Conceptual differences and laying requirements of fire-resistant cables, flame-retardant cables, fire-resistant cables, and mineral-insulated non-combustible cables

At present, there is no corresponding national standard definition for fireproof cables in the country. The cable industry is used to refer to cables with certain fireproof performance such as flame-retardant cables, fire-resistant cables, and mineral-insulated non-combustible cables as fire-resistant cables.
Flame retardant cables are cables with specified flame retardant properties (such as flame retardant properties, smoke density, smoke toxicity, and corrosion resistance).
Flame retardant performance means that under the specified test conditions, the sample is burned, and after the fire source is removed, the flame spread on the sample is only within a limited range and self-extinguishing characteristics, that is, it has the ability to prevent or delay the occurrence or spread of the flame. ability.
Fire-resistant cables are cables with specified fire-resistant properties (such as line integrity, smoke density, smoke toxicity, corrosion resistance).
Fire resistance refers to the ability to continuously operate in a specified state when burning under a specified fire source and time, that is, the ability to maintain the integrity of the line.
Mineral insulated non-combustible cable is composed of copper core, mineral insulating material, copper and other metal sheaths. In addition to good electrical conductivity, mechanical and physical properties, and fire resistance, it also has good non-combustibility. This kind of cable is under fire conditions. It can not only ensure the fire-fighting power supply for the duration of the fire, but also will not prolong the combustion and produce no smoke.
Next, let's look at the requirements of the specifications to see what laying requirements for these types of cables in fire lines
1. According to the requirements of "Code for Fire Protection of Building Design" GB50016-2014, fire distribution lines should meet the following requirements:
 (1)When using flame-retardant cables or fire-resistant cables and laying them in cable wells and trenches, they may not wear metal conduits or use closed metal grooves for protection.
 (2)When mineral insulated non-combustible cables are used, they can be directly applied.
 (3)When the fire distribution line and other distribution lines are laid in the same cable well or trench, mineral insulated non-combustible cables should be used.
2. According to the requirements of "Code for Design of Automatic Fire Alarm System" GB50116-2013, the fire protection circuit should meet the following requirements:
 (1)The power supply line and fire linkage control line of the automatic fire alarm system should be made of refractory copper core wires and cables.
The transmission lines such as alarm bus, fire emergency broadcast and fire special telephone shall use flame retardant or flame retardant fire-resistant wire and cable.
 (2)Mineral insulated non-combustible cables can be directly laid.
The "Code for Fire Protection of Building Design" does not stipulate that fire-retardant cables or fire-resistant cables should be used for fire-fighting distribution lines and cables protected by metal conduits or closed metal groove boxes, and cables that are concealed.
However, it is stipulated in the "Code for Design of Automatic Fire Alarm System":
 1. The power supply line and fire linkage control line should use refractory copper core wires and cables.
 2. The transmission lines such as alarm bus, fire emergency broadcast and fire special telephone should use flame retardant or flame retardant fire-resistant wire and cable.
It can be seen from the above:
The requirements of "Code for Design of Automatic Fire Alarm System" are higher than those of "Code for Fire Protection of Building Design". If automatic fire alarm system is involved, it needs to be implemented according to the design code of automatic fire alarm system.