Upcoming changes in NBC 2016 Part 4 ANNEX J (Clause 6.4.4) J-8 & J-9

Upcoming changes in NBC 2016 Part 4 ANNEX J (Clause 6.4.4) J-8 & J-9 

As on date 15-08-2025, latest version of NBC 2025 still not released. This post is tentative only. Latest version of NBC 2025 is applicable for existing buildings when they are altered (see clause 12.4 of Part 2) or in the opinion of the authority constitute a hazard to the safety of the adjacent property or to the occupants of the building itself or are unsafe.

Annex J for FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR METRO STATIONS.

J-1 APPLICATION AND SCOPE

J-2 TERMINOLOGY

J-3 GENERAL

J-4 LIFE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

J-5 EGRESS PROVISIONS

J-6 FIRE SEPARATION AND COMPARTMENTATION

J-7 OTHER SPECIFICS REGARDING SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

New upcoming J-8 POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM

New upcoming J-9 EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEM

J-8 POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM

In NBC 2016 Part 4 says “the back-up/emergency power supply shall have a capacity to cater all critical loads such as emergency lighting, protective signalling system, communication system, fire station and control room, lifts providing required egress capacity, etc.”

Now upcoming NBC 2025 Part 4 under Annex J-8 says.

J-8.1 General

The Auxiliary Substation at Metro stations can be provided at any location, for example, Ground Level, Concourse Level, Platform Level, etc. The access for dismantling and replacement in future and ease of operation and maintenance of the equipment are to be ensured.

J-8.2 Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) System

The UPS shall be an online parallel redundant system with battery back-up for emergency power supply. The batteries shall provide backup for minimum 90 minutes.

If, DG set power backup to UPS is provided, the battery backup time shall be suitably selected.

J-8.3 Back-up or Emergency Power supply

a) The back-up/emergency power supply shall have a capacity to cater all critical loads such as emergency lighting, protective signaling system, communication system, station control room/fire command centre, lifts providing required egress capacity, etc.

b) Power supply to these systems and equipment shall be from normal and emergency (standby generator power sources with changeover facility).

c) If the power supply is taken from HT source and HT generation, the transformer shall be selected with standby capacity to ensure continuity of power supply to such systems. Where parallel HV/LV supply from a separate independent source is provided with appropriate transformer for emergency, the provision of Diesel Generator for emergency supply may be waived at the discretion of Metro Authority. In such a scenario, in case of failure of Mains power, the transfer to emergency power supply should be automatic and within 10 s for ensuring uninterrupted supply to emergency systems.

J-8.4 Cables

a) Fire resistant/survival, low smoke zero halogen, copper conductor, armoured, XLPE insulated cables shall be used at enclosed stations for fire and life safety equipment like Fire Alarm System (FAS), Tunnel Ventilation Fans, Smoke Extraction Fans, Staircase Pressurization Fans, fire pumps, emergency lighting, etc.

b) All cables and wiring used for fire and life safety equipment shall have a 3h fire survival capability at 950 °C.

c) For all other essential services at enclosed stations like Chillers, AHU, Normal lighting, Chilled Water pumps etc. flame retardant, low smoke zero-halogen (LSZH), armoured, XLPE insulated Aluminium/copper conductor cables shall be used.

d) At open stations, flame retardant, low smoke halogen free (FR, LSH), armoured, XLPE insulated Aluminium/copper conductor cables shall be used for power supply.

e) Fire alarm system signalling loop circuit (SLC) cable must be in red colour. Other hand Power cable must be in black colour.

J-9 EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEM

a) LED lighting fixtures shall be used for lighting at Metro stations.

b) Emergency illumination shall include illumination of means of egress, illuminated exit signs, and all other luminaires specified as necessary to provide required illumination. Emergency lighting systems shall be designed and installed so that the failure of any illumination source cannot leave in total darkness any space that requires emergency illumination. Emergency lighting shall not provide less than average of 10 lux. Minimum illumination of 10 lux shall be maintained on egress route.

c) Fire resistant (FR), low smoke and zero halogen (LSZH) copper conductor wires shall be used for wiring of emergency lighting system at underground stations.

