Many people easily confuse flame-retardant power cables and fire-resistant power cables, as they have different functional positioning and obvious differences in applicable scenarios. Therefore, they need to be selected according to needs in engineering design.

The core function of flame-retardant cables is to suppress the spread of flames. When a fire occurs in the surrounding area, the material of the cable itself is not easy to sustain combustion. After the fire source is removed, the flame can extinguish on its own to prevent the fire from spreading over a large area along the cable. This type of cable is commonly used for power distribution in ordinary buildings and in areas with dense cable laying in cable trenches, reducing the risk of fire spreading.

The focus of fire-resistant cables is on continuous power supply after a fire occurs. Within the specified flame temperature and combustion duration, fire-resistant cables can maintain normal power supply to the circuit and ensure the operation of fire-fighting equipment, such as fire pumps, emergency lighting, and fire alarm systems, which mostly require matching fire-resistant cables. A fire-resistant mica layer is generally added inside the fire-resistant cable to form insulation protection at high temperatures.

Two types of cables cannot replace each other. Flame retardant cables do not mean that they can continue to be powered after catching fire; Fire resistant cables may not necessarily have excellent flame retardant effects. When selecting, make a judgment based on building fire safety regulations and power supply load requirements. During construction, the spacing and fixing method of cable laying can also affect the performance of cables in the event of a fire. Reasonable planning is necessary to fully utilize the protective performance of cables.