nVent PYROTENAX Fire-Rated Wiring Cables Excel in Independent Lab Test
nVent Electric (NYSE:NVT) announced results from independent testing of UL 2196 Listed fire-rated wiring cables, revealing significant concerns about toxic gas emissions during fire conditions. Unlike the standard's two-hour continuity test, the lab found certain cables produced hazardous off-gases. In contrast, nVent's PYROTENAX System 1850 cables, made with inorganic insulation, released virtually no harmful gases and maintained their mechanical strength during testing. These findings highlight the need for safer wiring options for fire safety professionals and engineers.
- nVent's PYROTENAX System 1850 cables emit virtually no toxic or combustible gases during fire conditions, enhancing safety.
- The mineral insulated (MI) cables maintained nearly all their mechanical strength during fire tests, outperforming non-MI cables.
- Certain UL 2196 approved cables were found to emit toxic gases under fire conditions, raising safety concerns.
- The study suggests potential risks with existing silicon rubber insulation based cables.
nVent Electric plc (NYSE:NVT) (“nVent”), a global leader in electrical connection and protection solutions, today released its results from an independent ISO 9001 certified laboratory test that compared the performance of certain UL 2196 Listed fire-rated wiring cables during fire conditions. The test measured whether the cables would release toxic or combustible gases while or after burning.
Testing beyond current UL 2196 protocols
The current UL 2196 standard requires that fire-rated wire cable systems retain electrical continuity following a two-hour fire exposure and subsequent hose stream test, but it does not address the presence of toxic and/or combustible gas created during a fire. The testing conducted by the third party laboratory found that some UL 2196 approved cables produce toxic smoke and combustible gases (also referred to as “off-gassing”) under fire conditions. These off-gases can then ignite and/or combust with forces similar to those of natural gas.
Materials are critically important
The composition of the materials used in fire-rated cables affects performance during a fire. In the testing performed by the third-party lab, those cables that use organic materials in their insulation began to off-gas as the temperature increased. However, nVent PYROTENAX System 1850 fire-rated wiring cables, which are mineral insulated (MI) cables and constructed with inorganic insulation materials, including magnesium oxide, produce virtually no off-gases when heated. In addition to being an environmentally-friendly option, these cables’ insulation does not burn, produce smoke or contribute toxic and/or combustible gases to ongoing fire emergencies.
Mineral insulated cables uphold their properties during a fire
While testing for smoke and gas generation, combustibility and flammability, the third-party laboratory also observed the tested cables’ electrical integrity – the ability of the cables to maintain their mechanical strength. MI cables maintained almost all of their strength, while non-MI cables that were tested showed significant degradation at the conclusion of the experiment.
“With the availability of new knowledge on the shortcomings of Listed silicon rubber insulation based cables under fire conditions, and the availability of other Listed systems that do not produce toxic and combustible gasses under fire conditions, fire safety professionals have more facts to confidently specify the safest systems,” says Marty Lee, nVent Vice President of Product Management.
These findings have important implications for specifying engineers, fire marshals and for codes and standards committees. Further information is available at go.nVent.com/NoSmoke.
About nVent
nVent is a leading global provider of electrical connection and protection solutions. We believe our inventive electrical solutions enable safer systems and ensure a more secure world. We design, manufacture, market, install and service high performance products and solutions that connect and protect some of the world's most sensitive equipment, buildings and critical processes. We offer a comprehensive range of enclosures, electrical connections and fastening and thermal management solutions across industry-leading brands that are recognized globally for quality, reliability and innovation. Our principal office is in London and our management office in the United States is in Minneapolis. Our robust portfolio of leading electrical product brands dates back more than 100 years and includes nVent CADDY, ERICO, HOFFMAN, RAYCHEM, SCHROFF and TRACER.
nVent, CADDY, ERICO, HOFFMAN, RAYCHEM, SCHROFF and TRACER are trademarks owned or licensed by nVent Services GmbH or its affiliates.
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