Emergency lighting system (ELS) circuit shall have 3hr fire survival (FS) capability at 950°C.

d) Out of total light fixtures installed at any station, at least 30% of the total lights, all uniformly distributed shall be connected to emergency power source,  that is, UPS.

e) Emergency lighting shall be powered from a source independent of  that supplying  the normal lighting.

REFERENCE:

CED 46(26992) WC - Draft Code for Comments Only.

Why Copper Is Used for Fire Alarm Wiring?

Why Copper Is Used for Fire Alarm Wiring? 

If you’ve ever seen the inside of a Fire Alarm Control Panel, electrical panel, you may have noticed that copper is the predominant metal used in wiring.

What Is Copper?

Atomic number 29 is assigned to the chemical element copper, which has the molecular symbol Cu (derived from the Latin word cuprum). Metal with high thermal and electrical conductivity is soft, malleable and ductile. Pure copper has a pinkish-orange tint when it’s just been exposed. A variety of metal alloys, such as sterling silver for jewellery, brazing alloys, and electrical contacts, contain copper, which is employed as a heat and electricity conductor.

Older sculptures, buildings, and coins have a brown-black film of copper oxide on them because copper does not react with water. Due to long-term exposure to oxygen and carbon dioxide, copper develops a distinctive blue-green patina.

5 Uses Of Copper

Did you know that copper was first mined over 10000 years ago? Today, we still use copper for many things. Here is a comprehensive list of 5 things that is made up or is comprise of copper:

-Firstly copper is a key component in electrical wiring it can be identified by its’ reddish hue. It is a good conductor of electricity and heat which makes it ideal for household wiring and electrical components.

-The second use for copper is in plumbing. Pipes made of copper are less likely to corrode than those made from other materials.

-Copper can also be found in coins, both old and modern ones! The US penny is actually 97.00% zinc with a thin coating of copper.

-Cookware is another place where you’ll find this element as it heats up evenly and quickly, without hotspots.

-Last but not least, fungicides often contain copper sulfate which helps to prevent the growth of mold and mildew on plants.

 

Why Is It Used for Electrical Wiring?

Good Conductor- It is a good conductor of electricity which means that it can easily allow electrons to flow through it. This makes copper wiring ideal for electrical applications as it minimizes the resistance between wires, making the current flow more smoothly.

Resistance to Corrosion- Copper is also resistant to corrosion which means that it will not corrode over time when exposed to the elements. This makes it an ideal material for electrical wiring as it will not break down or degrade over time, ensuring a long lifespan for your wiring.

Low Cost- Copper is one of the most affordable metals on the market which makes it an attractive option for electrical wiring. It is also widely available which further reduces costs and makes it a great choice for large scale projects.

Ductility- Copper is a ductile metal which means that it can be easily drawn into wire. This makes it an ideal material for electrical wiring as it can be easily manipulated into the required shape and size.

Thermal Conductivity- Copper has a high thermal conductivity which means that it can efficiently transfer heat. This makes it an ideal material for electrical wiring as it minimizes the risk of fire hazards.

Why Is Electrical Wiring Usually Covered With A Layer Of Plastic

Insulation is a common cause for covering electrical wires with plastic. Keeping the cable from conducting electricity might be risky.

In addition to protecting the wire, the covering serves as an additional layer of defence. It is possible that the wire might be damaged or broken if it is exposed to the environment.

Moreover, dust and other debris are kept out of the wiring by the covers, reducing the likelihood of malfunctions. In order for electrical wire to work correctly, it must be kept clean and clear of any foreign things.

Electrical wire may be safeguarded by covering it with a layer of plastic. You may help prevent accidents and keep your house or workplace operating smoothly by doing so.

Top 5 Types of Copper Wires

Copper is a versatile metal that has many uses, including electrical wiring. There are different types of copper wire, each with its own specific purpose. Here are five of the most common types of copper wire:

-Bare Copper Wire: This type of wire is uncoated and unprotected. It’s typically used for low voltage applications like residential wiring.

-Tinned Copper Wire: This type of wire has a coating of tin, which protects it from corrosion. Tinned copper wire is often used in marine and industrial applications.

