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Author: Luke Publish Time: 21-10-2025 Origin: Site
When a fire breaks out, the integrity of a building's safety systems depends on one thing that can't be seen with the naked eye — fire-resistant cables. These cables can not only bear flames for an extended period but also preserve the circuit of any lifesaving system (such as alarms, lights, and communication devices) that will remain up and running.
Let’s check what a constant fire cable might look like, and how each layer, from the core conductor to the outer sheath, follows through under extreme conditions.
Not only do cables typically have a three-layer construction, but they also possess a three-layer protective function, complementing one another.
Layer | Function | Key Materials |
Conductor | Carries electrical current | Copper or tinned copper |
Insulation | Prevents short circuits and withstands heat | Mica tape, silicone rubber |
Sheath | Protects against mechanical and chemical damage | LSZH compound, PVC, or thermoset material |
The conductor is the heart of Markon cables, circulating power and signals vertically and horizontally.
Type | Structure | Advantages | Applications |
Solid Conductor | Single copper wire | Low resistance, stable connection | Fixed installations, control panels |
Stranded Conductor | Multiple fine copper wires twisted together | Flexibility, vibration resistance | Dynamic environments, machinery, or emergency circuits |
Recommendation: Rob a fixed where low resistance and minimal voltage drop are issues memorandum (e.g., alarm panels).
Select the type of cable that is suitable for vibration or movement, particularly for elevators, fire doors, or industrial automation systems.
That is how the capacity of survival for the fire is observed. The conductor is not enveloped by the insulation, ensuring that the two materials stay separated even under extreme heat.
Mica Tape
A layer made of a natural silicate mineral that can easily resist temperatures above 1000 °C.
Notwithstanding the fact that other layers are burned and melt, mica sheets maintain dielectric strength to keep the circuit intact.
A more popular choice for BS 6387 CWZ and EN 50200 PH120 rated cables.
Ceramified Silicone Rubber
Synthesized the silicone rubber, primarily used as a coating in order to achieve a rigid ceramic insulator when subjected to fire.
Avoids short-circuiting and minimizes toxic emissions.
Superior for areas where smokes are low and no halogen (LSZH) materials are otherwise.
The sheath is ultimately one of the shields. It protects against mechanical stress along with chemicals, oil, and moisture, as well as the stroke and shape of emissions, as a fire breaks out, and assessing their effect goes into the equation.
Material | Characteristics | Fire Performance |
LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) | Emits minimal toxic gases and smoke | Best for enclosed public areas (hospitals, tunnels) |
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) | Cost-effective, moderate fire resistance | Suitable for low-risk areas |
Silicone or Thermoset Sheath | High-temperature endurance | Common in high-rise evacuation systems |
Expert Tip: In case of multi-occupant buildings, using LSZH sheathed fire cables protects both human beings and sensitive equipment from the toxic fumes.
Choosing the appropriate conductor type will significantly contribute to the cable's performance in fire and serviceability.
Environment | Recommended Conductor | Notes |
Fixed Indoor | Solid Copper | Ensures consistent low-resistance performance |
Outdoor or Industrial | Stranded Tinned Copper | Resists corrosion and vibration |
High Humidity or Chemical Exposure | Tinned Stranded Copper + LSZH Sheath | Combines flexibility with protective coating |
Contemporary fire cables are not simply heat-retentive but inherently elaborate systems, which from 800 °C are designed to get and burn through:
Phase 1: Initial Flame Contract – Upon contact, the outer layer of the armor carbonate burns to ashes.
Phase 2: Increasing Temperature (600 °C–900 °C) – Silicone mantle is forming into a hard barrier.
Phase 3: A blazing fire (950 °C +) – Mixture of our circuit integrity and insulation failure with mica tape.
With this multi-layer protection, the cable will not perish from fire in 90 to 120 minutes, depending on certification standards.
Fire cables are strictly assessed using international standards, such as:
BS 6387 (2013) – Fire, Water, and Mechanical Shock Resistance (Categories C/W/Z)
EN 50200 / BS 8434 – Circuit integrity under flame and impact conditions
IEC 60332 / 60754 / 61034 – Flame propagation, halogen, and smoke emission tests
Zion Communication’s certified fire cables meet the criteria and ensure safety in global installations.
Such a fire cable’s proficiency in saving lives is based on the performance of every layer under extreme conditions. From copper-based conductors deprived of oxygen to mica-wrapped insulation and LSZH sheathings, every finer point plays a significant role in protecting cable integrity in critical moments.
Whether you are designing an emergency lighting system or a high-rise evacuation path, the best cable to use means safety, reliability, and compliance.
Contact us for more information
Luke Han is a Product Manager and Director at Zion Communication,
Specializing in fire, security, and alarm solutions. With extensive industry experience,
Dedicated to delivering high-performance, reliable products that are tailored to customer needs.
luke@zion-communication.com
0086 19883212162
