Fire Resistant Cable

A fire-resistant cable is a specially designed cable capable of withstanding high temperatures in a fire and maintaining circuit integrity for a specific period, thus ensuring the continued operation of critical systems such as emergency lighting, alarms, or fire pumps in a fire environment.

Fire-resistant cables are designed to maintain normal circuit operation for a specific period in a fire, while flame-retardant cables are designed to reduce the spread of flames along the cable surface, but may not be able to keep the circuit energized during a fire.

FR (fire-resistant) cables are tested to remain operational in a fire. FRLS (fire-resistant low-smoke) cables refer to fire-resistant cables with low smoke emissions when burning, thereby improving visibility and safety. (In contrast, FRLSH cables, in addition to low smoke and halogen-free characteristics, also possess low smoke characteristics.)

Armored cables have mechanical protection (metal armor), but unless specifically manufactured and tested according to fire-resistant standards, they are not inherently fire-resistant. Standard armored cables can still experience electrical failures in a fire.

Low Smoke Halogen-Free (LSZH) cables reduce smoke and toxic gases in a fire, but they are not inherently fire-resistant unless specifically designed and fire-tested. LSZH cables focus on emission reduction, not circuit integrity under fire.

Fire-resistant cables typically consist of a mica tape layer, a fire-resistant insulation layer (such as cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE)), and a protective sheath. These materials help them withstand high temperatures and continue transmitting power or signals in a fire.

Fire-resistant cables, under standard fire-testing conditions, must undergo circuit integrity testing for specific time periods (e.g., 30, 60, 90, 120 minutes) until failure. The specific duration depends on the cable design and applicable standards.

They are commonly used in emergency systems such as fire alarm systems, smoke extraction systems, emergency lighting systems, fire pumps, evacuation systems, high-rise buildings, hospitals, tunnels, and critical infrastructure, where maintaining electrical continuity during a fire is crucial.

Fire-resistant cables are tested according to standards such as IEC 60331, BS 6387, and EN 50200, and related tests. These standards specify the fire resistance and circuit integrity of the cables.

Yes—some fire-resistant cables are manufactured using low-smoke halogen-free (LSZH) materials, combining circuit integrity in a fire with low smoke and halogen-free emissions, making them ideal for life safety applications in enclosed spaces.