-Silver Coated Copper Wire: This type of wire has a coating of silver, which makes it more conductive than other types of copper wire. Silver coated copper wire is often used in high voltage applications.

-Annealed Copper Wire: This type of wire has been heat treated to make it more flexible. Annealed copper wire is often used in applications where it needs to be bent or shaped.

-Hard Drawn Copper Wire: This type of wire is very strong and resistant to breakage. Hard drawn copper wire is often used in applications where it will be subject to a lot of stress or movement.

There are many other types of copper wire, but these five are the most common. Copper wire is an essential part of many electrical applications, so it’s important to choose the right type for your project. Do some research and talk to an expert before making your final decision.

Safety installation normal Electrical Cable to Fire Survival Cable

Switch normal Electrical Cable to Fire Survival Cable

Fire survival cable are those which can operate continuously in presence of fire. Fire definitely the most dangerous element which can affect you with loss of money or life.

Initially, electrical wiring technology was not so good and wires were catching fire easily. Not only electrical cable it applicable for Fire Detection loop / zone cable as well as CCTV & Access Control Cabling.

The Engineers who were the part of wiring generation, transmission and utilization of electricity, they observed that normal electric wires do not posses the ability to operate in high flammable environment.

This made them to think about the need of those cables which can work in highly flammable environment. The wires which will have high immunity against fire.

Generally, the layer of XLPE or PEX (Cross-linked polyethylene) is Polyvinyl Chloride (or PVC). Polyvinyl Chloride provides immunity to wire and make them to stand against fire, Though, it generates toxic fumes which are corrosive in nature.

Although XLPE cables comes with PVC layers still it produces highly toxic flames which form clog, invisible to people. Because of this the problem of suffocation and even a threat of death could be possible.

You all know that in today’s time Electricity is essential in every place be it a domestic or business environment. In crowded places like schools, office, Station, Museum, airport, hospitals, foster homes, hotels, Multiplexes, ships, tunnels, subways and in public premises, electric faults or fire spreads at a faster rate and destructs property and life.

Fire Survival Cable cure the problem of fire emission from wire. Normal Wires can cause the fire and also the fire can be spread, and they also can result in:

• Smoke Emission
• Emission of Carbon Monoxide Gas ( One of the dangerous gas)
• It will release the irritant gases such Hydrofluoric acid (HF), Hydrochloric acid(HCL), Carbonyl fluoride (COF2) and acrolein, depending on which type of material is used in cable.

To prevent these, you should replace your normal wiring with Fire Survival Cable.

Fire Survival Cables has a compound in it known as flame retardant low smoke PVC. This type of coating ensures very less emission of fire in compare to normal PVC coating.

Advantage of Choosing Fire Survival Cable

• It can handle the fire for a longer period.
• Water Proof.
• Comes in your budget.
• Highly Tensile Strength.
• Durable.
• Chemical Resistant.

Why Fire Survival Cable

Electricity is both good and bad at times. Electrical Wiring is the basic need in today’s time.

It should be well maintained and fire proof. The Fire can cause maximum effects from giving injury to death.

You should upgrade your wiring today with Fire Survival Cable as it gives you:

·        Reduces the Smoke Emission: There will be no release of dense smoke out of these wires.

·        Easy to install: Fire Survival Cables Jacket have low frictional coefficient than normal cables, which makes it easy to install.

·        No Toxic Gases: It eliminates the emission of toxic gases, which causes inhaling issue in human.unique design reduces the flame to spread through spaces.

·        Green & Clean Environment: It gives you a green & clean surrounding for living.

·        Reduces Flame Propagation: Its unique design reduces the flame to spread through spaces.

Conclusion

Electricity, good or bad. The argument will unstoppable. It is indeed an essential thing in human life. But when it creates dangerous effect, which sometime result in death. Than it becomes a matter of discussion.

