Feature Fire & Security Correct specification will reduce risk
There are many different types of fire equipment, and all play a key role in minimising risks and keeping the public safe. Cable management products are no exception and HellermannTyton’s Ric Kynnersley stresses that choosing the right materials and products for each individual application is crucial
installations safe. These legislations play a large part in how components are manufactured, the materials that are used and the standards they adhere to. An important regulation to under-
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stand and adhere to is the requirements for zero halogen (HF) and limited fire hazard (LFH) products to be used in public buildings, with fixings required to have a resistance to burning (VO). Products that meet these standards are tested for toxic smoke generation, flam- mability and flame propagation to ensure that in the event of a fire, fumes from burning electrical installations do not pose a threat to public safety. This is particularly important in enclosed areas, such as underground systems, as fumes will not be able to disperse into the atmosphere.
Cost versus quality In the current economic climate there have been some situations where pur- chasing decisions have been based on cost rather than quality. However, this should definitely not be the case in elec- trical installations as a lack of quality products can result in complete failure or can pose a danger, for example, heightening the risk of a fire spreading. It is therefore important for electri-
cal engineers to think about the com- plete installation and ensure that all
Right and left: cable ties and other components, including sleeving and conduit, can all be manufactured to HF, LFH and VO standards, making them suitable for applications where public safety is paramount
here are a number of regulations governing the electrical industry, with the overriding aim of keeping those who are around electrical
will not ignite or contribute to the spread of flames. Another way to aid protection against
fire hazards is to utilise products, including cable ties, that can withstand increased temperatures. This is particu- larly important for applications includ- ing electrical panels, mass transit and automotive. Heat stabilised materials allow for operating temperatures between -40°C and 105°C, while heat resistant materials can withstand tem- peratures of up to 150°C. It is these high temperatures where sub-standard prod- ucts could potentially melt or ignite, so using a high quality, tested product is vital to ensure safety.
Above: cable management plays an important role in minimising risks and keeping the public safe in the event of a fire
products used are compliant. Cable management, although often over- looked, should definitely be included as part of this as incorrectly specified cable management products can have an impact on public safety.
Considerations As with many other electrical compo- nents, visual inspections of cable management products will not always highlight differing quality. It is for this reason that standards and production processes should be checked before they are fitted. Using cable ties as an example, those responsible for specification would be best advised to look for the VDE- DIN EN 50146 European Standard for Cable Ties for Electrical Installations, ensuring the quality of the product. Other standards to check for include MIL MS 3367 and the International SAE AS23190. This will offer peace of mind that the cor- rect procedures have been followed by the manufacturer and that the prod- uct consists of the right materials. Cable ties and compo-
other
nents, including sleeving and con- duit, can all be manufactured to HF, LFH and VO standards, making them suitable for applications where public safety is paramount. If a fire should occur, it
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Lessons learned To understand why the materials used to make cable management are so important, we need to look at the effect of using lower grade materials. In November 1987, the Kings Cross disas- ter was the biggest loss of life on the underground in almost a decade with 31 fatalities. What many people don’t realise is that fumes from melting fix- tures, ties and cables were a key contrib- utor to the number of deaths. Safety and quality are two issues
that are imperative to the electrical industry and those who work within it. Fire safety is an important part of this, and while fire will remain a risk, there are many steps that can be taken to vastly reduce the threat. This is why electrical engineers are best advised to adopt a comprehensive approach to specification, considering all aspects of the installation equally. This will ensure quality products are selected and used throughout complete pro- jects - from large components to the fastenings and fixings. Engineers can subsequently be confident about their work, knowing that any fire risks have been minimised for the end user.
HellermannTyton
www.hellermanntyton.co.uk T: 0161 945 4181
Enter 218 MAY 2011 Electrical Engineering
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