From a fire safety standpoint, the fire characteristics of cables are critical. It is vital for both manufacturers and end users to verify that cable meets fire safety regulations. Australian cable manufacturers ensure fire safety and follow all standard processes in producing high quality fire cable or Flexible Power Cable.
Why choose Znergy Cables the best Australian cable for your fire cable needs?
Electricity is transmitted using cables. As a result, the most basic value proposition we provide to our customers is efficient electricity transmission. However, simply transmitting information is insufficient. The necessity of safety, particularly human safety, cannot be overstated. As a result, cables must be both shock and short circuit proof.
Fires have been a major source of loss of both human life and property, so fire safety is one of our top priorities. Electrical fires account for 90% of all fires, which are mostly triggered by a faulty electric circuit (DEC). DEC can be caused by overloading, short circuiting, bad installation, or poor product quality, which could be due to poor raw material quality, poor manufacturing quality, or both. The average person is the one who bears the brunt of someone else's faults or cost-cutting tactics. We understand this, and we were the first company in India to offer FR (Flame Retardant) cables as a standard feature on all of our XLPE cables.
We are continuously looking to develop items that are less prone to catching and propagating flames without adding to expenses, as cost is a crucial issue in almost all purchase choices, especially for industrial equipment. As a result, R&D is a never-ending process for creating safe wires without incurring additional costs.
There are various sorts of safety standards for cables based on their applications, all of which are significant from a safety, technical, and commercial standpoint. Among them are:
Cables with conventional flame retardant are utilised in ordinary installation situations.
Cables with an increased oxygen index, sometimes known as 'FR' cables, are used for installations in non-hazardous industries and open situations.
All of the cables described above are made by us.
Properties of Fire Cable to Ensure Fire Safety
The ability of cable to resist fire is quite important. We'll use the example of a 'Fire triangle' to make it easier to understand. 'Oxygen (Air), Fuel (Flammable substance), and Heat (Fire Source)' are the three sides. The flame or fire will not propagate or spread if any of the components are lacking.
We strengthen the qualities of the cable jacket to make it fire resistant, and we attempt to ensure that self-extinguishing chemicals are used, so that even if there is an external fire, the flames will not spread.
In terms of technical details, it goes like this:
The wires' outside jackets are made entirely of flame resistant material, preventing fire spread. IS 10810 Part 53 or IEC 60332 Part 1 are used to measure it.
We enhance the cables Oxygen index to a level of 30 to 35 percent, which is higher than the typical Oxygen percentage of 21% in the environment. Means that until the percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere reaches 30 to 35 percent, cable will not operate as a source of energy. It is tested in accordance with IS 10810 Part 58 or ASTM D 2863.
This situation can also be viewed from a different perspective, for example, if the source of fire (heat) is greater than 21%, cable can also operate as fuel. Temperature index is measured in this situation, which is kept between 250 and 350 degrees Celsius. As a result, cables do not act as fuel until such high temperatures are reached. It is tested according to IS 10810 Part 64 or ASTM D 2863.
Steps followed by Australian Cable in the Manufacturing of Fire Cable
Manufacturers must, without a doubt, comply with all of the above-mentioned tests whenever they are required, and must thus have:
a. Have knowledge and experience with the fabrication of such cables, as well as end-user competence.
b. Manufacturing of these specialised products necessitates the use of machines. LSZH cables, for example, necessitate a different extrusion ratio.
c. Knowledge of raw material formulation and engineering is required.
d. Requires expertise as well as equipment to conduct specific testing.
e. Obtain and maintain the most up-to-date process and testing parameter specifications. Wherever possible, obtain certification.
f. Upgrade raw materials and processes on a regular basis to provide superior products at lower costs.
PE vs PVC usages in cable insulation for fire safety?
PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) is a flame-retardant polymer that offers an advantage over PE (Polyethylene). It is, however, only applicable to the outer jacket. As previously stated, the material for the outer sheath must be chosen based on the application.
PE or XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) offers a significant advantage over PVC in terms of insulation. PE is not utilised in the insulation of energy cables and is only used in communications cables with lower voltages.
XLPE is utilised in insulation all over the world, and it does not transmit flame, generate smoke, or emit harmful gases; XLPE is insulation, while PVC or LSZH is used in sheathing, which is a safe concept from a flame resistance standpoint.
There are ongoing efforts to improve the property of polyethylene to make it flame retardant, and we will see improved standards implemented, which is now critical, especially in light of recent major fires that have claimed many valued human lives.
Znergy Cable are leading Australian Cable Manufacturers whose products meet all standard requirements. Get top notch quality fire cable and flexible power cable.
Similar processes are followed internationally, and tests are conducted to check the cable's performance in the event of a fire.
a) During a fire, smoke emission from the cable is measured as follows:
During a fire, 'FRLS' cables must maintain visibility of at least 40% or a maximum smoke density of 60%. It is tested in accordance with IS 10810 Part 63 or ASTM D 2843.
During a fire, 'LSZH' cables must maintain visibility of at least 80% or a smoke density of 20%. It is tested in accordance with IS 10810 Part 63 or ASTM D 2843.
b) The emission of halogen acid gas from cable during a fire is measured.
During a fire, the maximum halogen gas emitted by 'FRLS' wires should be 20% by weight. IS 10810 Part 59 or IEC 60754 Part 1 are used to measure it.
During a fire, the maximum halogen gas emitted by 'LSZH' cables should be 0.5 percent by weight. IS 10810 Part 59 or IEC 60754 Part 1 are used to measure it.
c) Tests for flame retardant cables put in groups
A fire condition is simulated for a collection of cables, and the extent of fire propagation is measured. It is tested in accordance with IS 10810 part 62 or IEC 60332-3.
We have the capability to manufacture and test all of these goods in-house, depending on the specs and end use selected.

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