About LSZH Cable

Halogen-Free Cable

Increasingly used in public and government buildings and where there is sensitive electronic equipment (i.e. Hospitals, Supermarkets, Airports, Control Rooms & Computer Suites) these cables are designed for increased safety in the case of a fire:

•         Reduction in hazardous fumes which can cause injury when inhaled
•        Reduction in corrosive chemicals which can cause damage to electronics

Historically, most cables used in installations have been insulated with PVC or similar materials.  In fires, these insulation materials release chlorine gas.  Chlorine is a poisonous gas and a danger to people.  In addition it forms hydrochloric acid when coming into contact with water.   Hydrochloric acid (HCL) can have devastating effects on adjacent equipment.

To overcome the problems associated with the release of chlorine gas, halogen-free cables are used.  Typically a halogen free cable is made of polypropylene, which does not produce a dangerous gas or acid in fire conditions.

What are halogens?

Halogens are non-metallic elements found in the periodic table. The five halogens are fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, & astatine. A common material that contains halogens in the chemical structure is PVC. Halogens make cable jackets and insulation highly flame retardant. Some naturally non-halogenated materials have halogen added because of the flame retardant properties. When burned, halogens emit a thick toxic smoke and become corrosive. These characteristics can cause damage to equipment and pose a safety concern.

Why consider halogen-free cable?

Over the last few years, halogen-free wire and cabling products have seen an increase in popularity. Halogen-free cables are used in consideration of issues including fire safety, fire damage prevention, and the environment. Halogen-free cables help eliminate the use of environmentally sensitive materials.

What does LSZH mean?

LSZH stands for low smoke zero halogen. The compounds in the cable insulation and jacket have no fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, or astatine. This means that the cable emits little to no toxic halogens and minimal smoke when in contact with fire. These are important safety precautions and they often appear together in wire and cable specifications. LSZH wire and cable is also called: low smoke non halogen (LSNH), low smoke halogen free (LSHF), and low smoke zero (0) halogen (LS0H).

In what applications can halogen-free cable be used?

Halogen-free cable is intended for use in applications in which insulation with low toxicity, low smoke generation, and low corrosiveness is needed. Examples include rapid transit, industrial, shipboard, and commercial fields where human safety and protection of equipment is a concern.

Does the NEC allow low-smoke halogen-free cable in all applications?

The NEC (National Electrical Code) doesn't prohibit halogen-free cable or wire installation in any application. The NEC does require low smoke cables for plenum spaces.

Is there a difference between low smoke and zero halogen?

Low smoke and zero halogen are not equivalent. Low smoke cable emits a thinner and clearer smoke when burning. This feature makes evacuation and firefighting efforts much easier and safer. A cable may be low smoke and still contain toxic halogens. Zero halogen means that the cable does not contain fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine or astatine. Zero halogen cable may still emit a thick smoke when burned. Both properties are not always needed for all cables. Check specifications to be sure that the cable meets both requirements if necessary for your application.

Are there any disadvantages to using low smoke zero halogen cables?

Low smoke zero halogen cables provide a lot of great safety advantages, but there is a bit of an electrical and mechanical trade-off. In order to be low smoke zero halogen, the cable jacket must incorporate a high percentage of filler material. This increase in filler material could make the jacket less chemical and water resistant and could provide poorer mechanical and electrical properties than a non-LSZH counterpart. LSZH jackets are also more likely to experience jacket cracking during installation, so special lubricants may be necessary to avoid damage. This is especially true in cold environments. Because of the limited flexibility of LSZH, it is not recommended in robotic or continuous flex applications. As a result, LSZH cable is commonly chosen for applications where fire safety is more of a concern than the cable’s specific electrical and mechanical properties. Advances in compound materials and processing have decreased some of these issues.

Can LSZH pass a flame test?

Yes. LSZH may pass a standard flame test. To determine how an LSZH cable will react in a fire, the following five criteria are considered:

·        How easily the cable will catch fire

·        How quickly the fire will spread along the cable

·        How much smoke is produced upon combustion

·        How toxic are the byproducts

·        How corrosive are the byproducts

Some test standards related to this type of cable are Plenum rated, LS rated, S1 rated, and ASTM D5424.

What should be considered when choosing LSZH?

