FIRE RESISTANT VS FLAME RETARDANT CABLES

An important difference exists between fire-resistant and flame retardant cables, even though both of them are subjected to various fire performance tests. Esentially, this is to earn each its respective classification. In brief, flame retardant cables are designed to resist the spread of fire into a new area. Fire-resistant or fire-rated cables are designed to maintain circuit integrity. They continue to work for a specified period of time under defined conditions. The distinction between the two is crucial when it comes to maintaining critical circuits required for life safety or for a safe and immediate plant shutdown.

Noteworthy difference between fire-resistant and flame retardant cables

Fire resistant (fire rated) cables	Continues to operate in the presence of fire, hence their reference as Circuit Integrity cables, This includes PH30, PH60 and PH120 cables.
Flame retardant cables	Fire performance limited to not propagating fire

Fire resistant cables are available in 2 options;

1. 1.0mm, 2 core fire resistant cable

2. 1.5mm, 2 core fire resistant cable

Flame retardant cables have many advantages that are more applicable to chemical companies, such as low halogen, low smoke flame retardant, etc. In general, fire rate power cables can replace flame retardant cables, while flame retardant cables cannot replace fire resistant cables.

Fire-resistant cable and flame retardant cable are not the same. The Halogen-containing cable flame retardant principle is to rely on the flame retardant effect of halogen. Halogen-free cable flame retardant principle is to rely on the precipitation of water to reduce the temperature to extinguish the fire roast. A Fire-resistant cable is to rely on the refractory layer of mica materials in the fire-resistant, heat-resistant properties to ensure that the cable works properly in the event of a fire.

As a new technology, the principle of the criticized cable, which is representative of fire-resistant cables, is that the cable can form a self-supporting ceramic body in the flame. Furthermore, it has a certain strength and suitable for use in the flame at a temperature of 650 to 1000°C. In fact, the cable will not be damaged. Therefore, the fire-resistant cable produces little smoke in the fire, and there is no halogen which is of great help to the environment. And the cable is easy to install, so many customers are willing to buy it.

Fire-resistant cables and flame-retardant cables are different in structure and materials.

The basic structure of the flame retardant cable is:

• The insulation layer uses flame retardant.
• The inner sheath and outer sheath are made of flame retardant.
• The tape and filling use of flame retardant material.

A fireproof cable is to add another layer of fire-resistant layer between the conductor and the insulation. You can add a fire-resistant layer to the structure of fire-resistant cables, forming both fire-resistant and fire-resistant cables, but in practice, there is no need for this. Because the refractory layer of the fire-resistant cable can usually be wrapped directly on the wire using different fire-resistant materials. It can resist burning for a long time and can ensure the line’s normal operation even if the polymer at the applied flame is burned.

Flame-retardant wires are characterized by delaying the spread of flame along the cable so that the fire does not expand.

Lastly, Fire-resistant cables can maintain normal operation for a certain period under flame burning conditions and maintain the line’s integrity. The amount of smoke produced when burning fire-resistant cable is less, especially with refractory materials, making fire-resistant flame retardant performance, especially in the case of burning, accompanied by water sprinkling and fire fighting, the cable can still maintain the integrity of the wire operation.

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