The phenomenon of fire has always been a matter of serious concern and the behaviour of electrical cables under fire has been, for over a decade, a subject of extensive study and research all over the world. Investigations have proved that electrical cables are the prime source of propagation of fire. A mere spark, a short-circuit or even high temperature conditions can result in a blazing inferno, taking disasterous toll on human life, machines, equipment and capital. The protection of cables against fire hazard is therefore one of the prime features, to which importance and attention should be paid while designing a cables.

. Flame Retardant .(ow Smoke - Why?

. Existing cable designs do fulfil some, but not all ofthe following requirements: No fire propagation (In bundled arrangements).
. No emission of corrosive gases orvapours.
. Low smoke emission.
. Reduced toxicity of combustion products.
. Circuit integrity (emergency operation) in fire situations.
. Flexibility and ease of installation.

PVC
The commonly used material for outer sheath in power cables, although being flame retardant, evolves copious smoke and noxious gases when burned, posing obstacles in fire-fighting and evacuation. This led to the development and manufacture of special PVC compounds which are not only flame retardant but also emit low smoke and low corrosive gases.
Consequent upon this development, Plaza has introduced PVC and XLPE cables with FRLS characteristics. These flame retardant cables will not propagate fire, in addition to low smoke and low halogen emission. Even when exposed to a source ottire.

FRLS CABLES
(FRLS) cables have the following features:
1. Fire retardancy - as recongnised by national or international large scale fire tests. The ability to reduce the spread of flame along a cable run and be self-extinguishing type.
2. Low smoke emission - as defined by the internationally specified method. The importance of personnel being able to see in order to evacuate a place and fire-fighters having access to get to the seat ofthe fire.
3. Low acid emission - Usually qualified by a recognised chemical evaluation test.
Not only are the gases injurious to health but when combined with atmospheric moisture or with water from fire-fighting appliances, may produce highly corrosive acids which can severely damage sensitive plants and equipments.