Published:
9 October 2014
Category:
News
Fires in buildings are becoming more dangerous. This is partly caused by the different materials used in construction and found inside buildings. Over the past 50 years, plastic has been used increasingly in furniture and fixtures. Not only does this provide fuel for the fire, it also releases toxic fumes when it burns.
To improve safety during a fire, Nexans designed the Alsecure range. This line of fire resistant and fire reaction cables maintains circuit integrity during a fire and releases low levels of toxic fumes. It is designed to handle extreme fire conditions. In addition, the Alsecure cables have no extra tapes to remove, are easy to strip and retain their memory making them easy to install.
Materials used to build a property have a significant impact on the safety of the building and are often rated based on their performance under certain conditions. In the case of cables, they are rated according to their heat release, flame spread, smoke production, release of flaming droplets and acidity. The situations that demand fire resistant and fire reaction cables are outlined in Approved Document B of the 2010 Building Regulations.
Cables used in protected circuits are rated according to the period of time the cable will continue to operate during a fire. In the UK, British Standard BS 8519 defines the conditions under which the cable must continue to operate for specific periods of time.
The latest in the Alsecure range is the NX600. It is approved for 30, 60 and 120 minute applications as defined by BS 8519. The NX600 is a low smoke, halogen free, fire resistant cable. Its fire resistant properties help to maintain power and signal supply during a fire. This ensures the continuity of vital circuits such as sprinkler systems and fire exit signage.
Nexans’ NX600 releases low amounts of smoke and fumes when it burns. Smoke creates further dangers during a fire because it obscures vision and the particles can ignite, spreading the fire. Low emission of smoke is therefore desirable. In addition, the halogen free quality of the NX600 cable ensures that poisonous gases aren’t released during a fire. To further reduce the risk to life caused by smoke, the NX600 cable comes with low smoke and fume bedding and sheathing.
NX600 cables are insulated by both mica and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). The mica insulation ensures high temperature performance and reliability. In addition, XLPE provides effective insulation with only a thin layer, making the cable thin and easy to install. The polymer is also stable at high temperatures and currents making it ideal for use in locations where circuit integrity needs to be maintained during a fire.
Building fires are dangerous but builders can improve the chances of escape by carefully choosing the materials used in construction. Building materials like Alsecure NX600 cables are ideal for use in vital circuits because of the fire resistance, and low smoke and halogen free qualities.
For further details and to place an order, go to www.nexans.co.uk/nx600