Electrical cables are a potential fire hazard. The design and material specifications should be in such a way as to prevent fire or reduce probabilities. Consequent to several decades-long research and studies the manufacturers have been successful to a certain extent in producing fire-resistant cables. You would find fire resistant cable manufacturer in India offering cables of different specs for the customers to choose from, depending on the requirement.
People are confused about the types of cables available in the market. Many a time, they misconstrue a fire resistant cable as flame retardant cable and vice versa. Both are different even though the names appear similar. Knowing about each of them in detail would help you determine the cable to choose for your residence, industrial establishment, commercial entity, or factory. Note that usage of high-quality cables is mandatory for production centers, factories, etc.
Types of Commonly Available Cables
You would find three types of cable available in the market normally. The names themselves would provide a brief idea about their functions or specialties. It is better to go for fire-resistant cables if you are looking for a company, business organization, production unit, factory, commercial center, or similar establishment. Fire resistant cable is advisable for residences as well.
The types of electrical cables are:
- Heat Resistant Cable ? Heat-resistant cables are designed to function without any technical snags or reduction in performance. The cables with this spec will give up in case of any fire. It will succumb to the higher heat energy during a fire. Heat resistant cables are not preferable for valuable constructions.
- Fire Resistant Cables ? Fire resistant cables are heat resistant cables with the added quality to withstand fire, without any major damage. The sheathing is made of high-quality fire resistant material that fire will not have any effect on this type of cable. Therefore, there may not be any necessity to replace the cable even after a major fire incident.
- Flame Retardant Cable ? Flame retardant cable is different from both fires resistant cable and heat resistant cable. It will not be able to withstand fire conditions. Nonetheless, flame retardant cables are designed to preclude fire from spreading. Hence, this type of cable will help in reducing the probability of a major fire.
How Fire Resistant and Flame Retardant Cables are Different?
You need to understand the characteristics of the cables, rather than the detailed material data. The manufacturing specs, material info, and such other data are relevant for those looking to consider manufacturing these cables. As a customer, the main thing to understand is the basic qualities of both types of cables.
- Fire Resistant Cable ? Fire resistant cable is entirely different from heat resistant cable. A heat resistant cable would continue functioning during adverse temperature scenarios. Nevertheless, fire can conquer the cables easily and may lead to the spread of fire to serious consequences, including man and material loss.
Fire resistant cable will not burn even if subjected to a fire of higher temperature. The material combination has a proven capability to remain strong even during a fire mishap. It will not require replacement even after a fire incident at the premises. The complete wiring would be intact to carry electricity without any issues.
- Flame Retardant Cable ? Flame retardant material is a major component in both fire resistant and flame retardant cables. The flame retardant cable, as the name suggests, helps in stopping the spread of fire. A normal wire may cause the quick spreading of fire. The flame retardant cable will not lead to spreading. The fire can be extinguished easily by ?starving? or removal of the material.
How Cables Prevent Fire Spread?
The main intention is to prevent electrical cables from acting as the cause for the spread of fire. Materials used for cable manufacture are subjected to intense testing to obviate this possibility. The type of material, the availability of Oxygen, and the plastic used can be causative for this. Manufacturers use a preformulated combination of material for exemplary performance of the cables even during adverse conditions.
The cable manufacturers test the flame propagation characteristics of the material prior to approval and usage. Cables of different thicknesses would be used and tested at varying ambient temperature conditions. A thorough analysis would be undertaken to ascertain the quality. You may consider buying fire resistant cable for your residential, commercial, or industrial property, from a reliable manufacturer only.
Why Should You Choose Fire Resistant Cable?
Fire resistant cables are advised for alleviating any chance of fire hazard. Old establishments that were using heat resistant cables are refurbishing their buildings and replacing the cables with fire-resistant ones. New constructions undoubtedly opt for fire resistant cables only.
The fire resistant cables have known properties to withstand fire, function normally at high temperature or fire conditions, and don?t cause the spread of fire. Those cables would remain strong even after a fire incident.
