Fire Safety / 3P Qualified Products / 3P

Fire Safety

The three versions of a specific cable are listed independently in the 3P survey of qualified cables. A qualification of one of these cable types (for instance the cable version with PVC sheath) does not automatically lead to qualification of one of the other types (for instance the similar cable in LS0H version), since the sheathing material may critically affect both mechanical and electrical performance. Evaluation of performance for each sheathing type is always required.

The following fire safety testing is carried out for the three different cable types:

A cable with PVC sheath is verified for:
1) Flame retardancy according to IEC 60332-1-2 / CENELEC EN 60332-1-2

A cable in LS0H version is verified for:
1) Flame retardancy according to IEC 60332-1-2 / CENELEC EN 60332-1-2
2) Smoke density according to IEC 61034-1 / CENE LEC EN 50268-1 and IEC 61034-2, incl. Amend ment 1 / CENELEC EN 50268-2
3) Acidity of smoke according to IEC 60754-2 / CENELEC EN 50267-2-3

A cable in LSFR0H version is verified for:
1) Flame retardancy according to IEC 60332-1-2 / CENELEC EN 60332-1-2
2) Smoke density according to IEC 61034-1 / CENE LEC EN 50268-1 and IEC 61034-2, incl. Amend ment 1 / CENELEC EN 50268-2
3) Acidity of smoke according to IEC 60754-2 / CENELEC EN 50267-2-3
4) Fire retardancy according to IEC 60332-3-24 (Cat. C) / CENELEC EN 50266-2-4 (Cat. C) or IEC 60332-3, Cat. C:1992 / CENELEC HD 405.3

Significance

Fire behavior of cables has major significance for end users.

3P Fire Safety Ratings

Halogen free cables are identified by two 3P ratings

3P Fire Safety Testing

Fire safety testing is carried out for the three different cable types: PVC, LSOH and LSFROH.

Construction Products Directive (CPD)

In Europe much attention has for the past many years been focused on developing statutory cable fire safety requirements under the Construction Products Directive (CPD-requirements).

Fire Safety Considerations

When considering the different cable safety options (PVC, LS0H and LSFR0H) one should focus on both equipment safety and human safety in case of fire.

Environmental Considerations

Environmental considerations for PVC are only indirectly a concern for the end user.

Safety of Cables

Safety of cables is a key issue for producers and users of cabling, both with respect to personal safety and to equipment protection (corrosion) in case of fire.

Presently the safety issue only concerns cables, but in the future 3P believes that also connecting hardware will be the target of the safety regulations.

Material Characteristics

A brief discussion of material characteristics for the three different alternative sheathing materials used for PVC, halogen free and plenum cables.