When choosing LSZH products, factors such as the environment and price should be considered. An environmental factor such as the temperature of the installation could reduce the flexibility of the cable. Will the application be in an open area or confined? Will other flammable material be present? Low smoke zero halogen cable also tends to be higher in cost. Consult an expert from Allied Wire and Cable to find the best fit for your application.

Cables intended to fulfil this type of function are often labelled as one of the following:

LSZH - Low Smoke Zero Halogen

LSOH - Low Smoke Zero Halogen

LSF - Low Smoke and Fume

OHLS - Zero Halogen Low Smoke

Both LSZH and LSF are used to limit smoke, fumes and halogen given off in fire conditions.

Halogen & Smoke Emission, Corrosively & Toxicity Standards

IEC 60754-1 / BS6425-1 - emission of halogen

IEC 60754-2 - corrosivity

IEC 61034-1 / ASTM E662 - emission of smoke

ISO4589-2 / BS2863 - oxygen index LOI

ISO4589-3 / BS2782.1 - temperature index TI

Fireproof Cable

Fireproof Cable

Fire protection and security cables which are suitable for critical safety systems. Fire Protection cables are generally used for maintaining power supplies, lighting circuits, fire alarm and sprinkler systems.

Mineral Insulated Cable (MICC) - Fireproof Cable, Fire Performance Cable

Cable Specification: The features of the cable make them more resistant to fires than plastic insulated cables due to the lack of organic material. It is for this reason that the MICC cables are suitable for using in public areas, high fire risk areas such as power stations and oil refineries. Mineral Insulated Cable (MICC) manufactured to BS6207. The cable features solid plain annealed copper conductors, magnesium oxide insulated and solid copper sheath to BS6207, IEC331 and BS 6387 CWZ. Available in the following options :( a) Light Duty = 500 volts grade, (b) Outer sheath finishes, bare copper, Heavy Duty = 1000 volts grade PVC or LSZH, (c) Outer sheath colours. Orange, Red, White or Black.

Fire Resistant Single Core Cable BS6387 - 1.5mm - 16mm

Cable Specification: The cable features a plain annealed copper conductor and has a low smoke zero halogen insulation with MICA fire resistant tape. BS6387 Cable, Fireproof Single Core cables available in sizes 1.5mm to 16mm manufactured to British Standard BS6387. The cable features plain annealed copper conductor, mica fire resistant tape, low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) insulation. 600/1000 volts grade. Fire resistant to IEC 331 and BS6387, CWZ when tested in steel conduit. Manufactured to meet the following standards - acid gas emission to BS EN 50267, flame retardant to BS EN 60332-1-2 and smoke emission to BS7211.

Enhanced Fire Resistant Mains Cable BS6387/BS7846 - 4mm - 16mm

Cable Specification: Enhanced fire cable is ideal for fire alarms and emergency lighting. It is also suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.   Enhanced Fireproof Mains Cable available in sizes 4mm to 16mm and manufactured to British Standard BS6387 and BS7846. The cable features plain annealed stranded copper conductor, mica fire resistant tape, XLPE insulated, polyester tape, low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) bedding, fire barrier tape, galvanized steel wire armour, low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) outer sheath. Black. 600/1000 grade volts. Manufactured to meet the following standards - circuit integrity: BS8519-2010 120 minutes/BS8491, acid gas emission to IEC 60754, BS EN 50267, flame propagation to IEC 60332-3, BS EN 50265, BS EN50266 and smoke emission to IEC 61034, BS EN 50268.

Fire Resistant Mains Cable BS6387/BS7846 - 1.5mm to 16mm

Cable Specification: The armoured fire resistant cable is suitable for fixed installations such as power circuits, fire alarm systems and emergency lighting. It can also be used indoors or outdoors, for direct burial or free air.   BS6387/BS7846 Cable Fireproof Mains available in sizes 1.5mm to 16mm and manufactured to British Standard BS6387 and BS7846. The cable features plain annealed stranded copper conductor, mica fire resistant tape, XLPE insulated, low smoke & zero halogen (LSZH) bedding, galvanised steel wire armour, low smoke & zero halogen (LSZH) outer sheath. Black. 600/1000 volts. Fire resistant to IEC 331 & BS7846 F2 / BS6387 & CWZ. Acid gas emission to BS EN 50267 (IEC60754), smoke emission to BS EN 50268 (IEC 61034) and flame propagation to BS EN 50265, BS EN 50266 (IEC 60332-3).

