Fire-resistant cables cannot replace flame-retardant cables

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This post was last edited by louhoo on 2019-3-31 11:09. When reviewing the drawings for the automatic fire alarm system, some design firms chose fire-resistant cables for all of them. I pointed out that according to Article 11.2.2 (mandatory provision) of the \"Code for Design of Automatic Fire Alarm Systems\" (GB 50116-2013), the alarm bus must be flame-retardant or flame-retardant and fire-resistant; fire-resistant cables cannot be used. The response from design firms is usually that fire-resistant cables can replace flame-retardant cables; I also found many posts online stating that they can be used as substitutes. In my opinion, it is irreplaceable for the following two reasons: 1. According to the \"General Rules for Flame-Retardant and Fire-Resistant Wires and Cables\" (GBT 19666-2005), fire-resistant cables are classified into several types. As can be seen from this classification, the first type does not possess flame-retardant properties; it merely has a fire-resistant layer added to an ordinary cable. This is probably why the specifications state “flame-retardant or flame-retardant and fire-resistant cables”, rather than “flame-retardant or fire-resistant cables”. 2. The combustion characteristic tests for flame-retardant cables and fire-resistant cables are completely different, and the test criteria that need to be met also vary. The flame retardancy test is specified in: \"Test methods for cables and optical fibers under flame conditions – Part 11: Test for vertical flame spread of individual insulated wires and cables – Test apparatus\" (GB/T 18380.11-2008) ； The fire resistance test is specified in: \"Test for the integrity of cables or optical fibers under flame conditions – Part 23: Test procedures and requirements – Data cables\" (GB/T 19216.23-2003). In summary, I believe that since these are mandatory provisions in the standards, they must be treated strictly; they cannot be viewed in a casual manner, and design should be carried out carefully in accordance with the standards. If you have different opinions, feel free to discuss them.