The Core Differences Between Fire-Resistant and High-Temperature-Resistant Cables
Despite their similar names, fire-resistant and high-temperature-resistant cables have completely different design objectives, performance characteristics, and applicable scenarios. The key differences are as follows:
1. Design Objectives
Fire-resistant cables: Their core function is to maintain circuit integrity during a fire, ensuring that critical systems like firefighting equipment and emergency lighting remain operational for a certain period of time (typically more than 90 minutes) in flames. Their fire resistance is rigorously tested according to national standards (such as GB/T 19216.21-2003).
High-Temperature-Resistant Cables: Designed to withstand high temperatures (e.g., 125°C to 1000°C) for extended periods, they are suitable for high-temperature applications such as metallurgy and chemical engineering. However, they do not emphasize circuit maintenance during fires. Standards (such as GB/T 19216.5-2003) emphasize high-temperature stability rather than fire resistance.
2. Materials and Processing
Fire-Resistant Cable: Made of fire-resistant materials such as silicone rubber and polyurethane, with a flame-retardant layer (such as mica tape) to isolate flames. The process emphasizes insulation protection during fires; for example, Class A cables must withstand flames of 950°C to 1000°C.
High-Temperature-Resistant Cable: Made of high-temperature polymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or inorganic materials (such as mineral insulation) to withstand sustained high temperatures, but the materials themselves may not be flame-retardant.
3. Application Scenarios
Fire-Resistant Cable: Used in high-risk fire locations (such as high-rise buildings and subways) to ensure power supply during fires.
High-Temperature-Resistant Cable: Used in high-temperature environments such as refineries and boilers to ensure the cable does not age or fail under prolonged high temperatures.
4. Key Considerations
Not Interchangeable: Fire-resistant cables cannot replace the long-term heat resistance of high-temperature-resistant cables, and vice versa.
Installation requirements: Fire-resistant cables need to reduce joints and undergo fireproofing treatment, while high-temperature resistant cables focus more on heat dissipation and chemical corrosion protection.
