Flame retardant and fire-resistant cables have been specifically engineered to enhance safety and minimise the risk of fires in industrial facilities, such as factories. It is worth noting that faulty cables are a leading cause of fires within and outside of Singapore. While most cable-related fire incidents are unforeseen, they can be effectively prevented by using cables that are resistant to fire. Read on to understand more about fire-resistant cables and their functions.
What is a Fire-Resistant Cable?
As its name implies, a fire-resistant cable is specifically designed to maintain the transfer of electrical energy under extreme conditions encountered during a prolonged fire. These cables ensure uninterrupted power supply to critical emergency equipment, including water pumps, smoke extractors, and acoustic alarms. The primary purpose of fire-resistant cables is to secure the power source during emergencies.
The risk of fire-related accidents is often high in any location with complex wiring systems. To prevent significant power failures, power plants utilise fireproof cables. If a fire-related accident occurs in a building, fire-resistant cables enable emergency systems to function, thereby guaranteeing everyone’s safety.
Manufacturers commonly construct fire-resistant cables using copper wires wrapped with isolated mica tape for enhanced fire protection. Unlike ordinary cables, fire-resistant cables do not emit smoke that can impede emergency efforts. These cables are halogen-free, meaning they do not generate smoke that hinders emergency procedures.
Functions of Fire-Resistant Cables
The primary function of a fire-resistant cable is to ensure the continued supply of power during emergencies, such as a fire breakout. Unlike regular cables that may shut off immediately when exposed to fire, fire-resistant cables are designed to maintain power transmission through circuits. This power is then directed to critical emergency systems, including fire pumps, smoke control equipment, fire alarm systems, and elevators.
Safety protocols often require emergency circuits to remain operational for a minimum of two hours during an emergency. Consequently, fire-resistant cables are expected to provide power for this duration, allowing sufficient time for evacuation, facilitating firefighting efforts, and enabling effective communication throughout the emergency.
Fire-resistant cables must possess the capability to sustain power delivery for the required duration. If a fire-resistant cable falls short of providing the specified timeframe, exploring alternative cable options that offer greater endurance is ideal.
The Best Materials for Fire Resistant Cables
When selecting fire-resistant cables, it is advisable to prioritise those constructed with mineral insulation (MI). MI cables outperform alternatives such as copper sheath, copper core, and magnesium oxide insulation in terms of fire resistance and durability. These cables are capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 250°C while maintaining their functionality and integrity.
Conclusion
Fire-resistant cables are a remarkable innovation that ensures power supply stability during critical situations, particularly fires. By enabling the uninterrupted operation of emergency systems in the face of severe fire conditions, these cables play a crucial role in mitigating emergencies swiftly and minimising potential damage. To fully reap the benefits of fire-resistant cables, it is essential to procure them from a trusted supplier like Cable Source.
Cable Source is a renowned cable supplier based in Singapore, providing a diverse range of premium-quality cables. Our extensive product portfolio encompasses fire-resistant and flame-retardant cables, flexible control cables, reeling drum cables, marine cables, offshore cables, rubber-insulated cables, various types of instrumentation cables, electrical earth cables, and more.
Cable Source takes great pride in delivering industrial cables that meet stringent standards of quality and reliability. We invite you to explore our website for comprehensive details about our exceptional cable offerings.
