As one of the most important components of communication networks, fire resistant cables with high resistance to heat and fire are manufactured using advanced technology and high-quality materials.
Fire resistant network cable, or fire-resistant network cable with a coating of fire-resistant materials and resistance to smoke and toxic gases, ensures that in the event of a fire, the fire cannot spread to other parts of the network. As well as providing safety for users, this cable reduces the financial and environmental damage caused by fire. With fire resistant cable, you can achieve complete comfort and safety when working with your network.
What is fire resistant cable?
Fire resistant network cable or fire-resistant cable is a cable made of materials that are resistant to fire and high heat. If there is a fire in the environment where the fire-rated network cable is installed, the fire-rated network cable will ensure that the data is fully transferred.
For example, some of the materials that can be used to make a fire-rated network cable are special polymers, fire-rated chemicals, and fire-rated film.
Features of fire-resistant network cables
Fire resistant cables have special types and characteristics that allow them to continue to function properly and safely in the event of a fire. The specifications of fire-rated cables may vary according to different standards and regulations. However, some of the specifications of fire resistant cable are
High heat resistance: Fire-rated network cables are usually made from fire-rated materials that can withstand high heat and fire. For example, some fire-rated network cables include fire-rated foil and heat-resistant coatings that can transmit data for a longer period of time in the event of a fire.
Reduced smoke and toxins: Fire-rated network cables are usually made with special materials that do not produce smoke and toxins in the event of a fire, reducing the possibility of poisoning.
Reduced electrical hazards: Fire resistant network cables are usually made with materials that reduce electrical hazards. For example, some fire-rated network cables have a special coating that can reduce hazards such as lightning and arcing.
Mechanical stability: Fire-rated network cables must have high mechanical stability to withstand impact, pressure and tension.
Network efficiency: Fire-rated network cables must have high network efficiency and be able to transfer data quickly.
Application of fire-resistant network cable
Fire resistant network cables are used as an important component in communication systems and computer networks. These cables have anti-fire properties that are effective in essential cases of security and network performance. The applications of fire-resistant network cable are
Fire safety:
Fire resistant network cables have features that reduce the emission of smoke and harmful gases in the event of a fire, increasing the safety of the system and people.
Use in fire sensitive environments:
These cables are especially used in environments where fire is likely to occur, such as hospitals, data centers and industrial environments.
Ensure network continuity:
The use of fire-resistant network cables allows the network to continue operating in the event of a fire.
Ensure compliance with safety standards:
These cables must comply with relevant safety standards to ensure the safety of the network and the environment.
Fire resistant network cables are very important to protect data and equipment from fire and increase safety performance in hazardous environments.
Where is fire rated cable suitable?
Fire resistant cable is suitable for places that need to be protected from fire and smoke hazards for safety reasons. Some places where fire resistant cable is used are
Mobile homes, offices, commercial and office buildings: Commercial buildings should normally have fire suppression and fire prevention systems. The use of fire-resistant network cables can help to reduce fire risks and potential losses.
Industrial sheds: In industrial buildings, the use of fire-resistant cables can help increase safety.
Hospitals and health centers Machine room: In hospitals, reducing the risk of fire and smoke is very important. The use of fire-resistant cables can help increase hospital safety.
Outdoor environments: In outdoor environments such as airports, the use of fire-resistant cables can help to increase safety.
Airports and railway stations
Hotels and high-rise residential buildings
Petrol stations
Conference and meeting rooms
Universities and schools
Data centres
Industrial buildings and factories
Ships and submarines
Places where there is a high risk of fire due to the presence of flammable materials: such as power stations and power generation plants, underground railways, petrochemical centres, enrichment plants, etc.
Standard temperature of fire-resistant cable
What temperature should the fire-rated network cable withstand?
A fire-resistant network cable must be able to withstand the heat generated in the event of a fire, and to be recognized as a fire-resistant network cable, it must be tested at a minimum of two different temperatures.
The first temperature of the test, called the ‘flame test temperature’, is designed to determine the cable’s resistance to flames and should normally last 90 minutes at a temperature of 750 degrees Celsius or more.
In general, the fire-resistant network cable must be resistant to fire and smoke to prevent fires.
What types of fire-rated network cable are there?
The types of fire-rated network cables are divided into two general categories:
Fire-rated network cable with PVC insulation: This type of cable uses PVC insulation to protect the cable strands and is usually fire resistant at temperatures below 750 degrees Celsius.
Fire resistant network cable with LSZH insulation: This type of cable uses LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) insulation to protect the copper core of the cable. LSZH insulation is resistant to fire at temperatures above 800 degrees Celsius and burns with less smoke in the event of a fire.
In addition, fire resistant network cables are classified and categorized according to various standards such as IEC 60331, IEC 60332, IEC 61034 and IEC 60754. In general, the higher the standard number, the more resistant the cable is to fire and smoke.
What is the best fire resistant cable?
The best fire-resistant cable is the cable with LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) insulation. LSZH insulation is resistant to fire at temperatures above 800 degrees Celsius, and in the event of a fire, it burns with less smoke.
These types of cables are typically used in environments where there is a high risk of fire or where inferior cables are used to prevent the spread of fire. Of course, to ensure that the cables are fire resistant, industry standards must be followed and cables approved to the appropriate standards must be selected.
Advantages of using fire resistant network cables in the network
Using fire resistant network cables in computer networks helps in several ways:
Increased network security: Fire-rated network cable acts as a safety factor in computer networks, reducing the spread of smoke and toxins in the event of a fire. This reduces the risk to people in the network environment.
Maintain network performance: Fire resistant network cable can still maintain proper and optimal network performance in high temperatures and fire conditions. If fire resistant network cables are not used, the network cables may be damaged by the high temperatures caused by the fire and may not function properly.
Ensure network stability in times of crisis (fire): By using fire resistant network cable, it is possible to improve network stability and reduce the need for network maintenance. This work reduces network maintenance and repair costs and also increases the useful life of network equipment.
- IEC standards of fireproof cable are as follows
- IEC 6 0 2 2 8: regarding fireproof cable conductors
- IEC 60331-1: Cable test under fire conditions at temperature (8300) for cables up to a voltage of 1 kV
- IEC 60331-11: Cable test under fire conditions with a flame with a minimum temperature of 750 degrees Celsius
- IEC 60332-1: Testing of cables laid vertically.
- IEC 60754-1: Test for gases released during burning of fireproof cable
- IEC 61034-2: Test for the amount of smoke released during the burning of fireproof cable
- IEC 60331-23: Methods and requirements for copper network cable
- IEC 60331-25: Methods and requirements for fiber optic cables
