Draka claims to have become the only cable manufacturer in the UK to be able to offer installers a full range of third-party approved SWA [steel wire armoured] power cables down to 4mm2. The newly enhanced LPCB [loss prevention certification board] approved 600/1000V Firetuf Powerplus cable offering is available in two, three and four-core options with nominal conductor areas spanning from 4mm2 to 400mm2. The range also includes a 2.5mm2 seven-core cable.
Firetuf Powerplus is designed to provide enhanced circuit integrity performance to meet the demanding requirements of BS 7346-6: 2005 (Components for smoke and heat control systems: specifications for cable systems). It incorporates high-performance materials to achieve the maximum 120-minute rating when subjected to the integrated testing of BS 8491: 2008 (Method for assessment of fire integrity of large diameter power cables for use as components for smoke and heat control systems and certain other active fire safety systems). This demanding regime involves flame irradiation exposure, direct impact and high-pressure water spray testing.
Powerplus cable provides the superior performance characteristics required by many of today's sophisticated fire engineering solutions. These have become increasingly commonplace, following the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and the more widespread utilisation of fire engineering principles and techniques that call for greater reliance on complex life and property protection systems and protocols.
A particular benefit of the extension of the lower end of the Powerplus range – down from 10mm2 to 4mm2 – is installers now have a third-party approved SWA cable that is suitable for smaller enclosures and terminals.
One important area where Firetuf Powerplus is coming to the fore is in buildings that are affected by Approved Document B (Fire safety) 2006 of the Building Regulations that came into force on 6 April 2007. This specifies fire performance in accordance with BS 7346-6, which defines the fire performance requirements of various types of fire-rated cables for maintaining circuit integrity to protect people – both building occupants and fire and rescue personnel – and safeguard property and the environment. It impacts on a whole raft of fire safety systems, all of which require a secure power supply that will retain its integrity in the event of fire. These include: automatic fire suppression installations; fire detection and alarm systems; fire compartmentation; smoke control and ventilation; sprinklers and wet risers; ventilation and shutters; and firefighting lifts.
Draka UK
01332 345431
www.drakauk.com
