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Author: Luke Publish Time: 27-08-2025 Origin: Site
When fire breaks out, every second counts. Flames are dangerous, but smoke and toxic gases often cause more harm than heat. In fact, over 70% of fire-related deaths are due to inhalation of smoke and toxic fumes, not burns (source: NFPA). This is why fire-resistant cables are not just an option — they are essential for life safety systems.
At HANGZHOU ZION, we’ve spent over 15 years developing cables that perform under extreme conditions. Our goal? To help engineers, contractors, and facility managers make informed decisions — fast.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
The real difference between flame retardant and fire-resistant cables
Key technical standards from the US, Europe, and IEC
How to choose the right cable for your project
Common mistakes in procurement and installation
Answers to real-world questions from professionals
Let’s get started.
Many people use these terms interchangeably. But in practice, they mean very different things.
These cables slow down the spread of fire. That’s their main job.
They resist ignition
They stop flames from moving along the cable bundle
But once burned, they fail — circuit integrity is lost
Flame-retardant cables are often made with PVC insulation, which contains chlorine. This helps suppress flames. But when PVC burns, it releases hydrogen chloride gas and thick, black smoke. These can damage equipment and make evacuation harder.
✅ Use case: General wiring where circuit operation during fire is not required
❌ Not suitable for emergency lighting, alarms, or voice systems
These cables do more than resist fire — they keep working during a fire.
Maintain power and signal transmission
Survive high heat, water spray, and mechanical shock
Emit low smoke and zero halogen gases
Fire-resistant cables use materials like mica tape + cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) or ceramic-forming composites. These stay intact even at 950°C for up to 120 minutes.
✅ Use case: Fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, smoke control, hospital circuits
✅ Also flame retardant — offers dual protection
Golden Rule: If the system must work during a fire, you need fire-resistant cable — not just flame retardant.
It’s not just about staying alive. It’s about being able to escape.
Toxic gases like CO, HCl, and HCN reduce visibility and damage lungs. Corrosive gases can destroy control panels, servers, and sensors — even if the fire is small.
That’s why modern standards focus on:
Feature | Why It Matters |
Low Smoke | Improves visibility for evacuation |
Halogen-Free (LSOH) | No acid gas → safer for people and equipment |
Non-Corrosive | Protects electronics in control rooms |
Cables labeled LSOH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) or LSF (Low Smoke & Fume) meet these needs. But only fire-resistant LSOH cables offer full protection.
Choosing the right cable means matching it to your region’s fire safety code. Here are the most important ones.
Tests cable performance under fire + mechanical stress
Required for emergency circuits up to 1,000 V
Two common ratings:
PH30: 30 minutes of operation under fire
PH120: 120 minutes — used in high-risk buildings
✅ Applies to cables ≤20mm diameter and conductor size ≤2.5mm²
This standard tests three threats together:
C: Fire only (950°C, 3 hours)
W: Fire + water spray
Z: Fire + mechanical shock (100 strikes)
Top rating: CWZ — survives all three. Used in tunnels, hospitals, data centers.
Designed for 300/500 V systems
Includes shielding for noise protection
Ratings: Standard 30, Standard 60, Enhanced 120
Max operating temp: 70°C (250°C short-term)
NOTE 1 BS 5266-1 and BS 5839-1 give recommendations and guidance on the factors to consider in planning, designing, installing, commissioning, and maintaining emergency lighting, fire detection, and fire alarm systems for buildings, respectively.
Three main types:
Type | Where to Use | Key Feature |
FPL | General indoor use | Basic fire alarm circuit |
FPLR | Vertical risers | Stops fire from spreading between floors |
FPLP | Plenum spaces (above ceiling) | Lowest smoke emission, flame spread <5 ft |
FPLP is the strictest — required in air-handling spaces
Two key parts:
IEC 60332-1: Single cable test
→ Flame applied for 60 seconds; burn damage must be <50mm
IEC 60332-3: Bundled cables
→ Flame spreads over 3.5m bundle; must not go beyond 2.5m
→ Classes: A (best), B, C, D
Class A is required in high-density cable trays.
Ask these 5 questions before buying:
What system is it for?
→ Emergency lighting? Voice alarm? Use fire-resistant (PH120 or CWZ).
→ General signal? Flame retardant may suffice.
Where will it be installed?
→ Plenum space → FPLP (US) or LSOH (EU)
→ Riser shaft → FPLR or BS 6387-rated
→ Exposed to water or impact? → BS 6387 CWZ or BS 7629 Enhanced 120
What standard applies in your country?
→ EU: BS EN 50200, BS 6387
→ US: UL 1424, NEC Article 760
→ Global projects: IEC 60332 + local code
Do you need low smoke and zero halogen?
→ Yes → Choose LSOH or LSZH material
→ No → PVC may be cheaper, but riskier
Is circuit integrity required during fire?
→ Yes → Only fire-resistant cables qualify
→ No → Flame retardant is acceptable
Pro Tip: Always check the test report — not just the label. Some suppliers claim “fire-resistant” without proper certification.
No. FPLR is for risers only. In plenum areas (airflow spaces), you must use FPLP. It has lower smoke and flame spread. Using FPLR in plenum violates NEC and can fail inspection.
PH30 works for 30 minutes in fire. PH120 lasts 120 minutes.
→ Use PH30 in offices or small buildings
→ Use PH120 in hospitals, subways, high-rises — where evacuation takes longer
No. LSOH means low smoke and no halogen — but not necessarily fire-resistant.
Check the full rating:
✅ LSOH + PH120 = safe and reliable
❌ LSOH only = may fail during fire
Always confirm circuit integrity testing.
Common reasons:
Poor mica tape wrapping
Insufficient insulation thickness
Wrong filler materials
No protection against water ingress
Solution: Buy from manufacturers with in-house R&D and full test labs — like HANGZHOU ZION.
Try these:
Use fire-resistant cables only where required (e.g., emergency circuits)
Use flame retardant LSOH for non-critical runs
Order standard lengths to avoid waste
Work with a supplier who offers custom designs — no over-spec
We’ve helped clients cut costs by 18% on average — without compromising safety.
Fire-resistant cables are not a commodity. They are a lifesaving system.
When choosing cables:
Focus on standards compliance
Demand test reports, not marketing claims
Think about real-world conditions — water, shock, smoke
Partner with a supplier who understands both tech and procurement
At HANGZHOU ZION, we don’t just sell cables. We help you design safer buildings.
Need a custom solution?
Tell us your voltage, duration, environment, and standard.
We’ll design a cable that meets your exact needs — and prove it works.
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