Fire Retardant Cables

Fire Retardant Cables

The fire properties of cables are of great importance from a fire safety perspective. To ensure that cable performs up to the mark on fire safety standards is critical to both manufacturers and end users.

Cables are used for transmission of electricity. Hence, efficient transmission of electricity is the basic value proposition that we offer to the customer. However, mere transmission is not enough. Safety and especially human safety is of prime importance. Cables, therefore, have to be shock proof as well as short circuit proof.

Fires have been a major cause of losses of both human life as well as property, and hence, safety from fire is one of the major areas of focus for us. 90 percent of the fires are electrical fires, mainly caused by a Defective Electric Circuit (DEC). DEC can be caused by overloading, short circuit, faulty installation, or due to poor quality of products used, which again could be poor quality of raw materials, or poor quality of manufacture, or both. The sufferer is mainly the common man, who has to bear the brunt of mistakes or cost cutting measures of someone else. We are acutely conscious of this fact and we have been the first Company in India who offered FR (Flame Retardant) cables as a standard feature on all our XLPE cables.

Since, cost becomes a major factor in almost all purchase decisions, especially for Industrial products, we constantly look to manufacture products that are less prone to catch and propagate fires without adding to costs. Hence, Research & Develop-ment is a constantly ongoing process for making safe cables without added costs.

There are different types of safety norms used for cables as per applications, all are important from safety, technical & commercial point of view. Few of those are:

•      For standard installation conditions – cables with standard flame retardancy are used.
•       For installations in non-hazardous industries and open conditions–Cables with improved oxygen index are used, popularly known as ‘FR’ cables.

For installations with human surroundings and chemical or refineries, or hazardous plants etc – Cables with improved oxygen index and low smoke properties are used, popularly known as ‘FRLS’ cables.

•        Further, cables with ‘Low smoke & Zero halogen (LSZH)’ are used in Hospitals, Railways and metros, high rise buildings, shopping malls, theaters, airports, i.e. basically areas of high population in closed circumstances.
•        Fire survival cables are mandatory to use where circuit integrity is of prime importance in case of fire.Those are used mainly along with fire alarm systems, elevators, lighting systems at Metro railways, airports, high rises, mines, etc.

The fire properties of cables are of great importance from a fire safety perspective. About those properties of cable which ensure safety from fire.

Fire retarding properties in cable are of great importance. To make it simpler to understand, will take example of ‘Fire triangle’. It has got three sides ‘Oxygen (Air), Fuel (Flammable material) & Heat (Source of fire)’. If anyone of the component is missing, flame or fire will not propagate itself nor will it spread.

For making the cable safe from fire, we improve the properties of cable jacket and try and ensure self-extinguishing compounds, which even if there is external fire, they will not propagate the flames.

Technically it is narrated as below:

• Outer jacket of the cables are of flame retardant material only, which doesn’t allow fire propagation. It is measured as per IS 10810 Part 53 or IEC 60332 Part 1.
• In the atmosphere normal Oxygen percentage is 21 percent, we improve the cables Oxygen index to a level of 30 to 35 percent. Means in the standard atmospheric condition till the percentage of oxygen reaches 30 to 35 percent; cable will not act as fuel. It is measured as per IS 10810 Part 58 or ASTM D 2863.
• This condition can be also looked from different angle i.e. if source of fire (heat) is more than at 21 percent also cable can act as fuel. For such condition temperature index is measured, which is maintained in the range of 250 to 350 °C. Therefore till such high temperatures cables don’t act as fuel. It is measured as per IS 10810 Part 64 or ASTM D 2863.

It is reported that 80 percent deaths which occurs due to fire are not caused by burns; they are actually caused by the inhalation of these toxic gases. We can therefore realize that smoke generated from these conventional polymers under fire is the most important issue that a cable manufacturer has to consider. Considering this issue FR, FRLS, LSZH & FS cables have evolved.

