Fire-resistant cables and flame-retardant cables differ significantly in their definitions, functions, fire resistance, application scenarios, and materials and technologies.
Definition and Function
Fire-resistant Cable: Fire-resistant cables are cables that maintain circuit integrity for a certain period of time after a fire. Their primary function is to ensure uninterrupted power supply under extreme conditions, support critical safety systems such as firefighting equipment, emergency lighting, and alarm systems, and buy time for evacuation and fire rescue efforts.
Flame-retardant Cable: Flame-retardant cables are cables that, after a fire breaks out, can suppress the spread of flames and reduce the release of harmful smoke and gases. Their primary function is to localize fires through their flame-retardant properties, preventing them from spreading and protecting other equipment and structures from damage.
Fire Resistance and Application Scenarios
Fire Resistance: Fire-resistant cables typically have a higher fire resistance rating and can withstand temperatures exceeding 800°C for a period of time (e.g., 90 minutes), ensuring the normal operation of critical facilities. While flame-retardant cables can suppress the spread of flames, their fire resistance may be shorter and may not guarantee long-term power supply at high temperatures. 1
Application Scenarios: Fire-resistant cables are often used in locations with extremely high fire protection requirements, such as commercial buildings, subway tunnels, nuclear power plants, and aerospace. Flame-retardant cables are suitable for general residential buildings, hospitals, schools, and other locations where fire resistance is required but not necessarily long-term fire resistance. 1
Material and Technical Differences
Material Differences: Fire-resistant cables are typically made from high-temperature-resistant and flame-retardant materials such as magnesium oxide, nitrogen, silicon dioxide, and aluminum. These materials maintain stability at high temperatures, ensuring the cable's electrical performance is not affected. Flame-retardant cables primarily use halogen-containing or flame-retardant polymers, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These materials release flammable gases when burned, suppressing the spread of flame. 12
Technical Differences: The production process for fire-resistant cables is more complex, requiring specialized coating and material processing techniques. Flame-retardant cables are relatively simple to manufacture, primarily achieving flame retardancy by adding flame retardants to the material. 1
Marking and Certifications
Marking and Certifications: Fire-resistant cables typically meet specific fire resistance test standards, such as IEC 60331. Flame-retardant cables typically meet certain flame retardant test standards, such as IEC 60332. 3
