Fire Resistant Cables: Types, Differences, and Applications
In modern electrical systems, fire safety is just as important as performance. Fire resistant (FR) cables are specially designed to maintain circuit integrity and continue functioning even during an event of fire. At Fast Cables, we manufacture cables that comply with international safety standards, ensuring protection for lives, property, and equipment.
This article covers the basics of fire-resistant cables, their types, and the differences between Flame Retardant, , LSZH, and XLPE insulated cables.
What is a Fire-Resistant Cable?
A fire-resistant cable is designed to:
● Maintain circuit integrity for a defined period under fire conditions.
● Ensure critical systems (alarms, emergency lighting, fire pumps, elevators, etc.) continue to operate during fire outbreaks.
● Resist ignition and limit the spread of flames.
Applications:
● Emergency lighting systems
● Fire alarm circuits
● Fire Fighting equipment
● Public buildings and hospitals
● Industrial plants with fire safety protocols
Difference Between Flame Retardant and Fire-Resistant Cable
Both Flame Retardant and Fire-Resistant are flame-retardant cables, but they differ in their respective objectives.
| Feature | Flame Retardant Cable (FR) | Fire Resistant Cable |
| Basic Purpose | Prevents fire from spreading along the cable | Maintains circuit integrity during fire |
| Function in Fire | Self-extinguishes when external flame is removed | Continues to carry current during fire for a specified time |
| Key Standards | IEC 60332 (Flame propagation) | IEC 60331 (Circuit integrity), BS 6387 (CWZ tests) |
| Test Conditions | Vertical flame test to check flame spread | Fire exposure at 750–950°C for 90–180 minutes (with/without water & mechanical shock) |
| Survival Time in Fire | No survival guarantee; only restricts spread | Typically, 90 min, 120 min, or 180 min depending on standard |
| Applications | General wiring, residential/commercial buildings where fire spread must be controlled | Emergency systems: fire alarms, emergency lighting, elevators, sprinklers, pumps, hospitals, data centres |
Difference Between Fire-Resistant and LSZH Cable
| Feature | Fire-Resistant Cable | Low Smoke Zero Halogen Cable (LSZH / LSOH) |
| Primary Function | Maintains circuit integrity during a fire (keeps power running to safety systems). | Reduces toxic smoke and corrosive gas emission when burning. |
| Performance in Fire | Keeps carrying current for 90–180 minutes under flame, heat, water, and mechanical shock. | May burn or fail electrically, but produces minimal smoke and zero halogen acid gases. |
| Survival Time in Fire | 90–180 minutes (depending on standard). | No guaranteed survival time; focus is on safety of evacuation. |
| Toxic Gas Emission | May emit gases depending on sheath used (unless combined with LSZH). | Zero halogen, minimal toxicity, non-corrosive gases. |
| Applications | Emergency circuits: fire alarms, sprinklers, evacuation lighting, lifts, hospitals, tunnels, data centers. | Public spaces: airports, metros, schools, offices, hospitals, IT/data centers — where people need safe evacuation. |
Is XLPE Fire Resistant?
Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) is widely used as an insulating material for LT and HT cables.
● Fire Resistance: XLPE itself is not inherently fire-resistant but has good thermal stability.
● Maximum Operating Temperature: XLPE can typically withstand up to 90°C in normal operation, 250°C during short-circuit, and higher in specialized fire-resistant XLPE cables.
● Fire Safety Enhancement: To use XLPE in fire resistant cables, manufacturers combine it with mica glass tape
So, XLPE cables can be fire resistant if manufactured with Mica Glass Tape making them suitable for critical installations.
Conclusion
● Fire Resistant Cables are crucial for maintaining power during fire emergencies.
● Flame Retardant cables limit flame spread but produce more smoke
● LSZH cables are the safest option, emitting very low smoke and zero halogens.
● XLPE cables offer thermal stability and can be made fire-resistant with the right sheathing.
At Fast Cables, we ensure that all fire-resistant cables meet IEC and BS standards, offering unmatched safety, reliability, and performance.
