What You Need to Know About Fire Rated Flexible Cable

Fire-resistant cables were created with the goal of improving safety and reducing the risk of fire in factories and other structures. This guide will teach you all you need to know about fireproof cables.

During an emergency, certain circuits are necessary to remain operational. This is made possible by the use of fire-resistant cables.

Fire resistant wires for fire alarm and other emergency systems were developed as a result of technological advancements. These fireproof wires must meet specifications of IEC 60331.

When a fire starts, fire resistant cables do not immediately cut down. Instead, power is still flowing across the circuit.

This energy is directed toward fire pumps, elevators, smoke control equipment, fire alarm systems, and other emergency systems that are required to keep people safe in the event of a disaster.

During an emergency, it is required that these circuits remain operational for two hours. This offers you the extra time you'll need for:

Firefighters will use their tools to put out the fire; people will be evacuated from the building.
Care facilities, such as hospitals, to transport unwell, weak, or handicapped people during an emergency.

What are the two types of fire resistant cables?

Let's have a look at the many varieties of fire resistant cable.

Cables with a mineral insulator (MI)

Since 1896, these fire-resistant cables have been in use. They are comprised of solid copper and magnesium oxide and can be single or multiconductor. MI fire-rated cables have an outstanding reputation and have passed UL 2196 testing.

The following are some of the advantages of MI cables:

The wires are protected from the destructive effects of oxidation by a metal cover. This property is required in moist or chemically contaminated environments; MI cables do not corrode, reducing the possibility of needing to replace fire-rated cables. This improves safety in situations when replacing fireproof cables is hazardous, such as nuclear power plants.
MI cables will not burn due to their insulated construction. Instead, even when exposed to high temperatures, they will continue to perform at their best.
MI cables are tough to install, despite their many advantages. This difficult project necessitates the expertise and understanding of a professional. To give the end product an appealing appearance, specialised instruments are also required.

MC (Metal-Clad) Cables

MC cables come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the majority are made up of three insulated wires that are protected by aluminium. They are available in three standard sizes:

The gauges are 10 gauge, 12 gauge, and 14 gauge.

The following are some of the advantages of MC cables:

These fireproof cables are easier and safer to work with; they are less expensive to install than MI cables; MC cables are composed of flexible material, making them easier to install; they meet NEC criteria and have a 2-hour fire rating; they pass NEC requirements and have a 2-hour fire rating.

Making Flexible Power Cable:

Hydrocarbon-based polymers are used to make the majority of flexible cables. Because these base polymers are usually not flame retardant and have a high calorific value, chemicals are added to alter them so that they can be used in flexible power cable. Halogens such as Chlorine, Bromine, and Fluorine are excellent fillers since they aid to slow flame propagation while having no effect on the polymer's dielectric properties. As a result, Halogens can be utilised in both cable insulation and cable sheaths. These halogenated polymers (such as PVC or CSP) also have a detrimental consequence in that they produce halogens as halides during a fire, which are exceedingly hazardous and irritant the environment.

Other non-halogen flame retarding materials, such as alumina trihydrate (ATH), can be used instead of Halogens in cables that must be Halogen Free and Flame Retardant.

Flame propagation is slowed by this substance. These additives have various detrimental effects on the polymer.

Reduced dielectric performance and mechanical, chemical, and water resistance are only a few examples.

As a result, chemicals like ATH are typically reserved for cable jackets. Free of Halogen Flame

The insulation on fire-resistant cables is usually made of a more pure polymer, such as PE/XLPE or EPR.

Although they have high dielectric and mechanical qualities, they are not very flame retardant.

Fire Rated cable

Our fire rated cable line is designed to keep emergency systems in public buildings running even in the most extreme fire situations.

PRODUCTS FOR FIRE RATED CABLE

Our fire rated cable are specifically intended for enhanced fire resistance in applications such as power and auxiliary control delivery in fire alarm systems, voice alarm systems, and emergency lighting systems. The installation of fire-resistant power and control cable systems for life safety and fire-fighting applications will be governed by AS/NZS.

These fire-resistant single and multi-core cables can be used in a variety of Control Circuit applications. We provide Firetec 'Power' and 'Impact Power' cables, both of which are suited for indoor and outdoor applications, for enhanced protection against mechanical damage. The 'Impact Power' is built to endure direct impact as well as the pressure of water jets.

Mineral Insulated copper cables (MICC) are another fire resistant cable in our fire performance series, developed to provide the best fire resistance and electromagnetic interference protection. These high-temperature cables are made without any plastic insulation and can withstand temperatures of up to 950°C. They can also be ordered with LSZH oversheathing in a variety of colours. These cables are primarily employed in hazardous and explosive environments, as well as in situations where corrosive chemicals may have an impact on performance. Those without polymer oversheathing have ATEX accreditation and are compliant with Australian directives on working in potentially explosive or hazardous conditions.

​Fire Rated Flexible Cable

Application:	Flexible single core,  halogen free, low smoke, low toxic and corrosive emission, flame retardant cable for mains, submains and the fire protection industry.
Conductor:	Plain annealed copper (Class 2 of IEC60228)
Fire Resistant Barrier:	Mica glass tape
Insulation:	XLPE
Sheath:	Flame retardant (black), LSZH compound
Voltage:	0.6/1 kV
Standards:	AS/NZS 3013 Category WS52W, ICE 60322-3 and BS6387
Packing Length:	100m, 200m, 500m

What is the difference between fire rated and fire resistant cable?

There is a distinction between fire resistant and flame retardant cables, in case you were wondering. The two are not interchangeable, despite their similar names.

Fire resistant cables, as previously stated, continue to function in the event of a fire. A flame retardant cable has a distinct function: it stops a fire from spreading by turning off and stopping to operate.

Fire-resistant cables must meet specific specifications and pass the IEC 60332. Cables that are fire retardant are tested to guarantee that the fire does not spread to other parts of the building.

The most significant takeaway from this essay is that fire resistant cables must be installed in order for your building to be safe in the event of a fire. You never know when the next disaster will strike, so get ready now! You don't want to be caught off guard in a potentially harmful situation.

Install fire-resistant cables before it's too late.

As a leading supplier of fire rated cable, flexible power cable and fire rated flexible cable we have vast experience of designing and supplying cables manufactured in accordance with Australian and international standards. Contact our technical team to discuss your specific project or application's requirements