Fire Survival cables which maintain circuit integrity for minimum 3 hrs up to 950 deg Celsius under fire, water and shock conditions to ensure transmission of signals and communication.

PE vs PVC usages in cable insulation for fire safety?

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) is a flame retardant material; it has this plus point over PE (Polyethylene). However, it is applicable for outer jacket only. As mentioned above depending on application one has to choose material for outer sheath.

As far as insulation is concerned, PE or XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) has got more advantage over PVC. PE is not used in insulation of energy cables, and is only used in lower voltages of telecommunication cables.

XLPE is used in insulation world over, and it does not propagate flame, nor does it emit smoke or toxic gases and world over; XLPE is insulation and PVC or LSZH is used in sheathing, which is a safe proposition from the point of flame resistance.

There are developments going on to improve the property of Polyethylene to make it flame retardant, and we will see better standards implemented, which is now imperative especially after the few large fires where lots of valuable human lives have been lost.

What standards and certifications are the most prevalent in India, and globally to ensure fire properties of cables? Are your products able to meet those standards’ requirements?

Indian standards for cables e.g. IS 1554 (for PVC insulated Cables), IS 7098 (for XLPE insulated cables, or IS- 694 for wires and flexibles) covers the requirements for cables for safety against fire.On the cable or wire outer jacket additional properties against fire are mentioned by marking word ‘FR’ or ‘FRLS’. By this user understands the cable type.

Internationally also, similar practices are followed and there are tests to monitor the performance of the cable under fire condition.

a) Smoke emission from cable during fire is monitored as under:

•        For ‘FRLS’ cables during fire, visibility maintained is at least 40% or smoke density of 60% maximum. It is measured as per IS 10810 Part 63 or ASTM D 2843.
•            For ‘LSZH’ cables during fire, visibility maintained is at least 80% or smoke density of 20%. It is measured as per IS 10810 Part 63 or ASTM D 2843.

b) Halogen Acid gas emission from cable during fire is monitored.

•       For ‘FRLS’ cables during fire, maximum halogen gas emitted should be 20% by weight. It is measured as per IS 10810 Part 59 or IEC 60754 Part 1.
•       For ‘LSZH’ cables during fire, maximum halogen gas emitted should be 0.5% by weight. It is measured as per IS 10810 Part 59 or IEC 60754 Part 1.

c) Flame retardant tests for cables installed in group

•        Condition of fire for group of cable is simulated & extend of fire propagation is measured. It is measured as per IS 10810 part 62 or IEC 60332-3.

Depending on the specifications and end usage chosen, we have capabilities to manufacture and test all these products in house.

For fire safe cables, a combination of Standards are being followed:

• Test for Oxygen Index – ASTM D 2863

• Test for Temperature Index – ASTM D 2863

• Test for Smoke Density – ASTM D 2843

• Test for Acid Gas evolution- IEC 60754

• Flammability Tests – Category A, B, C as per IEC 60332-3

• 3 m Cube Test – IEC 61034/BS 7622

• Fire Resistance Test – BS 7846 & BS 6387

STANDARDS FOR FIRE RESISTANT CABLES:

