Flame-retardant cables are constructed using special materials that inhibit or delay combustion when exposed to heat or flames. The construction of these cables typically consists of three main components: conductor, insulation, and sheath.
The conductor is usually made from copper or aluminum and carries electrical current through the cable. It provides a path for electricity to flow from one point to another.
The insulation layer surrounds the conductor and prevents direct contact with other conductors or external objects. It acts as a barrier against electrical leakage and also plays a crucial role in preventing fires by resisting ignition.
Flame-retardant cables possess specific properties that enable them to withstand high temperatures without catching fire easily:
a) Self-Extinguishing: When exposed to flames, these cables do not continue burning once the source of ignition is removed.
b) Low Smoke Emission: Flame-retardant cables produce minimal smoke during combustion compared to standard PVC (polyvinyl chloride) insulated wires.
c) Low Toxicity: These cables emit fewer toxic gases when subjected to high temperatures or flames, reducing health hazards for individuals present during a fire incident.
A variety of flame-retardant cable models exist based on their specific applications:
a) FR-PVC Cables (Fire Resistant PVC)This type features an outer sheath made from PVC material with enhanced flame retardancy properties compared to standard PVC insulated wires. FR-PVC cables find extensive use in residential buildings, commercial complexes, power distribution networks due to their cost-effectiveness and ease-of-installation characteristics.
b) LSZH Cables (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) LSZH refers specifically to cable jackets made from thermoplastic compounds that do not contain halogens such as chlorine or bromine. These halogen-free materials ensure low smoke emission levels during combustion while minimizing toxicity risks. LSZH cable models are commonly used in public spaces like hospitals, schools, airports, and railway stations where large numbers of people gather regularly. c) Mineral Insulated Cables (MIC)MICs consist of copper conductors encased within magnesium oxide insulation and sealed within a metallic sheath. They offer exceptional resistance against extreme temperatures, making them suitable for critical applications such as emergency lighting systems, fire alarm circuits, and power supply lines in nuclear plants. d) Silicone Rubber Insulated CablesSilicone rubber-insulated cables exhibit excellent thermal stability even at high temperatures. They have good resistance against moisture ingress and can withstand exposure to harsh environmental conditions. These qualities make silicone rubber-insulated cables ideal for industrial settings like steel mills, chemical plants, or offshore oil rigs.