Question 1 Electrical cable plays a significant role with respect to fire perfor

Question

Question 1 Electrical cable plays a significant role with respect to fire performance where cabling systems must continue to perform in extreme fire situations. Critical fire protection and control systems require secure power supplies for the duration of a fire. These systems are used for safety and security and often for building monitoring, providing intelligence on a range of emergency operations, with phased evacuation where relevant. For this tutorial exercise, you are required to search for relevant information from the internet, download and summarize the key technical information and specifications for: 1) 2) Mineral insulated cable, and Flame retardant cable or fire-resistant cable

Explanation / Answer

1. Mineral insulated cable (MIC):

This is a special type of cable used in high temperature environment and fire condition because of its low flammability at higher temparature. It has resistance to oxidation. It is composed of copper conductors or thermocouple wires inside a copper sheath, insulated by inorganic magnesium oxide powder. Magnesium oxide provised the excellent electrical insulation property and both chemical and physical stability at high temperatures. where corrosives may be present, an optional high density polyethylene (HDPE) jacket provides additional protection. They are also known as 'pyro cables'. Technical specification is as follows :

i. Sheath : copper (HDPE jacket optional)

ii. Insulation : Magnesium oxide (MgO)

iii. Conductor type : Copper

iv. Insulation voltage rating 600 V

v. Number of conductors : 1, 2, 3, 4, or 7

vi. Continuous exposure temperature (copper sheath) : 250 degree celsius

vii. Maximum exposure temperature : 1010 degree celsius

2. Flame retarded cable or fire resistant cable :  Fire resistant or fire retardant cable sheaths are used to resist combustion and limit the propagation of fire smoke, heat and toxic fumes so that an area can be safely evacuated. They have resistance to fire, emit low smoke and toxic gas emissions. They may continue electric transmission when fire breaks out. Its technical specification is as follows:

i. Insulated with a Flame Retardant (FR) PVC compound which helps in spreading fire at very high temperatures.

ii. Fire resistant : EC 60331 ; BS 6387, SS299

iii. Oxygen index : ASTM D 2863

iv. Conductor : compacted stranded copper conductor

v . Fire proof layer: Mica tape

vi. insulation : halogen mineral insulated compound

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