Flexible fire-resistant cables, also known as "inorganic mineral insulated cables," are rapidly gaining popularity in China due to their flexibility and ease of installation compared to mineral insulated cables. So, what exactly are flexible fire-resistant cables, and where are they typically used? Let's take a look!
What are flexible fire-resistant cables?
1. What are the product types of flexible fire-resistant cables?
BTTW: Copper core, corrugated copper sheathed, flexible inorganic mineral insulated fire-resistant cable, rated voltage 750V.
YTTW: Copper core, corrugated copper sheathed, flexible inorganic mineral insulated fire-resistant cable, rated voltage 750V.
YTTWG: Copper core, smooth copper sheathed, flexible inorganic mineral insulated fire-resistant cable, rated voltage 500V.
YTTWV: Copper core, corrugated copper sheathed, PVC outer sheathed, flexible inorganic mineral insulated fire-resistant cable, rated voltage 750V.
DW-YTTWY copper core, corrugated copper sheath, low-smoke, halogen-free polyolefin outer sheath, flexible inorganic mineral insulated fire-resistant cable, rated voltage 750V.
II. Product Advantages of Flexible Fire-Resistant Cables
1. Excellent Fire Resistance: The fire resistance rating not only meets the national standard GB12666.6 Class A 950°C, 90 minutes, but also meets the British BS6387-1994 test requirements for Class A 650°C 3 hours, Class B 750°C 3 hours, and Class C 950°C 3 hours. Furthermore, it can withstand water spray and mechanical impact during combustion.
2. Long Continuous Length: Whether single-core or multi-core cable, the length can meet power supply requirements, with each cable reaching up to 1000m.
3. Large Cross-Section: Single-core cables can have a cross-section of up to 1000mm, and multi-core cables can have a cross-section of up to 240mm.
4. Good Flexibility: The cable can be wound on a cable drum with a bend radius ≤ 20D (D is the cable's outer diameter).
5. Smokeless and Non-Toxic When Burning: The insulation is made of inorganic materials (non-combustible), which produce no harmful gases during combustion and cause no secondary pollution, making it an environmentally friendly green product.
6. High Overload Capacity: The cable not only has a high current carrying capacity but also a large overload capacity. According to wiring guidelines, the cable surface temperature is generally ≤ 70°C. If the wiring is not touchable and does not come into contact with combustible building materials, the cable sheath temperature can be increased to 105°C. When overloaded, flexible fire-resistant cables can have a long-term operating temperature of up to 250°C.
7. Corrosion Resistance: Organically insulated fire-resistant cables sometimes require plastic or iron conduits. Plastic conduits are prone to aging and brittleness, while iron conduits are prone to rust. Fire-resistant cables with copper sheaths do not require conduits, as copper sheaths offer excellent corrosion resistance.
8. Excellent Shielding: When fire-resistant cables are laid in the same shaft as information and control lines, the copper sheath shields them and prevents interference with the information transmitted by the signal and control cables.
9. Safety and Reliability: Fire-resistant cables can operate normally in flames, activate fire-fighting equipment, and minimize fire damage. They are also extremely reliable for personal safety. Their copper sheath is an excellent conductor, making them the best grounding conductor. It also extends the entire cable length, significantly improving the sensitivity and reliability of grounding protection.
10. Long Service Life: Inorganic insulation materials are highly heat-resistant and resistant to aging, resulting in a lifespan many times longer than that of organic-insulated cables. Under normal operating conditions, their lifespan can reach over a century.
11. Simple Installation: The transportation and installation of flexible fire-resistant cables, including the installation accessories, are similar to those of ordinary cables and are relatively simple.
12. Low Installation Cost: Due to their advanced manufacturing process and simple installation, flexible fire-resistant cables offer significantly lower overall costs than mineral-insulated cables under the same conditions.
III. Flexible Fire-Resistant Cable Structures
Depending on the cable's intended use, the outer copper sheath can be longitudinally welded and uncorrugated.
A. Conductor: Stranded copper conductor; B. Insulation: Synthetic mica tape; C. Filler: Inorganic material; D. Copper sheath: Longitudinally welded and corrugated.
1. Conductor: Twisted copper wires; 2. Insulation: High-temperature-resistant, non-combustible inorganic insulation material; 3. Copper sheath: Longitudinally welded and corrugated; 4. Outer sheath: Low-smoke, halogen-free material.
What are flexible fire-resistant cables generally used for?
1. Powering firefighting equipment and fire-resistant elevators in various buildings.
2. Powering equipment and lighting systems in critical buildings or buildings with large crowds.
3. Locations with high ambient temperatures, such as steel mills, smelters, and glass factories.
4. Powering critical, flammable and explosive environments, such as those in petrochemical and coal mines.
5. Power supply equipment in places requiring exceptional cleanliness and hygiene, such as hospitals and food factories.
6. Power supply for critical military, defense, aviation, and satellite base equipment.
7. Power supply for critical equipment in power plants and nuclear power plants.
The above is an introduction to what flexible cables are and their applications. I believe this has given us a deeper understanding of flexible cables. When selecting a cable, it's important to understand its properties and whether it's suitable for the intended environment.