BS	British Standard Institution
BS 5266-1	Emergency lighting. Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises
BS 5839-1	Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance
BS 5839-6	Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for the design, installation and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in dwellings
BS 5839-8	Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of voice alarm systems
BS 5839-9	Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of emergency voice communication systems
BS 6387	Specification for performance requirements for cables required to maintain circuit integrity under fire conditions
BS 7211	Electric cables. Thermosetting insulated, non-armoured cables for voltages up to and including 450/750 V, for electric power, lighting and internal wiring, and having low emission of smoke and corrosive gases when affected by fire
BS 7346-6	Components for smoke and heat control systems. Specifications for cable systems
BS 7629-1	Electric cables. Specification for 300/500 V fire resistant screened cables having low emission of smoke and corrosive gases when affected by fire. Multicore and multipair cables
BS 7846	Electric cables. Thermosetting insulated, armoured, fire-resistant cables of rated voltage 600/1000 V, having low emission of smoke and corrosive gases when affected by fire. Specification
BS 8434-2	Methods of test for assessment of the fire integrity of electric cables. Test for unprotected small cables for use in emergency circuits. BS EN 50200 with a 930° flame and with water spray
BS 8491	Method for assessment of fire integrity of large diameter power cables for use as components for smoke and heat control systems and certain other active fire safety systems
BS 8519	Selection and installation of fire-resistant power and control cable systems for life safety and fire-fighting applications. Code of practice.
CEI	Comitato Elettrotecnico Italiano
CEI 20-11 / EN 50363	Insulating, sheathing and covering materials for low voltage energy cables
CEI 20-36/2-1	Tests for electric cables under fire conditions - Circuit integrity - Part 21: Procedures and requirements - Cables of rated voltage up to and including 0,6/1,0 kV
CEI 20-45	Fire resistant elastomeric insulated cables, halogen free (LSOH) with rated voltage Uo/U 0.6/1 kV
DIN	Deutsches Institut fur Normung
DIN 4102	Fire behaviour of building materials and building components - Part 12: Circuit integrity maintenance of electric cable systems; requirements and testing
EN	European Norm
EN 50200	Methods of test for resistance to fire of unprotected small cables for use in emergency circuit
EN 50266	Test for vertical flame spread of vertically-mounted bunched wires and cables
EN 50267/2-1	Method of determination of amount of halogen acid gas evolved during combustion of polymeric materials taken from cables
EN 50267/2-2	Determination of degree of acidity (corrosivity) of gases by measuring PH and conductivity
EN 50288-7	Sectional specification for instrumentation and control cables
EN 50362	Method of test for resistance to fire of larger unprotected power and control cables for use in emergency circuits
EN 50363	Insulating, sheathing and covering materials for low voltage energy cables
EN 60228	Conductors of insulated cables
EN 60332-1	Test for vertical flame propagation for a single insulated wire or cable
EN 60332-2	Test for vertical flame propagation for a single small insulated wire or cable
EN 60332-3	Test for vertical flame spread of vertically-mounted bunched wires or cables
EN 61034	Measurement of smoke density of cables burning under defined conditions
IEC	International Electrotechnical Commission
IEC 60228	Conductors of insulated cables - Guide to the dimensional limits of circular connectors
IEC 60331	Test for electrical cables under fire conditions. Circuit integrity.
IEC 60332-1	Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions -Test for vertical flame propagation for a single insulated wire or cable
IEC 60332-3	Test on electric cables under fire conditions - Test for vertical flame spread of vertically-mounted bunched wires or cables
IEC 60502-1	Power cables with extruded insulation and their accessories for rated voltages from 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV) up to 30 kV (Um = 36 kV) - Part 1: Cables for rated voltages of 1 kV (Um = 1,2 kV) and 3 kV (Um = 3,6 kV)IEC 60754-1Method for determination of amount of halogen acid gas evolved during combustion of polymeric materials taken from cables
IEC 60754-2	Determination of degree of acidity (corrosivity) of gases by measuring pH and conducivity
IEC 60793-1	Optical fibres
IEC 60794-1	Optical fibre cables
IEC 61034-2	Measurement of smoke density of electric cables burning under defined conditions (LT)
NBN	Norme Belge
NBN C 30-004	Fire resistance of electical cables - Classification and test methods
NBN 713-020	Fire resistance of building materials
NF	Norme Française
NF-C-32-070	Insulated cables and flexible cords for installations - Classification tests on cables and cords with respect to their behaviour to fire
SS	Singapore Standard
SS 299 part 1	Fire resistant cables - Performance requirements for cables required to maintain circuit integrity under fire conditions
VDE	Verband der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik
VDE 0815	Wiring cables for telecommunication and data processing systems part 814 - Testing of cables, wires and flexible cords Continuance of insulation effect under fire conditions part 814 - Testing of cables, wires and flexible cords Continuance of insulation effect under fire conditions
VDE 0482	part 267 - Common test methods for cables under fire conditions - Test on gases evolved during combustion of materials from cables part 1034 - Measurement of smoke density of cables burning under defined conditions