HOMECPR/Fire-safety cables

 

 

CPR/Fire-safety cable

CPR Introduction

 

 

 

 

7. Test Method/Standards involved in CPR.

 

 

 

To achieve CPR classification, cables must pass a range of standardized fire performance tests, including:

Heat of Combustion - This test is performed as per BS EN / ISO 1716, to measure the Calorific value of each cable component. It is only used for class Aca.
Vertical Flame Spread - This test is performed as per EN 60332-1-2 to measure the flame propagation characteristics. This test is used for class B1ca, B2ca, Cca, Dca, Eca & Fca.
Fire Performance Test - This test determines heat release, flame spread, smoke, and droplet production and is done as per EN 50399. This is generally used for class B1ca, B2ca, Cca and Dca. EN 50399 is a test method for cables under fire conditions, similar, but not identical, to the IEC 60332-3-series. It has additional requirements for testing of heat release and smoke production during the test.

Smoke Density - This test is performed as per EN 61034-2 and measures light transmittance during combustion. Test is used for Classes B1ca, B2ca, Cca and Dca where applicable.

Acid Gas Emission - This test evaluates acidity and conductivity of combustion gases and is performed as per BS EN 60754-2. This is used for Classes B1ca, B2ca, Cca and Dca.

 

These tests assess not just whether a cable burns, but how fast, how toxic the smoke is, and how much heat and flame it emits, which directly affects evacuation time during fires. It further ensures that only cables offering the desired fire performance levels are certified and CE marked under CPR. The results from the above tests may – under given conditions – be used as a basis for the formal reaction to fire classification of the cable by the Notified Body.

EN ISO 1716	Reaction to fire tests for products — Determination of the gross heat of combustion (calorific value)
EN 60332-1-2	Tests on electric and optical fibre cables under fire conditions — Part 1-2: Test for vertical flame propagation for a single insulated wire or cable — Procedure for 1 kW pre-mixed flame
EN 50399	Common test methods for cables under fire conditions — Heat release and smoke production measurement on cables during flame spread test — Test apparatus, procedures, results
EN 61034-2	Measurement of smoke density of cables burning under defined conditions — Part 2: Test procedure and requirements
EN 60754-2	Test on gases evolved during combustion of materials from cables — Part 2: Determination of acidity (by pH measurement) and conductivity.

 

Classification, Test method and AVCP Systems

Class	EN ISO 1716	EN 60332-1-2	EN 50399	EN 61034-2	EN 60754-2	AVCP
Aca	R	-	-	-	-	1+
B1ca	-	R	R	○	○	1+
B2ca	-	R	R	○	○	1+
Cca	-	R	R	○	○	1+
Dca	-	R	R	○	○	3
Eca	-	R	-	○	○	3
Fca	-	R**	-	-	-	4

R - Required.

- Optional, additional for subclasses.

** - May be carried out by manufacturer