Halogen-free Cables and Fire Protection Systems - It Is a Matter of Safety

On March 5, 2019 FILKAB hosted staff from the Regional Fire Protection and Population Protection Service (RSPBZN) in Plovdiv, who had the opportunity to learn more about the Prysmian Group's halogen-free cables and Knauf's fire-containing systems.

When we talk about a fire, we imagine blazing flames. In fact, one of the greatest dangers is the  smoke. With its density, it reduces visibility and disorients the evacuating people, and with its acidity, the smoke causes harm to the respiratory and nervous system and damage to property. For these reasons, Prysmian Group, the largest cable and wire manufacturer in the world, concentrates its efforts on promotion of halogen-free cables. These products do not contain halogens in their insulation and, in case of fire they emit far less smoke and toxins than the widespread PVC insulated cables. This makes them perfect for use in buildings with high fire risk, public buildings, underground railways and many others. In large residential buildings and complexes, their use even in evacuation routes increases the chances of survival of those affected.

Another approach to limiting the casualties and damages of fire is to limit the spread of the fire. Knauf's representatives focused their presentation on materials and systems that isolate the premises, and localize the fire over a period of time. During this time, between 15 and 120 minutes, the occupants of the building can evacuate safely and the fire extinguishing authorities can organize adequate measures to suppress and extinguish it.

The presentation ended with a comparative demonstration. Two identical glass containers were used to subject simultaneously halogen-free and PVC cables to flames. The representatives of RSPBZN Plovdiv witnessed the huge differences in the quantity, density and toxicity of the gases emitted from the two different types of cables. And while PVC samples burst into flames and smoke in just 10 seconds, halogen-free cables started to emit smoke after 2 minutes. The overall conclusion was that the insignificant price difference between halogen-free and PVC cables is fully justified. And investment in safety pays off in saved lives and reduced material damage.

More information on the halogen-free and fire resistant cables offered by Filkab can be found here. As well as in our catalogue pages 72-87.