Why Use Fire Resistant Cables For Emergency System
When a fire breaks out in a building, it can spread quickly and become unmanageable. The fire spreads swiftly and produces toxic black smoke that reduces visibility. The desire to leave the premises immediately and the growing difficulties of doing so pose two distinct and completely contrary problems for the building’s occupants. This is especially true for major public buildings with populations that might not be familiar with the layout or emergency exit routes, such as hospitals, stadiums, shopping malls, or public transportation hubs.
Therefore, equipment for fire detection, fire alarm, fire suppression, and emergency exit lights, as well as security cameras and video linkages, is absolutely necessary for such buildings. And during a fire, when they are most needed, these systems may need to keep their integrity and keep working. Although they come in a variety of forms, these security systems frequently contain data cables to allow communication between sensors and controllers, building management systems, or CCTV monitors.
What are Fire Resistant Cables?
Fire-resistant cables are made to function even when they are in direct contact with flames. This is accomplished by encircling each conductor with a piece of mica tape. The mica tape will stay around the conductors and prevent shorting long after the cable sheath and insulation have melted off. Even when the cable is entirely destroyed, power keeps flowing.
Familiar yourself with fire alarm cable and their types.
Classification Of Fire Resistant Cables
- Class A flame-resistant cables
- Class B flame-resistant cables
Class A flame resistant cables are high-performance, fireproof wires that operate well in extreme fire breakout circumstances. These fire-resistant cables can withstand temperatures of 950 to 1000 degrees Celsius. Class A flame-resistant cables have no chance of puncturing and can survive all damage and burning for up to 90 minutes. People will have plenty of time to make the required emergency preparations during this period. To keep your emergency power supply running longer, you must utilise Class A flame-resistant wires.
When compared to class A flame-resistant cables, class B cables underperform slightly. Nevertheless, they offer sufficient security for your power source to keep your emergency systems operational in the case of a fire outbreak. Class B fireproof wires are made by manufacturers to resist temperatures between 750 and 800 degrees Celsius. Although there is a small decrease in temperature resistance compared to Class A fireproof wires, there is still adequate safety to provide you with enough time to take emergency action.
Fire Resistant And Flame Retardant Cables
During a fire, fire-resistant cables continue to function. A flame-resistant cable has a different function, which is to stop the fire from spreading by turning off and stopping to work. Power supply circuits from emergency power to user fire-fighting equipment, fire alarm equipment, ventilation and smoke exhaust equipment, indicator lights, emergency power outlets, and emergency elevators typically employ fire-resistant wires. However, the flame retardant cable may burn out and become inoperable in the event of a fire, but it can still stop the fire’s spread, safeguard other varied equipment, and reduce further damage.
Importance Of Fire Resistant Cables
To safeguard the power supply in an emergency, manufacturers created fire resistant cables. The most critical time to use fire resistant cable is when a fire starts. Any area with numerous wiring mechanisms has a greater potential for fire-related accidents. Power plants make use of a fireproof cable to prevent significant power failures. Fire resistant wires enable emergency systems to operate in the event of a fire-related accident, assuring everyone’s safety.
Emergency systems like fire alarms, emergency lighting systems, fire detection systems, and voice alarm systems are all supplied by fire resistant wires. Most manufacturers use non-flammable isolated mica tape wrapped around copper wires to generate fire resistant cables that are fire resistant. Regular cables typically generate smoke, which makes responding to emergencies much more difficult.
However, you won’t need to be concerned about this problem if you choose fire resistant cables. As halogen-free, nonlinear fireproof wires, they don’t create smoke that interferes with emergency operations. Fire resistant cables must adhere to EN50200 class PH60 criteria to ensure optimal use.
We hope you got a clear idea on using fire retardant cabled for your home/offices.
