Tests and standards for flame retardant properties of cables

The test and standard of cable flame retardant performance is an important indicator to ensure that the cable can reduce the spread of fire and self-extinguish in the event of a fire. Introduce the common methods and relevant standards for testing the flame retardant performance of cables.

1. Test method for flame retardant performance of cables

1. 1. Vertical burning test (VW-1 test): This test method simulates the situation when the cable is subjected to fire in a vertical state. During the test, the cable sample is suspended vertically, its lower end is ignited, and then the flame spread and burning time are observed. According to the results of flame spread height and burning time, the flame retardant performance of the cable is evaluated.

1. 2. Oxygen index test: This test method is used to evaluate the combustion performance of cable materials. In the test, a cable sample is placed under a predetermined oxygen concentration, one end is ignited, and the flame spread is observed. According to the length of flame spread, calculate the oxygen index of the cable material. The higher the oxygen index, the better the combustion performance of the cable material.

1. 3. Vertical burning test (FT-1 test): This test method is used to evaluate the vertical burning performance of cables. In the test, the cable sample is placed vertically, its lower end is ignited, and then the flame spread and burning time are observed. Based on the results of flame spread height and burning time, the vertical burning performance of the cable is evaluated.

1. 4. Oxygen index test (FT-2 test): This test method is used to evaluate the oxygen index of the cable. In the test, a cable sample is placed under a predetermined oxygen concentration, one end is ignited, and the flame spread is observed. According to the length of flame spread, calculate the oxygen index of the cable material.

2. Test standard for flame retardant performance of cables

2. 1. UL 1581 standard: This standard is a cable flame retardant performance test standard formulated by Underwriters Laboratories in the United States. This includes the requirements of the VW-1 and FT-1 test methods for evaluating the flame resistance of cables.

2. 2. IEC 60332 standard: This standard is a test standard for cable flame resistance developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission. These include requirements for a vertical burning test and an oxygen index test for evaluating the flame resistance of cables.

2. 3. GB/T 18380.3 standard: This standard is the cable flame retardant performance test standard formulated by the National Standardization Administration of China. This includes the requirements of the VW-1 and FT-1 test methods for evaluating the flame resistance of cables.

2. 4. EN 60332 standard: This standard is a test standard for cable flame resistance developed by the European Committee for Standardization. These include requirements for a vertical burning test and an oxygen index test for evaluating the flame resistance of cables.

The above is the introduction of common methods and related standards for cable flame retardant performance testing. Through these test methods and standards, the flame retardant performance of the cable can be evaluated to ensure that the cable can reduce the spread of fire, self-extinguish and improve fire safety in the event of a fire.