The flame retardant cable refers to a cable that can extinguish the residual flame or residual burn by itself within a limited time when its sample is burned under specified test conditions, and after the test fire source is removed, the flame spreads only within a limited range. Structural characteristics of flame retardant cables: the structure of flame retardant cables is basically the same as that of ordinary cables. The difference is that all or part of its insulating layer, sheath, outer sheath and auxiliary materials (banding and filling) are made of flame retardant materials.
The flame resistant cable refers to: under the specified test conditions, the sample is burned in the flame, and the cable can still maintain the performance of normal operation for a certain period of time. Structural characteristics of fire resistant cables: the structure of fire resistant cables is basically the same as that of ordinary cables. The difference is that the fire resistant cable adopts a copper conductor with good fire resistance (the melting point of copper is °C), and a fire resistant layer is added between the conductor and the insulating layer. The fire resistant layer is wrapped by multiple layers of mica tape. Because the allowable working temperature of different mica tapes varies greatly, the key to the electrical fire resistance is the mica tape.
Therefore, the main difference between fire resistant cables and flame retardant cables is: fire resistant cables can maintain normal power supply for a period of time when a fire occurs, while flame retardant cables do not have this feature. This characteristic determines that fire resistant cables play an important role in modern cities and industrial buildings. Because once a fire occurs, the power supply circuits of the control, monitoring, guidance, and alarm systems must maintain normal operation. Therefore, fire resistant cables are mainly used in power supply circuits from emergency power to user fire-fighting equipment, fire alarm equipment, ventilation and smoke exhaust equipment, indicator lights, emergency power sockets, and emergency elevators. However, the flame retardant cable may be burnt out and cannot operate in the event of a fire, but it can prevent the spread of the fire, protect other various equipment, and avoid greater losses.
Fire-resistant cables have been developed for the purpose of increasing safety and decreasing the risk of fires in factories and other buildings. This article will explain what you need to know about these fireproof cables.
Certain circuits are required to continue operating during an emergency situation. The implementation of fire rated cables makes this possible.
Advances in technology along with modifications to the National Electrical Code (NEC) led to the development of fire resistant cables for fire alarm and other emergency systems. These fireproof cables must satisfy NEC CI requirements and must also pass IEC .
Fire resistant cables don&#;t immediately shut off when a fire starts. Instead, power continues to travel through the circuit.
This power is directed towards fire pumps, elevators, smoke control equipment, fire alarm systems, and other emergency systems that are necessary to keep individuals safe during an emergency.
The NEC demands that these circuits remain operating for 2 hours during the emergency situation. This gives the extra time that might be needed for:
In the NEC released Article 728, which provides all the guidelines and requirements for fire resistant cables. Since then, slight modifications were made and published in .
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Although an in-depth analysis is outside the scope of this article, we are going to give you a basic overview of what Article 728 contains.
Section 728.4 demands that &#;Fire-resistive cables, fire-resistive conductors, and components must be tested and listed as a complete system, must be designated for use in a specific fire-rated system, and must not be interchangeable between systems.&#;
Article 728 also covers:
Complying with NEC Article 728 is absolutely necessary when installing fire resistant cables. You should read Article 728 for yourself to find out more about how to install fire resistant cables.
Let&#;s take a look at the different fire resistant cable types.
These fire resistant cables have existed since . They can have a single or multiconductor design and are made of solid copper and magnesium oxide. MI fire rated cables pass UL testing and have an excellent reputation.
Here are some benefits of MI cables:
Although they have many advantages, MI cables are quite difficult to install. This challenging project requires an expert&#;s skills and knowledge. Specialized tools are also needed to give the finished job an attractive appearance.
There are different varieties of MC cables but most of them are made of three insulated wires that are shielded by aluminum. They come in three common sizes:
The benefits of MC cables are listed below:
If you&#;ve been wondering, there is a difference between fire resistant and flame retardant cables. Despite their similar names, the two are not interchangeable.
As previously explained, fire resistant cables keep working during a fire. A flame retardant cable serves a different purpose, which is to hinder the spread of the fire by turning off and ceasing to operate.
Fire retardant cables have their own set of requirements and must pass the IEC . Fire retardant cables are tested to ensure they will not spread the fire into other areas of the building.
The most important takeaway from this article is that you need to install fire resistant cables so that your building will be safer in case of a fire. You never know when the next emergency is going to occur, so get prepared now! You certainly don&#;t want to get caught off guard in a dangerous situation.
Get fire resistant cables installed before it&#;s too late. And remember, Polyexcel compounds are heat-resistant making them perfect for your fire safety needs. Request a quote today!
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