What are the differences between the structures and materials of fire-resistant cables and flame-retardant cables?

The difference between fire-resistant cables and flame-retardant cables: a comprehensive analysis of safety and performance

In cable selection, fire-resistant cables and flame-retardant cables are two common types of fire-resistant cables, but many people often confuse the two. This article will deeply analyze the difference between fire-resistant cables and flame-retardant cables to help you understand their respective principles, structures, advantages and disadvantages, and applicability in different application scenarios. As an important infrastructure in the power, communication and chemical industries, choosing the right cable can effectively improve fire safety and reduce fire risks.

1. Difference in principle: fire-resistant vs flame-retardant

l Flame-retardant cable: The working principle of flame-retardant cable is to use flame-retardant materials to inhibit the spread of flames. Common flame-retardant materials such as halogen or halogen-free materials reduce the spread of fire through chemical reactions or water separation. Such cables can usually delay the spread of flames along the cable surface and reduce the spread of fire. 

l Fire-resistant cable: The characteristic of fire-resistant cable is that it can maintain normal operation for a long time in a fire. It mainly uses fire-resistant materials (such as mica or ceramic materials) to ensure that the cable can continue to operate in a high temperature environment. Ceramic fire-resistant cables can maintain structural integrity in flames of 650~1000°C, buying valuable time for fire extinguishing.

2. Structure and Materials: Design Differences

l Flame-retardant cable: The basic structure includes an insulation layer, a jacket and an outer sheath made of flame-retardant materials. The materials inside the cable are specially designed to slow the spread of flames.

l Fire-resistant cable: The structure of fire-resistant cable usually includes an additional fire-resistant layer. Its conductor is covered with a fire-resistant material that can resist the attack of flames for a long time, such as mica tape or ceramic layer. Even if the outer layer burns, the inner wiring of the cable can continue to transmit power and maintain its function.

3. Comparison of advantages and disadvantages: Which one is more suitable for your needs?

l Advantages of flame-retardant cables:

a. Lower cost: Flame-retardant cables are generally cheaper than fire-resistant cables and are suitable for occasions where costs need to be reduced.

b. Delaying the spread of fire: It can effectively prevent the spread of flames along the cable and reduce the expansion of fire.

c. Wide range of applications: It is widely used in most low-risk environments, especially in the chemical, power and other industries.

l Advantages of fire-resistant cables:

a. Long-term high temperature resistance: It can maintain power supply under high-temperature flames and avoid power outages.

b. Life safety protection: Maintain power transmission during a fire, buy more time for firefighters, and reduce casualties and property losses.

c. Environmental protection and low smoke: Use low-toxic and low-smoke environmentally friendly materials to reduce harmful smoke during a fire.

4.Application areas: How to choose the right cable?

l Application of flame-retardant cables:

a. Suitable for general residential, office buildings, commercial buildings and other conventional environments.

b. Mainly used to prevent the spread of fire and ensure that the flames will not spread rapidly in the early stages of a fire.

l Application of fire-resistant cables:

a. Suitable for special environments with high requirements, such as chemical plants, power plants, subways, hospitals and other places.

b. Mainly used for key facilities that need to maintain power supply during a fire to ensure that emergency systems, fire-fighting equipment, etc. can operate normally.

Shenxing Cable Group, as a professional cable manufacturer with 45 years of history, is committed to providing high-quality power and communication solutions to customers around the world. Welcome to contact us to get a personalized cable procurement plan!

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