Fire Safety Assessment of Polymeric Cables and Materials based on Heat Release Rate, Combustion Smoke and Toxicity

This paper presents and discusses heat release measurement, smoke and toxicity data obtained on cables: power, communication, automobile, wires and other materials used for various applications in power plants, petroleum refineries, metro rail, automobile industries. Fire survival cables intended to maintain electrical integrity under flaming conditions and flame retardant low smoke cables have been evaluated and their performance discussed. Fire safety assessment methods of cables and materials are reviewed and heat release rate, smoke, toxicity data and flammability characteristics obtained on materials like polystyrene, cellulosic fibre materials, upholstery, FRP/GRP laminate and others are discussed. Cushioning materials like polyurethane foam (slab stack, rigid PU, Expandable Graphite foam), thermally densified polyester block have been evaluated for HRR, smoke properties and the results are discussed. The toxicity of these materials evaluated as per NES 713/NCD 1409 are summarised.