The National standard for flame-retardant wires is an important regulation that ensures the safety and reliability of electrical installations. This article provides a detailed explanation of the national standard from four aspects: classification, testing methods, performance requirements, and application areas.
The classification of flame-retardant wires is based on their ability to resist fire and prevent the spread of flames. There are three main categories:
a) Class A: These wires have the highest level of flame resistance. They can withstand direct exposure to fire without catching fire themselves or spreading flames.
b) Class B: Wires in this category have a moderate level of flame resistance. While they may catch fire when directly exposed to flames, they do not contribute significantly to the spread of fire.
c) Class C: These wires have the lowest level of flame resistance. They are more likely to catch fire when exposed to flames and can contribute significantly to the spread of fire.
To determine whether a wire meets the national standard for flame retardancy, various testing methods are employed:
a) Vertical Flame Test: This test measures how quickly a wire catches fire and how fast it spreads vertically along its length.
b) Oxygen Index Test: The oxygen index indicates how much oxygen is required for combustion. Wires with higher oxygen indexes have better flame retardancy.
c) Smoke Density Test:This test measures the amount