What Are the Secrets Behind Flame-Retardant and Fire-Resistant Cables? This Article Explains It All
In our daily lives, electricity is omnipresent. From lighting to household appliances, from office work to industrial production, electrical energy provides us with convenience and power. However, the accompanying safety concerns cannot be overlooked. According to fire statistics, electrical fires account for more than 30% of building fires. How can we minimize the risk of fire? Flame-retardant and fire-resistant cables have emerged as key solutions to this problem. This article will comprehensively introduce the characteristics, classifications, applications, and selection recommendations of flame-retardant cables.
1.Definition and Characteristics of Flame-Retardant Cables
Flame-retardant cables refer to cables that, under specified test conditions, when the sample is ignited, the spread of flame on the sample is limited to a defined range and can self-extinguish after the ignition source is removed. They possess the ability to prevent or delay the occurrence or spread of flames.
Flame-retardant cables can be broadly categorized based on their performance and application scenarios as follows:
Ordinary Flame-Retardant Cables (e.g., ZCBV):
●Improved insulation materials based on ordinary Bv Cables.
●Possess self-extinguishing properties upon removal of fire source, non-propagating.
●Suitable for general household and office environments.
Enhanced Flame-Retardant Cables:
●Offer better flame-retardant performance than ordinary flame-retardant cables.
●Can maintain operational capability for a certain period at higher temperatures.
●Suitable for commercial and light industrial environments with higher safety requirements.
Low Smoke Zero Halogen Flame-Retardant Cables:
●Produce almost no corrosive gases and toxicity when burning, with minimal smoke emission.
●Use special polymers as base materials, added with halogen-free flame retardants.
●Suitable for crowded public places such as hospitals, schools and subways.
Fire-Resistant Flame-Retardant Cables:
●Can operate normally for more than 90 minutes under flame temperatures of 750~800°C.
●Have strong fire-resistant properties, capable of maintaining power supply in case of fire.
●Suitable for critical safety facilities such as fire protection systems and emergency lighting.
2.Classification of Flame-Retardant Cable Grades
According to the GB/T18380-2008 standard, flame-retardant cables can be classified into three grades: A, B, and C, namely ZA, ZB, and ZC.
●ZA Grade Flame-Retardant Cables: Suitable for high-rise buildings, underground structures, large public spaces, and significant industrial and civil buildings where the risk of fire is high, and the areas are densely populated with complex equipment. Examples include hospitals, schools, libraries, theaters, shopping malls, airports, and subways.
●ZB Grade Flame-Retardant Cables: Suitable for general industrial and civil buildings, such as office buildings, residential buildings, factories, and warehouses.
●ZC Grade Flame-Retardant Cables: Suitable for locations with low fire risk, sparse population, and simple equipment, such as Home Decoration, rural areas, and suburbs.
For specific types, please refer to the table below:
3.Quality Characteristics of High-Quality Flame-Retardant Cables
●Conductor:Utilizes high-precision copper.
●Insulation Outer Layer:Made from low-smoke, halogen-free flame-retardant materials.
●Performance:Flame retardance, corrosiveness, and smoke density comply with national testing standards.
●Certification:Possesses national compulsory certification or meets enterprise standards, even CE European certification.
Advantages of Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) Flame Retardant Cables
Compared to Pvc Cables, LSZH flame retardant cables offer the following advantages:
●Very low smoke and toxic fume emission during combustion, with no acidic gases released
●Suitable for indoor, public areas, hazardous environments, and areas with poor ventilation
●Commonly used in tunnels and underground railway networks
●In case of fire, visibility is less impaired, facilitating evacuation
National Standards and Market Status
Although national standards do not mandate the use of flame-retardant and fire-resistant wires for home decoration, they do impose certain requirements on the insulation performance, cross-sectional area, and installation methods of wires. For instance, the Residential Design Code stipulates that residential electrical circuits should be wired in a manner that meets safety and fire prevention requirements. Electrical conduits within the dwelling should be installed using concealed conduit wiring. Conductors should be copper-core insulated wires, with the cross-sectional area of the entrance wire for each residential unit not less than 10mm², and the cross-sectional area of branch circuits not less than 2.5mm².
Currently, the market offers a variety of wires, including standard wires, flame-retardant wires, and low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) wires. Flame-retardant wires are more expensive than standard wires but can reduce the risk of fire. LSZH wires are an even better choice, as they not only possess flame-retardant properties but also do not emit toxic gases when burned. Their high light transmittance is particularly crucial for fire escape, making them more friendly to human health and the environment. However, they also come at a relatively higher price. Of course, the market also offers cost-effective and professionally reliable brands, such as Chuangyuan Fire-Resistant Wires.
6.Selection Recommendations
Although not mandatory, considering household electrical safety, it is recommended to use flame-retardant and fire-resistant wires for home decoration, especially for critical circuits and high-power appliances. If conditions permit, opting for low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) flame-retardant and fire-resistant wires is advisable, as they offer superior flame-retardant properties and are more environmentally friendly.
When selecting wires, pay attention to the following points:
●Choose the appropriate flame-retardant rating based on the intended use
●Consider factors such as brand, quality, specifications, and installation methods
●Avoid purchasing counterfeit or substandard products
●Install and use the wires in accordance with national standards and professional guidance
●Regularly inspect and maintain the wires to promptly eliminate potential hazards
Choosing the right flame-retardant and fire-resistant electrical wires not only enhances electrical safety but also creates valuable time and visibility for evacuation in the event of a fire. It is worth mentioning that established products like Chuangyuan Fire-Resistant Wires have earned a strong reputation in the market due to their excellent performance and reliable quality. Creating a safe and secure electrical environment for your family starts with selecting high-quality flame-retardant and fire-resistant wires.
