Fire Resistant Cables

Fire-resistant light current cables (typically ) are specialized, halogen-free cables designed to maintain circuit integrity for 30–120 minutes during fire, enabling emergency systems like alarms, voice evacuation, and emergency lighting to operate. They feature mica tape insulation, LSZH sheathing, and copper conductors, conforming to standards like BS 6387 and IEC 60331. 

Key Aspects of Fire-Resistant Cables

• Performance Levels:
  • Standard (e.g., BS 7629-1, PH30/PH60): Suitable for basic fire alarm/lighting systems.
  • Enhanced (e.g., BS 8434-2, PH120): Used in high-risk, tall, or unsprinklered buildings requiring 2+ hours of operation.
• Common Applications: Fire detection, emergency lighting, fire alarm systems, and emergency voice communication.
• Key Components:
  • Conductor: Plain annealed copper.
  • Fire Barrier: Mica tape.
  • Insulation/Sheath: LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) to prevent toxic smoke.
• Key Standards:
  • BS 6387 (C, W, Z): Resistance to fire, water, and mechanical shock.
  • IEC 60331: Circuit integrity during fire.
  • BS EN 50200: Fire resistance for small cables. Power and Cables +4

Popular Product Lines

• Prysmian FP200 Gold: Standard for fire alarm and emergency lighting.
• Prysmian FP100: For use in conduit or trunking.
• Draka Firetuf: Approved for London Underground.
• Nexans N2XCH FE 180: Screened fire-resistant cable.
• Polycab IGNIS: High-temperature fire survival cable. Nexans Türkiye +3

Differences to Note

• Fire Resistant vs. Flame Retardant: Fire resistant cables keep working during a fire; flame retardant (FR) cables only slow the spread of fire.
• LSZH vs. FRLS: LSZH produces no halogens (toxic gas), while FRLS (Fire Retardant Low Smoke) may still release small amounts of toxic gases

Prysmian manufactures a comprehensive range of fire-resistant cables designed to maintain circuit integrity during emergencies, allowing critical systems like fire alarms and emergency lighting to function while a building is evacuated. Prysmian United Kingdom +1

Fire Performance (FP) Cable Range

Prysmian’s core fire-resistant products are categorized into “Standard” and “Enhanced” performance based on British Standards (BS) for survival time under fire, impact, and water exposure. Prysmian United Kingdom +1

• Prysmian FP200 Gold: The industry-standard fire alarm cable. It uses a unique Insudite insulation that is tough and damage-resistant. It is rated for 30 minutes of survival (PH30) and is commonly used in offices, schools, and shops.
• Prysmian FP PLUS: Known as an “Enhanced” fire-resistant cable, providing at least 120 minutes of circuit integrity (PH120). It is the recommended choice for hospitals and complex buildings with phased evacuation.
• Prysmian FP600s: An armoured fire-resistant power cable designed for high-risk life safety systems. It provides 120 minutes of protection and is used for fire-fighting lifts, sprinkler pumps, and smoke ventilation systems.
• Prysmian FP400: A cost-effective armoured cable providing “standard” fire resistance for smaller circuits (less than 20mm diameter).
• Prysmian FP500: A steel wire armoured (SWA) control cable that satisfies Category 3 requirements for BS 8519, often used for connections between buildings. Prysmian United Kingdom +9

Specialized and Industrial Cables

Beyond standard building infrastructure, Prysmian provides cables for extreme industrial and offshore environments. 

• Prysmian Lifeline® (North America): A range of fire-resistive cables (RHW-2, MC, and Fiber Optic) that meet UL 2196 standards for two-hour fire ratings. They are designed for emergency feeders, fire pumps, and stairwell pressurization.
• Prysmian Seaflame™: Ultra-fire-resistant power and control cables for the oil and gas industry. They can operate for 6 hours at 1,050°C and are resistant to high-pressure water jets used in offshore fire-fighting.
• Prysmian Draka FireTuf™: A specialized range of fire-resistant fiber optic cables (unarmoured and armoured) compliant with IEC 60331-25.
• Prysmian FlexFlame™: Fire-resistant cables for fixed installations in medium voltage power, specifically designed for areas exposed to drilling mud and fluids. Prysmian +4

Key Technical Standards

Prysmian cables are independently certified by bodies like BASEC and LPCB. Prysmian United Kingdom +1

Standard	Description
BS EN 50200	Test for resistance to fire of small cables (PH30 to PH120).
BS 8434-2	120-minute test at 930°C for “Enhanced” fire resistance.
BS 8491	Assessment of fire integrity for large diameter power cables (used for FP600s).
UL 2196	Standard for tests of fire-resistive cables (primarily for Lifeline® range).