Frequently Asked Questions - FP200^® cables

Why is FP200^® better than your competitors?

a) FP200 cables use Insudite insulation, which is damage resistant and not subject to nicking (which can cause faults) associated with Silicone rubber insulated products.
b) FP200 Gold^® is “dressable” and therefore maintains a fixed line when installed on the surface of a wall. There is no festooning which can affect more flexible cables when surface fixed.
c) With FP200^® cables there are no fiddly tapes to remove and installation is much quicker.

What is the meaning of the CWZ test?

This refers to BS6387. In order to comply the cables are subjected to the following tests:
C – Resistance to fire at 950ºC for 3 hours
W - Resistance to fire and water at 650ºC for 30 minutes
Z - Resistance to fire and mechanical shock at 950°C for 15 minutes

CWZ on one cable?

BS6387:1994 requires that separate cable samples are used to test for compliance to each of the separate tests for categories C, W & Z, as detailed above.  More recent test standards (BS8434-1 and BS8434-2) require an “integrated” test with fire, mechanical shock and water applied to a single cable sample.

Can FP200^® be installed directly in a wall or under plaster?

Yes.

Can FP cables be joined?

It is not good practice to join fire resistant cables. They should be installed in one continuous length. If jointing is unavoidable then a fire resistant box containing ceramic connectors should be used.

What clips are required for FP200 Gold^®?

The new FP FIREFIX fixing system is the fastest way to install FP 200Gold^® cables - using Spit Pulsa^® gas nailing technology. The fixings are made from non rusting stainless steel and are LSOH powder coated.

FP FIREFIX is offered in kit form. Each kit includes the necessary parts to install 500 clips- apart from the Spit Pulsa tool (sold separately). This tool uses gas nailing technology to secure the clip to a variety of substrates including: concrete, steel, composite steel decking, masonry and block work.

Copper "P" clips or steel ties can also be used to install FP200^®. Plastic or Aluminium clips should not be used as the sole means of support as these will burn during a fire. Reference numbers are shown in our brochure.

What Glands are required?

Nylon glands are recommended for general use. Reference numbers are shown in our brochure. Brass or Steel glands may be used as alternatives.

What is the maximum operating temperature of FP200^®?

The temperature range is - 20 to + 70 ºC as laid down in BS7629.

Can FP200^® be used at higher temperatures? E.g. 180 - 250ºC.

No, fire resistant cables are tested to 950 ºC for a defined period but are not suitable for re-use after this period. Special high temperature cables should be used for applications requiring 200ºC or similar continuous operating conditions.

Why do some manufacturers offer fire resistant cable rated at up to 125ºC?

There is no obvious advantage offering a fire alarm cable that claims to be rated above 70°C. Reasons are:

a) Temperature limitation of the connectors and accessories - usually 70ºC or 90ºC.

[ Ref BS7671: 1992 /IEE Wiring Regulations 16th Edition clause 512 - 02 - 1].
b) Effect of cable temperature on adjacent components since the surface temperature of the cable is only likely to be 10ºC less than the conductor. If laid next to a PVC cable then the surface temperature of the cable must not exceed 80 ºC. [Ref: BS7671: 1992 /IEE Wiring Regulations 16th Edition section 422 "Protection Against Fire And Harmful Effects".]
c) Touch temperature should be < 90ºC.  [ Ref BS7671: 1992 /IEE Wiring Regulations 16th Edition section 423 "Protection Against Burns".]
d) Fire alarm cables are normally sized on volt drop considerations rather than current ratings.

What lengths of cables can be supplied?

Standard lengths: 50, 100 & 500m in fast movers. Other lengths are non standard but can be manufactured to special order.  Lead times and MMQ apply.

What colours are available?

Standard colours: Red or White. Most other colours are available, including colour matches, to special order.  Lead-times and MMQ apply.

Can FP200Gold^® be installed in conduit?

Yes, with care, but FP200Flex^® is recommended.

Why are some cables insulated with extruded Insudite/SiR and others with lapped Mica tape?

Extruded insulation is generally used for 300/500V rated cables with small conductor sizes. Mica tape is generally used for 600/1000V rated cables and larger conductors. The reasons are to achieve the optimum cost and performance.

Is FP200Gold^®  Rodent proof?

In order to prevent cables being damaged by rodents the only guaranteed method is to use a mechanically robust protection, such as steel conduit or trunking.  Armouring or Nylon jacketing can help towards reducing the effect of rodent attack but cannot safeguard against attack over an extended period of time. There are currently no recognised standards that cable or systems should meet with respect to rodent resistance. We therefore do not promote any of our cable products as being totally rodent proof.  FP200Gold^®,by nature of its construction, is a tough cable and experience has shown that it is resistant to rodent attack. We have not received reports of damage to these cables in service, even when installed in areas where other cables have been attacked.

Does FP200^® require segregation?

FP200 may generally be installed alongside other cables since it is screened.  However BS5839-1:2002 does not allow any fire alarm cable to be installed in the same conduit or common trunking (unless in its own compartment) as any other cables.  The fire alarm equipment manufacturer may also recommend separation of cables to minimise electromagnetic interference.

What clip spacing is required?

Recommended clip spacings are given in our brochure and are generally 300mm horizontal and 400mm vertical installation.

What is the life expectancy of FP cables?

All fixed wiring cables including FP cables have a minimum design life of > 20 years but we would expect these cables, if not abused, to last well in excess of 20 years under normal operating conditions.  They are subject to the standard guarantee as given in the Prysmian Terms and Conditions of sale.

FP200^® in a Chlorine environment?

A high Chlorine environment [swimming pool] can, over a period of time, cause corrosion of the Al tape screen. This occurs at the termination and takes a long period of time (> 5 years) before any noticeable corrosion becomes apparent. It is not considered a problem and does not affect the cable's performance in a fire.

Are Ferrules required for FP200Gold^®?

No, they are no longer required since the change to damage resistant Insudite insulation.

Attaching FP200 to catenary wire?

This is possible (although other methods of installation would be preferable) provided that the catenary wire and clips are fire resistant. E.g. Steel. Spacing should be as for P clips.

Is FP200^® suitable for outside installations?

For external exposure the use of a white (or black) sheath FP200 cable is recommended.

Disclaimer: The information given in this document is believed to be correct at the time of loading but may be subject to change.
                                                                                                  
Document last Revised April 2006

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