Circuit integrity

Circuit integrity is how little can a fire affect an electrical circuit's operation. It is a form of fire-resistance rating. Circuit integrity is achieved via passive fire protection means, which are subject to listing and approval use and compliance. Alternatively, cable construction and materials can achieve fire-resistance ratings on their own such as mineral-insulated copper-clad cable, or MI cable.

Circuit integrity fireproofing of cable trays using calcium silicate board system
Circuit integrity fireproofing of cable trays
Fire-resistant cables
MI cables fastened into junction box that has not been fireproofed

Fireproofing

Providing fireproofing for cables, cable trays, or electrical conduit, is meant to keep cables operational during a specified fire exposure and time, achieved by either:

  • Cable coating with a fire retardant lowers the spread of flame along the combustible cable jacketing.
  • An enclosure constructed of fire resistive materials.

Testing and certification

Testing in Canada is in accordance with ULC-S101 as required by the local building code.

Inherently fire resistive cables can be tested to UL 2196, Tests for Fire Resistive Cables, whereas enclosures for cables that are not inherently fire resistive can be tested to UL 1724 or USNRC Generic Letter 86-10, Supplement 1 in North America, or BS476 in the United Kingdom or DIN4102 in Germany.

For Petrochemical Industries, Offshore/ Onshore, API 2218 standards are referred as the fireproofing guidelines to address hydrocarbon fires which are more severe than the cellulosic fire profiles used in DIN 4102 and BS 476 part 20 test standards for buildings.

Shaft wall systems

Cables can be protected from fire by enclosing them in fire resistive "shaft wall" systems which are vertical and horizontal enclosures similar to ducts.

Current test methods

Germany has standardised testing via DIN4102 which encompasses both enclosures for cabling and bus ducts as well as inherently fire-resistive cables such as mineral insulated cables.

North America testing includes UL1724 Standard for Tests of Thermal Barrier Systems for Electrical System Components and UL2196 Standard for Tests of Fire Resistive Cables.

Ampacity derating

If a cable is covered with a materiel which restricts heat transfer and therefore prevents it from cooling, the elevated temperature can reduce the allowable cable power capacity (i.e., less ampacity). Derating refers to the reduction of the ability of a cable to conduct electricity.

Cladding and wrapping considerations

The added weight of the wrap systems must be included in static and seismic calculations. Fireproofing of the hanging system must also be considered. Regular maintenance must be considered, as cladding and wraps are not load-bearing and can be damaged during normal building or facility operations.

Terminals and junction box considerations

The entire circuit must be completely protected including termination points and junction boxes.

See also
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