The main differences between fire-resistant and flame-retardant cables lie in their operating principles, structure, materials, fire resistance, and usage scenarios.
Working Principle
Flame-retardant Cable: Flame-retardant cables are based on two main principles: halogen-based and halogen-free. Halogen-based flame-retardant cables rely on the flame-retardant effect of halogens, while halogen-free cables rely on the release of water during combustion to lower the temperature and extinguish the fire. Fire-resistant Cable: Fire-resistant cables rely on the mica material in the fire-resistant layer. These materials are fire-resistant and heat-resistant, ensuring the cable's ability to function properly in a fire. The ceramicized cable in fire-resistant cables forms a self-supporting ceramic structure in flames, offering sufficient strength and thermal shock resistance, maintaining structural integrity even at high temperatures. Structure and Materials
Flame-retardant Cable: Its basic structure includes the insulation layer, jacket, and outer sheath, all of which are made of flame-retardant materials. The tape and filling are also made of flame-retardant materials.
Fire-resistant cable: A fire-resistant layer, typically made of refractory materials such as mica tape, is added between the conductor and insulation. This layer allows the cable to maintain normal operation even in flames.
Fire Performance
Flame-retardant cable: Its primary function is to slow the spread of fire and prevent its expansion. Once the fire source is removed, the flames will extinguish themselves. Fire-resistant cable: It can maintain normal operation for a certain period of time during a fire, ensuring that the power system continues to operate in an emergency. Fire-resistant cables comply with standards such as IEC 60331, which specify performance requirements under fire conditions. 13 Application Scenarios
Flame-retardant cable: Primarily used in crowded places such as subways and shopping malls, it can slow the spread of fire and protect property and personnel. Fire-resistant cable: Primarily used in places where power supply must be maintained, such as fire, emergency, and alarm system wiring connections, and in critical facilities such as high-rise buildings and subways.
