SSH EN 50200:2006

Method of test for resistance to fire of unprotected small cables for use in emergency circuits

Scope

This European Standard specifies the test method for cables designed to have intrinsic resistance to fire and intended for use as emergency circuits for alarm, lighting and communication purposes. This standard is applicable to cables, for emergency circuits, of rated voltage not exceeding 600/1 000 V, including those of rated voltage below 80 V, and for emergency circuit optical cables. NOTE Although test procedures for electronic data and communication cables and optical fibre cables are given in this document, these areas are under active development and the given procedures may be subject to future review. This standard is not applicable to cables intended for use in public telecommunications networks. The test method is limited to cables with an overall diameter not exceeding 20 mm. The test method, which is based on the direct impingement of flame from a propane burner giving a constant temperature attack of a notional 842 °C, can be used for cables for emergency circuits required to comply with Subclause 4.3.1.4.6 (a) of the Interpretative Document for Essential Requirement No. 2 'Safety in Case of Fire' (94/C62/01) of the Construction Products Directive (89/106/EEC). In such cases the test method only applies, for metallic conductor cables, to those with conductor sizes up to and including 2,5 mm2. For optical cables, only the 20 mm diameter limit applies. This standard includes (Annex D) a means of linking the measured survival time to the fire resistance classification for these cables, as required by Subclause 4.3.1.4.6(a) of 94/C62/01. The standard also includes (Annex E) a means of applying a water spray to the cable during the test. Although there is no requirement under the Construction Products Directive for cables to withstand water spray when assessing resistance to fire, such a requirement may be a feature of particular product standards.