings, particularly commercial and public structures.
Therefore, these are used in schools, offices, hotels, public libraries, factories, etc.
Another important, rather, a most common application of fire resistant cables is power supply.
It supplies power to critical infrastructure that may require an uninterrupted supply of electricity.
This could be security systems, servers, communication centers, and data warehouses.
The main benefits of using fire resistant cables are:
Whenever you&#;re buying fire resistant cables, pay attention to the materials and the standards, including the category.
Since their function is so critical for sensitive systems, quality is uncompromisable.
With newer technologies, even higher temperature resistant cables are coming.
But its equally important how long they can withstand that temperature.
Also, don&#;t mix fire resistant with fire retardant as those are different things.
Model NO.
ZA-YJY
Application
Construction, Underground, Industrial
Voltage
Low and Medium Voltage Cable
Current
AC Cable
Insulation Material
PVCSheath Material
PVCMaterial Shape
Round WireWire Core Material
Red Copper Wire
Certification
ISOModel
YjyBrand
Lisheng Cable
Trademark
lisheng cable
Transport Package
Wooden Drum or Steel&Wooden Drum
Origin
Xiangfan
HS Code
Suitable for fixed installations, power distribution systems and industrial systems with flame retardant requirements .Electric Wire PackageHubei Lisheng Power Cable Co., Ltd. (abbreviation: Lisheng Power Cable) was founded in year , with a total investment of RMB 800 million, or USD 120 million, half of the investment has been completed already.With a standardized workshop of 46,000.00 square meters, Lisheng Power Cable is mainly engaged in series of high and low voltage power cables of 35KV or less, widely used in many industries, for example, electric power, transportation, energy, engineering construction and so on.Specific products and service of China Lisheng Power Cable: R&D, design, manufacture, marketing and service of cross-linked, refractory, flame-retardant, common all-plastic power cables, control cables, coaxial cables, pre-branch cables, indoor and outdoor lines, special cables, etc.Lisheng Power Cable is the key industrial project of the Xiangyang Municipal Government in year . It is the largest cable production project in Northwest Hubei province, and the first local private cable project in Xiangyang City, certified by ISO quality management system, ISO environmental management system, OHSAS occupational health and safety management system, products characterized of "high and low temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, distortion resistance, weather resistance, impact resistance, small cable cross section, strong electrical conductivity and high safety factor etc, total nine major characteristic.Lisheng Power Cable has obtained national industrial product production license, national compulsory product certification (3C certification), fire-retardant and fire-resistant grade identification authorization certificate etc.The product technology and performance is in line with leading standard in the related industry in China, products and service warmly welcomed by customers and friends. Cooperate with Lisheng Power Cable, you will get more!Customer VisitWe have a professional sales team with each of them has engaged in this job for 3-10 years,so that we can provide the comprehensive and professional technology for you. With the perfect quality and after sales service,till now we have exported to more than 80 countries, welcome to visit us and establish win-win business relationship!
FAQ:
I didn't find the cable which I need in this page?I didn't find the cable which I need in this page?If you didn't find the species of cables you need, please contact us directly, we will reply you quickly.Are you a trading company or manufacturer?We are professional manufacturer in Hubei, China.What is the MOQ?Mostly we sell from stock for normal items, you can buy any quantity unless it is customed-made.Can you offer me a free sample?Yes, after price confirmation, you can require for samples to check our quality. Sample is free but the freight charge should be paid.How long to get the sample?After you pay the freight charge and send us confirmed files, the samples will be ready for delivery in 3-7 days. The samples will be sent to you via express and arrive in 3~5 days.How is your package?Normally packed with coils and cartons, and wooden/steel wooden drums, other ways can be done according you.How is the payment?T/T, L/C is accepted.What is the lead time for mass production?Honestly, it depends on the order quantity and the season you place the order. The best record we keep is delivering 10 kilometers cable within a week. Generally speaking, we suggest that you start inquiry two months before the date you would like to get the products at your country.Welcome your inquiry! Any question please feel free to contact me.Factory Add: No. 116 Tai Zi Wan Road, hi tech Zone, Xiangyang, Hubei, ChinaTel: +.
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