Why are cables concerned?

Cables are not dangerous on their own, but they may sometimes cause fires resulting from bad or ageing installations, wrong calculations of sections, and poor-quality cables installed, etc. 

Omnipresence: Cables are everywhere around us, and most of the time not visible once they are installed. They link rooms and floors and go through the walls without interruption. In the event of a fire, cables can therefore be a vital vector of  propagation of fire to the whole building through the cabling system.   Large quantity: The sheer volume of cables in modern buildings due to the rapid technological evolution (electrical appliances, telephones, computer connections…) can be astonishing. In many office and shop buildings, new cables are added, for upgraded IT networks or new electrical security standards. All theses cables represent a significant quantity of fuel for fire.

Due to the use of organic materials for insulation and sheathing and their huge volume in buildings, during fires, cables can also severely contribute to:

• Increased smoke production which limits visibility and inhibits escape

• Increased carbon monoxide production, the most lethal gas in fires

• Release of irritant gases

During fires, buildings should remain functional to help in the evacuation process. People’s safety is the priority: fire safety equipments like warning systems, smoke detector, smoke extractor, emergency exits, and fire lighting equipment are key and must remain functional. Electrical cables are the backbone of all these equipments. Additionally, buildings should provide good and less hazardous environment in order to ensure safe evacuation.

Research has proven that cables could contribute strongly to ensure the integrity of circuitry, to contain a fire and to reduce smoke, toxic gases and carbon monoxide.