What's the differences between flame-retardant and fire-resistant wires?

In the realm of electrical wiring, the distinction between flame-retardant and fire-resistant wires is paramount, particularly when it comes to safety, voltage compatibility, application areas, protection levels, manufacturing processes, and, of course, fire resistance. Here's a comprehensive breakdown, tailored for a business English audience:

Flame-Retardant Wires:Boasting a wide range of voltage ratings, these wires encompass plastic-insulated Power Cables with AC voltage ratings up to 110kV, as well as control wires and electrical equipment rated below 450/750V. This versatility enables their use in diverse power transmission and control scenarios.

Flame-Retardant Wires: Leveraging their excellent flame-retardant properties, these wires find widespread application across various sectors, particularly in high-temperature and flammable environments. They are integral to power distribution, control systems, alarms, and fire safety product lines.

Fire-Resistant Wires: These wires are reserved for settings where safety standards are paramount, including high-rise buildings, underground railways, nuclear power plants, hospitals, subways, and shopping malls. In the face of a fire, they guarantee continued power supply to vital systems like fire-fighting equipment and emergency lighting.

Flame-Retardant Wires: While effective at inhibiting and delaying flame spread, their protective capabilities may be compromised under extreme conditions.

Fire-Resistant Wires: Offering a superior level of protection, these wires maintain operational integrity during fire conditions, ensuring circuit continuity and critical power supply for safety systems.

Flame-Retardant Wires:Their production process mirrors that of Standard Wires, albeit with enhanced insulation materials and core structures tailored for flame retardancy.

Fire-Resistant Wires: Manufacturing these wires involves intricate procedures utilizing specialized materials. Their conductors are typically made of oxygen-free copper, and the insulation undergoes special treatments to withstand high temperatures while maintaining electrical and mechanical integrity. Additional processes like multi-layer mica tape wrapping and specialized filling enhance their fire resistance.

Flame-Retardant Wires: Primarily designed to hinder and slow down the spread of flames, they self-extinguish rapidly under specified test conditions.

Fire-Resistant Wires: In contrast, fire-resistant wires maintain operational functionality during fire exposure, preserving circuit integrity and enabling continuous power supply to vital equipment, thereby safeguarding lives and property.