Introduction and Difference Between Fire-resistant Cable and Flame-retardant Cable

Ⅰ. Introduction of fire-resistant cables and flame-retardant cables

1. Fire-resistant cable

Fire-resistant cables are divided into Type A and Type B. The fire resistance of Type A fire-resistant cables is better than Type B. Class B cables can withstand combustion for at least 90 minutes in a flame at 750°C to 800°C and at rated voltage without the cable being broken down. On the basis of improving the manufacturing process of the refractory layer and adding the refractory layer, a Class A refractory cable has been developed. It can withstand combustion for at least 90 minutes in a flame at 950℃～1000℃ and at a rated voltage without the cable being broken down.

2. Flame-retardant cable

Flame-retardant cables refer to cables whose sample is burned under specified test conditions, and after the test fire source is removed, the flame spreads only within a limited range, and the residual flame or residual burn can be extinguished by itself within a limited time. 

The fundamental feature is: it may be burned out in a fire and cannot operate, but it can prevent the spread of the fire. In layman's terms, if a wire catches a fire, it can limit the combustion to a local area, prevent spreading, and protect other equipment.

Ⅱ. The difference between fire-resistant cables and flame-retardant cables

1. Fire-resistant cables can maintain normal power supply for a period of time when a fire occurs, but flame-retardant cables do not have this feature.

2. The principles of fire-resistant cables and flame-retardant cables are different. The flame-retardant principle of halogen-containing cable is based on the flame-retardant effect of halogen, and the flame-retardant principle of halogen-free cable is to reduce the temperature of the water to extinguish the fire. Fire-resistant cables rely on the fire-resistant and heat-resistant characteristics of the mica material in the fire-resistant layer to ensure that the cable works normally even in a fire.

3. Flame retardant cables are suitable for places with special requirements for cable flame retardancy, smoke density, toxicity index, etc., and are widely used in nuclear power plants, subway stations, telephone exchanges and computer control centers, high-rise buildings, hotels, radio and television stations, and important military facilities, oil platforms, etc., as well as places with concentrated personnel and low air density. Fire-resistant cables are suitable for all lines that need to maintain normal operation during a fire, such as the fire protection system of industrial and civil buildings.

Learn more about other cable products:

ABC cable, Xlpe cable, Yy cable, PVC insulated cable, Fire-rated cables, Orange cable, etc.