Introduction
In fire protection systems, cables are not just for power or signal - they are part of the safety system itself. Once a fire occurs, ordinary cables may fail quickly, while fire resistant cables are designed to keep critical circuits running for a certain period of time.
In practice, fire resistant cables are mainly divided into two types.
1. Mineral Insulated (MI) Cable
MI cable is a classic fire resistant solution, often used in high-risk environments.
Structure:
Copper conductor + magnesium oxide insulation + seamless copper sheath
Features:
Can withstand very high temperatures (close to 1000°C)
Strong mechanical protection
Long service life
Typical use:
Emergency power supply
Fire pumps
Industrial facilities
Note:
The cable is relatively rigid, and installation requires more experience.
2. Fire Resistant Flexible Cable
This is the more commonly used type in buildings and general projects.
Structure:
Copper conductor + mica tape + insulation (XLPE or silicone) + outer sheath (often LSZH)
Features:
Maintains circuit integrity under fire conditions (based on IEC/BS tests)
Flexible and easy to install
More cost-effective
Typical use:
Fire alarm systems
Emergency lighting
Public building wiring
Key Difference
MI cable → higher fire resistance, used for critical systems
Flexible fire resistant cable → easier installation, widely used in buildings
Why It Matters
During a fire, systems like alarms, lighting, and evacuation controls must keep working.
Choosing the right cable directly affects whether these systems can operate long enough.
Industry Perspective
Chatnow focuses on fire resistant cable production, especially mica tape insulated and LSZH types for building and industrial use.
From material selection to structure design, the goal is simple: stable performance when it matters most.