What is FP Cable?
FP cable, short for Fire Performance cable, is a type of fire-resistant cable that continues to perform and maintain circuit integrity in a fire. Developed over 50 years, the Prysmian FP range plays a crucial role in fire protection, ensuring the safety of property and lives by operating reliably during a fire.
Fire Performance cable standards
Prysmian's FP range is the result of 50 years of continuous development of fire resistant cables. ‘FP’ is short for Fire Performance. A fire resistant cable can continue to perform and maintain circuit integrity in a fire.
Prysmian's FP200 Gold and FP PLUS fire resistant cables in particular meet the requirements of the British Standard codes of practice for fire detection, fire alarm and emergency lighting.
BS 5839-1: Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings provides recommendations for the design, installation and commissioning of fire detection and fire alarm systems for non-domestic premises.
BS 5266-1: Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises provides recommendations on the factors that need to be taken into account in the design, installation and wiring of electrical emergency lighting systems in order to provide the lighting performance needed for safety of people in the building in the event of failure of the supply to the normal lighting.
Both Standards call for fire resistant cables to meet either 'standard' performance or 'enhanced' performance.
What’s the difference between standard and enhanced FP cable?
The essential difference between the ‘standard’ and ‘enhanced’ requirement is survival time under the test conditions as set out in BS EN 50200:
- "Standard" cables are required to meet the following fire test requirements: A 30 minute duration of survival when tested to BS EN 50200 (PH 30); and a 30 minute duration of survival when tested to BS EN 50200 Annex E (exposure to fire, impact and water spray).
- "Enhanced" cables are required to meet the following fire test requirements: A 120 minute duration of survival when tested to BS EN 50200 (PH 120); and a 120 minute duration of survival when tested to BS 8434-2.
For most applications BS 5839-1 recommends the use of 'standard' fire resisting cables with appropriate methods of support and jointing. However, for certain applications relating to large un-sprinklered buildings, the BS recommends the use of 'enhanced' fire resisting cables, always with appropriate methods of support and jointing.
Conclusion
FP cables are vital in ensuring the safety and functionality of fire protection systems. With the ability to maintain circuit integrity during a fire, they are essential for a range of emergency systems, from fire alarms and emergency lighting to firefighters lifts. Continuous development and adherence to British Standards make the Prysmian FP range reliable for both standard and enhanced fire resistance needs. As fire safety regulations evolve, FP cables will remain a cornerstone in protecting lives and properties.