Is halogen-free cable fire-resistant?
Halogen-free, flame-retardant and fire-resistant cables are not the same thing. What should you look for in the datasheet for operation under fire?
Does halogen-free mean fire-resistant?
No. A halogen-free construction and maintaining electrical function during a fire are different properties. The presence of the words halogen-free or low-smoke in a cable name does not by itself indicate the circuit integrity time.
What is the difference between a flame-retardant cable and a fire-resistant cable?
Limiting flame spread is not the same as keeping the circuit operating under fire. These two performances must be checked separately in the project. For example, a standard N2XH and N2XH FE180 do not carry the same endurance claim.
What does FE180 mean?
Prysmian's N2XH FE180 datasheet states that electrical function is maintained for 180 minutes under IEC 60331-21 test conditions. This result is not a duration guarantee for every fire and installation; the test standard and application conditions must be read together.
Which document should be checked when ordering?
Look in the datasheet for the exact product code for the required fire test and class. See the fire-resistant cables. For the power cable type, go to the NYY and N2XH comparison; for general selection, go to the cable guide.
Manufacturer sources
Comparison and selection table
| Cable Property | Standard PVC Cable (NYY / NYM) | Halogen-Free Flame-Retardant (N2XH / NHXMH / LIHCH) | Fire-Resistant Circuit Integrity (FE180 / E30–E90) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoke & Halogen Gas | Emits dense black smoke and corrosive HCl acid gas | Low smoke, zero halogen (LSZH / HFFR) | LSZH jacket + mica glass-tape thermal barrier |
| Flame Propagation | Can propagate flame along vertical runs | Self-extinguishing, resists bunched flame spread (IEC 60332-3) | Non-propagating & withstands direct flame exposure |
| Circuit Integrity in Fire | Short-circuits rapidly when PVC melts | Does NOT maintain power in direct fire (unless FE180) | Maintains power/signal for 30, 90 or 180 minutes in fire |
| Typical Application | General outdoor/underground utility wiring | Public buildings, malls, offices, general risers | Fire pumps, smoke extraction fans, fire alarm & PA loops |
Frequently asked questions
Does specifying "LSZH / LSOH / HFFR" mean the cable will keep working during a fire?
No. LSZH / HFFR (Halogen-Free) only means the cable emits low smoke and no corrosive halogen acid gases when burned. If the circuit must remain energized during a fire, the specification must explicitly require FE180 insulation integrity and E30 / E60 / E90 (PH90 / PH120) system circuit integrity.
Which cable is required for fire alarm detector loops vs sounder and voice evacuation circuits?
Standard indoor detector loops use halogen-free JH(St)H screened cable, whereas fire sounders, strobes, voice evacuation speakers and damper control modules that must continue operating during an active fire require JE-H(St)H FE180 E30 / E90 (PH120) fire-resistant cable.
Can FE180 E90 fire-resistant cables be installed with plastic cable ties or nylon wall plugs?
No. Plastic ties and nylon plugs melt rapidly in a fire, causing the cable run to collapse and snap; E30/E60/E90 installations must be supported on fire-tested steel brackets, metal clips and steel anchors.