Cable Fire Integrity Tester
Category：Flammability Tester
Introduction
The Cable Fire Integrity Tester (Fire-Resistance Cable Burning Test Apparatus) is designed to evaluate the ability of mineral-insulated cables and cables with fire-resistant layers to maintain circuit integrity under flame exposure. The apparatus subjects the test sample to a controlled gas flame under specified temperature, time, and electrical loading conditions, monitoring for short circuits or open circuits. This allows assessment of the cable’s fire-resistance performance. The system is suitable for type tests, factory inspections, and research verification of fire-resistant cables.
Applications
Based on practical applications of domestic and international fire-resistant and flame-retardant cable testing equipment, this apparatus is suitable for the following products and scenarios:
Mineral-insulated cables (MI cables)
Power cables with fire-resistant layer structures
Fire-resistant building wires
Low-voltage control and signal cables
Fire-resistant optical fibers and composite cables
Fire-resistant cables rated ≤ 450/750 V
Verification of fire, flame-retardant, and water-resistant fire performance
Applicable users include cable manufacturers, electrical inspection agencies, fire safety product testing centers, research institutes, and third-party laboratories.
Standards
The Cable Fire Integrity Tester is designed to comply with and support the following standards:
GB/T 19216-2008 — Test methods for cable or optical fiber circuit integrity under flame conditions
GB/T 19666-2019 — General requirements for flame-retardant and fire-resistant wires and cables
IEC 60331-2009 — Tests on electric cables under fire conditions
BS 6387 — Performance requirements for maintaining circuit integrity of cables under fire conditions
BS 8491 — Assessment methods for fire-resistance of cables
Specifications
| Item | Technical Specification |
|---|---|
| Test Station | Single station (one sample at a time) |
| Sample Length | ≥1200 mm |
| Burner Type | Ribbon propane burner with Venturi mixer |
| Burner Nominal Length | 500 mm |
| Gas Flow Rate | 0–50 L/min (adjustable) |
| Gas Flow Accuracy | ±0.1 L/min |
| Air Flow Rate | 0–200 L/min (adjustable) |
| Air Flow Accuracy | ±5 L/min |
| Flame Temperature Range | 450–950 °C (adjustable) |
| Temperature Sensors | K-type stainless steel thermocouples ×2 |
| Thermocouple Max Temperature | ≤1100 °C |
| Control Method | PLC + touchscreen operation |
| Power Consumption | 3 kW |
| Power Supply | AC 380 V ±10%, 50 Hz, three-phase five-wire |
| Gas Supply | Propane / LPG + compressed air |
Features
Mass flow controllers enable high-precision closed-loop control of gas and air flow.
Wide flame temperature adjustment range meets different fire-resistance test requirements.
Circuit integrity detection via breaker replaces traditional fuse structures, improving maintenance efficiency.
Continuous live monitoring system detects open or short circuits in real-time.
Side-mounted exhaust system ensures stable oxygen levels during combustion.
PLC + touchscreen control allows intuitive parameter settings and excellent test repeatability.
Compatible with multiple fire-resistance test modes, including water-spray fire-resistance and mechanical impact tests.
Accessories and Consumables
| Category | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Configuration | Tubular gas burner | Suitable for fire-resistance and water-spray fire tests |
| Mass flow controller | Precision control of gas and air | |
| K-type thermocouple | Temperature monitoring | |
| Continuous monitoring device | Includes transformer and indicator lights | |
| Exhaust assembly | Rapid exhaust of combustion gases | |
| Optional | Water-spray fire device | Complies with BS 6387 W-class |
| Mechanical impact device | Complies with BS 6387 Z-class | |
| Consumables | Gas | Propane or LPG |
| Test cable | Test specimen | |
| Seals | Periodic replacement required |
Testing Principle
During the test, the mass flow controller precisely adjusts the gas-to-air ratio, producing a stable and controllable high-temperature flame. The test cable is subjected to continuous flame while all cores are energized at rated voltage and a load current close to 0.1 A.
A continuous monitoring system observes the circuit status in real-time. Any short-circuit or open-circuit condition triggers an immediate signal, allowing evaluation of whether the sample maintains circuit integrity under the specified flame and loading conditions.
FAQ
1. What is this product?
The Fire-Resistance Cable Burning Test Apparatus is a specialized testing system designed to evaluate the ability of mineral-insulated cables and fire-resistant cables to maintain electrical circuit integrity under flame exposure. It applies a controlled gas flame, monitors electrical continuity, and determines cable fire-resistance performance.
2. What is this product used for?
This Cable Fire Integrity Tester is used for:
Type testing of fire-resistant cables
Factory quality inspections
Research and development of fire-resistant cable designs
Verification of fire-resistance, flame-retardant, and mechanical impact performance
It enables real-time monitoring of short circuits or open circuits during flame exposure.
3. Why is this product important?
Fire-resistant cables are critical for ensuring safety in power distribution and communication systems during fire events. This apparatus provides a standardized, repeatable, and quantitative method to verify cable performance, ensuring compliance with international and national fire-safety standards.
4. What industries is this product suitable for?
Cable and wire manufacturers
Electrical inspection and certification agencies
Fire safety and testing centers
Construction and building safety laboratories
Research institutions and third-party testing organizations
5. What types of cables can be tested with this apparatus?
The apparatus can test:
Mineral-insulated (MI) cables
Power cables with fire-resistant layers
Low-voltage control and signal cables
Fire-resistant building wires
Fire-resistant optical fibers and composite cables
Cables rated ≤ 450/750 V
It also supports combined tests including water-spray fire-resistance and mechanical impact under fire conditions.
