Which cables perform best in case of fire?
A systematic prevention and a realization of a proper system, minimize all kinds of risks. In construction industry, to choose the right cable is fundamental. As a result, to do it, it matters to evaluate technical and environmental performances, economic aspects, and fire safety.
Cables and electrical wires are the main applications of flexible PVC. About 46% of these goods in the European market are made with this material. Its merits consist in the high cost-performance ratio, sustainability and recyclability. The cables made with flexible PVC represent for decades a wiser choice in terms of fire safety, ’cause do not facilitate a fire and its propagation.
In Europe, the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), identifies a number of requirements to be respected, especially in case of fire. The norm EN 50575/A1:2016 sets up the electrical cables in classes of reaction-to-fire performance. These range from A to F, according to their performance to reaction to fire and to flame propagation. Moreover, other useful information regarding the cables perform best in case of fire are the production of smoke (identified with letter “S”), drops and/or firing particles (“d”) and acidity (“a”).
