What is the difference between standard and enhanced FP cable?
At Prysmian, we often get asked if we offer FP200 Enhanced cable. The short answer is yes; we do. However, the correct name is FP PLUS. FP200 Gold is a “standard” fire resistant cable, while FP PLUS is an “enhanced” fire resistant cable. Let’s explore the differences between these two FP cables in more detail.
FP200 Gold
FP200 Gold is Prysmian's 'standard' fire resistant cable is the original alternative to mineral insulated copper clad cable (MICC). It is a tough, durable and dressable systems cable - easy to install and terminate.
FP200 Gold, or 'standard' cables, are required to meet the following fire test requirements: A minimum 30 minute duration of survival when tested to BS EN 50200 (PH 30), for fire alarm circuits or a minimum 60 minute duration of survival (PH 60), for emergency lighting circuits. In addition ’standard’ cables must also meet the 30 minute duration of survival when tested to BS EN 50200 Annex E [which exposes the cable to water spray]
FP PLUS
Prysmian FP PLUS, sometimes referred to as FP200 Enhanced is a dressable fire resistant cable, which is suitable for fire alarm and emergency lighting circuits for applications requiring prolonged use.
FP PLUS cables are required to meet the following fire test requirements: A 120 minute duration of survival when tested to BS EN 50200 (PH 120) for both fire alarms and emergency lighting circuits. ‘Enhanced’ cables must also meet 120 minute duration of survival when tested to BS 8434-2, with its additional water spray test.
FP PLUS and FP200 Gold have Loss Prevention and Certification Board (LPCB) and British Approvals Services For Cables (BASEC) approvals to support them.
Applications
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 that use of 'enhanced' fire resisting cables, always with appropriate methods of support and jointing.
Similarly, BS 5266-1 recommends 'standard' cables for general use in emergency lighting systems and 'enhanced' cables for use in certain large and complex buildings in which circuits are required to operate for longer periods to help evacuation.
Fire Resistance
Both standards call for cables to meet the requirements of 'standard' fire resistance or 'enhanced' fire resistance. But what do these terms mean and which FP cable is suitable for each level of performance?
The essential differences between the ‘standard’ (FP200 Gold) and ‘FP200 enhanced’ (FP PLUS) requirement called for in the Codes of Practice is survival time and test performance requirements under the test conditions as set out in the following:
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.
What sets us apart?
The Prysmian FP cable range is the result of over 50 years of continuous development of cables for fire alarms, emergency lighting, life safety and fire fighting systems. For decades, Prysmian has been at the forefront of research and development, ensuring our fire performance cables are high-quality, reliable and fully compliant with all the latest standards.
Testing plays a key part in this. The FP cable range undergoes rigorous testing in our in-house fire test lab located in Eastleigh to ensure the highest standards of safety and reliability. Our ongoing commitment to innovation is a key factor that sets us apart.
Visit our webpage on FP cables for a list of our fire resistant cables, technical guides and datasheets on all our fire resistant cables, including FP200 Gold and FP PLUS.