Structure, Features, and Applications of Mineral-Insulated Fireproof Cables


   Mineral-insulated fire-resistant cable This is one of the more unique types of insulated cables. Regarding these mineral-insulated fire-resistant cables, I wonder how much everyone actually knows about them?

  1. Structural Principle

  Mineral-insulated fire-resistant cables, also known as magnesium oxide cables or fire-safe cables, are constructed from the mineral material magnesium oxide combined with the metallic composite copper. The magnesium oxide insulation material is tightly wrapped around a seamless, spliced copper sheath, creating a close and integral bond between the metal core and the protective sheath.

  Generally speaking, magnesium oxide mineral-insulated fire-resistant cables have a melting point as high as 2800°C, while copper melts at 1083°C. Moreover, the flame-retardant properties of the magnesium oxide insulation material remain largely unchanged, allowing the cable to continue functioning even under extreme conditions.

  2. Characteristic Features

  (1) Flame Retardancy: Mineral-insulated fire-resistant cables not only meet the industry standard of 950°C and a 180-minute fire-resistance duration, but also comply with national industry standards. Moreover, numerous fire safety applications worldwide have clearly demonstrated that, after a fire, only mineral-insulated cables remain intact and undamaged.

  (2) Heat Resistance: Mineral-insulated fire-resistant cables can be used continuously at temperatures up to 250°C, with a service life of up to 250 years. They do not contribute to or spread fire incidents, making them an excellent product.

  (3) Corrosion-resistant and resistant to mechanical damage: Copper boasts excellent corrosion resistance, eliminating the need for additional protective measures in most cases. Alternatively, a plastic jacket can be added to the cable when necessary. Moreover, since the copper sheath of the cable possesses good strength and ductility, the cable’s structure remains stable even when subjected to bending or other forms of stress.

  (4) Tobacco Control: After a fire occurs, mineral-insulated fire-resistant cables do not release any harmful substances or dense smoke. This is also a prerequisite for ensuring that personnel can safely evacuate during fire emergencies, making it an environmentally friendly type of cable.

  3. Scope of Application:

  Based on the excellent characteristics of mineral-insulated fire-resistant cables, in addition to the standardized specifications for using mineral-insulated cables in the security equipment industry, they can also be applied in the following industries:

  (1) In the basement, where it is necessary to pass through areas designated as fire-resistant zones, using mineral-insulated cables throughout can better highlight the advantages of fire-safe cables.

  (2) All elevator cars, rooftops, and landscape lighting electrical equipment within the low-rise residential buildings shall be supplied using mineral-insulated cables.

  (3) Since large and medium-sized stores have established sales channels, installing mineral-insulated fire-resistant cables is convenient. Therefore, choosing mineral-insulated cables as the main distribution lines is an excellent option.