Fire Resistant Cable Grade by Country
I. Introduction
What is a Fire Resistant Cable?
Fire-resistant cables are cables that continue to operate in a specified condition when burned under a specified source of ignition and time.
What is Flame Retardant Cable
Flame retardant cables are cables that, after being burned, withdraw the source of ignition and the flame extinguishes itself within a limited range. These cables have the ability to prevent or delay the occurrence or spread of flame.
There is an article about the differences between flame resistance and flame retardant cable.
II. International Mainstream Fire-Resistant Cable Standards
| Country/Region | Key Standards |
|---|---|
| UK (BS) | BS EN 50200, BS6387, BS7629-1, BS5839 |
| Germany(DIN) | DIN 4102-12, DIN 0472-814 |
| USA(UL) | UL1424 (FPL, FPLR, FPLP) |
| China | GB/T 19666 |
III. UK Standards: BS Series
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The British fire-resistant cable standard is based on BS EN 50200 to classify fire-resistant cables, which includes PH30, PH60, PH90. eg: PH30 means that the cable can still work normally under the flame burning for 30 minutes. –Note: BS EN50200 has no requirements for the integrity of the cable system including (bridges, supports).
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BS6387 provides a more detailed determination of whether a cable can function under different conditions in a cable fire.
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C: Fire only (950°C ± 40°C)
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W: Fire + water spray (650°C ± 40°C)
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Z: Fire + mechanical shock (950°C ± 40°C)
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IV. German Standards: DIN Series
German fire-resistant cables are mainly described by FE180/E30. Common fire-resistant grade FE180/30, FE180/30, FE180/90
- FE refers to insulation integrity, i.e. the cable will not short-circuit for 180 minutes,
- E30 refers to system integrity, the cable installation system maintains its integrity in a fire for 30 minutes, including bridges and fixings. DIN 0472-814; specifies test methods for insulation integrity. DIN 4102-12; specifies test methods for system integrity.
V. US Standards: UL1424
The main U.S. standard for fire-resistant cables is UL1424, which includes the main models of FPLP, FPLR, FPL.
*FPLP Cable: use in a duct, plenum or other space used to transport environmental air
*FPLR Cable: use in vertical runs in a shaft, or for installations in which the cable penetrates more than one floor
*FPL Cable: Cable for other than plenum and riser uses in general and in trays
VI. Chinese Standards: GB/T 19666
China uses GB/T 19666 to define both flame-retardant and fire-resistant cable types. Fire-resistance is usually indicated by:
| Mark | Meaning |
|---|---|
| N | 90 min fire test + 15 min natural cooling |
| NJ | 120 min fire test |
| NS | 120 min fire test + 15 min water spray |
Cables typically tested under 750~800°C conditions.
VII. Comparison Table of Fire-Resistance Grade
| Standard | Category | Temperature | Duration | Extra Conditions |
|---|
| BS EN 50200 | PH30 / PH60 / PH90 | 830°C | 30/60/90 min | + mechanical shock |
| BS6387 | C, W, Z | 650~950°C | ~60 min | Water/mechanical |
| FE180 / E30 | FE180 / E30 | 750°C+ | 180 / 30 min | System-level |
| GB/T N, NJ, NS | N / NJ / NS | 750°C | 90~120 min | Cooling / water spray |
| UL1424 | FPL, FPLR, FPLP | UL test | — | Flame, vertical burn |
VIII. Conclusion
The specification level of fire-resistant cables used in different countries and regions varies. We hope this article can help to choose the right type and grade of fire-resistant cable. If you need professional help, welcome to contact us!
