The revised code of practice for fire detection and fire alarm systems, BS 5839-1: 2002, which was published in October 2002, now includes new cable requirements and calls for ‘standard’ or ‘enhanced’ fire resistant cables depending upon the application.
The requirements for these are specified in BS 5839-1, Clause 26.2:
– For either category the cable must comply with one of the following:
– BS EN 60702-1 (with a polymeric sheath);
– BS 7629 (or equivalent);
– BS 7846.
– Standard fire resistant cables must also:
– achieve a classification of PH 30 when tested in accordance with BS EN 50200 and when tested in accordance with BS 8434 Part 1 maintain circuit integrity when exposed to a 930 degrees C flame for 15 minutes with mechanical shocks applied and then a further 15 minutes with a water spray and mechanical shocks applied.
– Enhanced fire resistant cables must also:
– achieve a classification of PH 120 when tested in accordance with BS EN 50200 and BS 8434: Part 2 and
– When tested in accordance with BS 8434 Part 2, maintain circuit integrity when exposed to a 930 degrees C flame for 60 minutes with mechanical shocks applied and then a further 60 minutes with a water spray and mechanical shocks applied.
The equipment and procedures needed for independent testing and approval to the new requirements were set by LPCB prior to the standard’s publication. LPCB’s sister company, BRE, is also the only UKAS accredited test house able to offer this testing.
In order to offer client’s an efficient and speedy service, BRE now has two separate test rigs and has grown the team supporting cable approval.
Details of approved cables and the standards that they meet are given in the LPCB’s specifiers’ guide (commonly known as the ‘Red Book’), which is widely available in hard copy and CD format. A live copy of the Red Book can be viewed free of charge at www.RedBookLive.com.
For a full up to date list of companies and products that have been approved by LPCB, please visit www.redbooklive.com or telephone the Helpdesk on +44 (0)1923 664100.
