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Custom Fire-Resistant Coaxial Cables for High-Risk Industries: Tailoring for Extreme Requirements

2025/8/19 23:28:10

Custom Fire Resistant Coaxial Cables for High-Risk Industries: Tailoring for Extreme Requirements

Published: August 2025 | Source: BURY CABLES LIMITED

In safety-critical industries like power generation, maritime, tunnel systems, and healthcare, off-the-shelf cables often fall short of performance and compliance needs. This article explores the customization of fire-resistant coaxial cables to meet extreme environmental and regulatory requirements in such industries.

1. Understanding Industry-Specific Challenges

  • Power plants: High temperatures, dust, chemical exposure, need for immunity to arc and fire propagation in control circuits.

  • Marine and offshore: Salt spray, vibration, UV, and CRS demands, alongside critical fire safety standards.

  • Tunnels and underground systems: Confined spaces with poor ventilation, requiring reliable evacuation and communication circuits.

  • Hospitals and data centers: Zero toxic emissions and uninterrupted alarm and monitoring operations during fire.

2. Customization Focus Areas

Tailoring AspectDescription
Sheath materialLSZH, silicone, or halogen-free grades to limit smoke/toxic gases
Fire barrier integrationMica tape, ceramic layers, or mineral-insulated cores for prolonged fire integrity
Shielding optionsDense tinned-copper braid for EMI resistance under heat and mechanical stress
WaterproofingWater-blocking layers or gel fill for tunnels and damp environments
CertificationsTailored to standards like BS 6387 (CWZ), IEC 60331, PH120/E90 (civil engineering)

3. Standards for Critical Industries

  • BS 6387 (CWZ): Tests flame, mechanical impact, and water performance for up to 180 minutes.

  • IEC 60331: Ensures circuit integrity under direct fire.

  • PH120, E60–E90, FE180: Building and tunnel regulations defining required durations under fire exposure.

  • Mineral-Insulated Cable (MICC): Delivers unbeatable fire resistance, passing >950 °C tolerance for 3+ hours.

4. Selecting the Right Solution

Define performance requirements – e.g., how long the cable must function under fire (E90, PH120). Align sheath materials to minimize smoke and toxins in occupied spaces. Choose bespoke structures: LSZH + mica for hospitals; MICC for critical power and tunnels. Ensure certification coverage: Standards and approvals tailored by industry. Consider hybrid designs: Coax optionally combined with power or fiber in a fire-rated assembly.

5. Conclusion

Tailoring fire-resistant coaxial cables by industry ensures both compliance and performance under fire stress. At BURY CABLE, we craft solutions—whether LSZH-sheathed designs for hospitals, mineral-insulated assemblies for tunnels, or robust fire-rated coaxial cables for marine infrastructure—that keep critical systems operational when they matter most.