Mineral insulated cable (MI cable) is commonly referred to in China as mineral cable or fire-resistant cable when used for wiring. MI cable is composed of inorganic materials such as copper conductor, mineral insulation, and copper or other metal sheathing.
In 1996, a serious fire broke out in the English Channel Tunnel connecting the UK and France. The MI cable system installed in the tunnel continued to provide emergency lighting for evacuated passengers even after the reinforced concrete and welded rails were destroyed, withstanding the raging fire and high temperatures. Due to its unmatched quality and performance compared to ordinary cables, MI cable is increasingly being used.
Currently available in the Chinese market, the following three types are common:
Copper core, copper sheathed, magnesium oxide insulated cable (without outer sheath, BTTZ and BTTQ; with outer sheath, BTTVZ, BTTVQ, and WD-BTTYZ)
Composed of solid copper rod, magnesium oxide insulation, and a seamless copper tube sheath.
