In today’s world, fire safety has become a crucial consideration in various industries. Flame retardant and fire-resistant cables are specifically designed to withstand fire hazards and ensure the safety of people and properties. One of the essential factors in evaluating the effectiveness of these cables is resistance to fire with water. In this article, We will explore the significance of resistance to fire with water and the testing procedures involved. We will also discuss various cables that comply with international standards such as IEC 60331, fire survival cables, and BS 6387.
Resistance to fire with water refers to a cable’s ability to maintain functionality and insulation integrity when exposed to fire and the subsequent application of water to control or extinguish the flames. This resistance is crucial as fires are often combated through the application of water or water-based fire suppression systems. Cables that can endure fire exposure and remain operational even after being doused with water are considered reliable and safe in fire situations｜Appratus for Resistance to Fire with Water
| The cable is connected to a metal bracket composed of two 25mm wide steel plates. The bracket is fixed with metal clips, and the distance between the clips is 200mm. The cables are connected to the bracket as shown in Figure 3, and all metal frames are grounded. | Cable Support System | Resistance to Fire with Water |
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| During the test, current is allowed to pass through all cores of the cable, and the three single-phase transformers have sufficient capacity to maintain the maximum allowable leakage current of 3A at the test voltage. | Continuous Detection Device | |
| Connect a lamp to each core wire at the other end of the cable and load it with a current of close to 0.25A at the rated voltage of the cable. | ||
| Heat (Fire): A strip burner with a length of 400mm can burn a 400mm cable sample. The burner assembly can be adjusted to provide a bright flame at 650 ± 40 °C, | Heat (Fire) Source | |
| Temperature Measurement: A 2mm diameter armored thermometer is placed on the lower surface of the cable | ||
| Test Flame Temperature: 650°C± 40°C | ||
| Water Spray: A
nozzle is installed on the test bracket as shown below, in the middle of the
burner. The water pressure is 250KPa to 350KPa, and 0.25 liters per square meter to 0.30 liters per square meter of water are sprayed near the sample. This rate needs to be measured using a collection tray that is deep enough so that its long axis is parallel to the axis of the cable and centered. This pallet is approximately 100mm wide and 400mm long. |
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| Test Specimen: Samples larger than 1500mm are taken from
finished products and have been subjected to bending tests at ambient
temperature. Remove 100mm of sheaths and coverings from both ends. The conductors at both ends of the cable should be appropriately handled in accordance with the electrical connection and manufacturer’s recommendations. |
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| Test Voltage: 200~1000V Adjustable | ||
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To evaluate the resistance to fire with water, specialized apparatus is used, ensuring standardized and reliable testing. The apparatus typically consists of a furnace, a water spray system, and a test chamber. The cable undergoing testing is placed in the furnace, exposed to a controlled fire scenario. Once the desired fire exposure is achieved, the cable is subjected to a water spray system emulating fire suppression. The apparatus for resistance to fire with water test from Wewon Tech is used to contain the fire and water spray, effectively simulating a real-life fire situation.
Resistance to fire with water is an essential characteristic for flame retardant and fire-resistant cables. The ability of these cables to maintain functionality and integrity during a fire is crucial for ensuring the safety and protection of people and assets. Fire-resistant cables are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and exposure to flames, preventing the spread of fire and minimizing damage.
It is worth mentioning that: Water test. Fire-resistant cables should be able to withstand contact with water, as water is commonly used to extinguish fires. It is crucial for these cables to maintain their functionality and integrity even when exposed to water, ensuring their reliability and effectiveness in emergency situations.
In conclusion, the resistance to fire and water is a critical characteristic of flame retardant and fire-resistant cables. This feature enables them to continue functioning in the presence of fire and water, thereby enhancing safety and contributing to effective fire protection measures.