The advantages of mineral-insulated fire-resistant cables aren't limited to just their fire resistance!
Release date:
2023-05-11 15:56
Source:
As cities rapidly develop and the total number of skyscrapers surges, electricity demand in major cities continues to soar. In these densely populated, heavily polluted areas, a fire accident could lead to catastrophic consequences. Therefore, China’s Civil Building Law mandates that fire protection systems must be incorporated into the fire safety design standards for construction projects. Mineral-insulated fire-resistant cable Only then can the fire protection project be accepted.

Because Mineral-insulated fire-resistant cable All components are made from inorganic compounds—specifically, metallic copper and magnesium oxide powder—which inherently make the material highly resistant to fire, as it cannot be ignited or burned. Given copper’s melting point of 1083°C and lightweight magnesium oxide’s even higher melting point of 2800°C, this type of cable can continue providing power supply even under fire conditions close to copper’s melting point, making it a truly fire-resistant cable in every sense. As a result, its performance significantly outperforms traditional NH cables.
Low-carbon and eco-friendly features
Mineral-insulated fire-resistant cables are constructed entirely from inorganic mineral-based materials. When exposed to flames during a fire, these cables do not emit thick smoke or release harmful gases. Moreover, even after their useful life, the cables can be fully recycled, minimizing environmental impact and protecting the ecological balance.
Strong load-bearing capacity
Mineral-insulated fire-resistant cable The normal operating ambient temperature can reach up to 250°C, and under necessary conditions, the cable can sustain short-term operation while closely approaching the melting point of the copper sheath. This makes it ideally suited for installation in environments with sustained high temperatures—such as metallurgical industries, heating furnaces, laminated glass kilns, and blast furnaces for ironmaking. Additionally, its current-carrying capacity far exceeds that of other cables, thanks to magnesium oxide powder, which boasts a significantly better electrical conductivity index compared to plastics. As a result, at the same operating temperature, this cable can handle a higher current load. For distribution circuits exceeding 16 mm² in cross-section, it allows for a reduction of one wire size; and in areas inaccessible to personnel, even a reduction of two wire sizes is possible.
Better bending performance
Traditional-style rigid fire-resistant cables (BTTZ) are relatively difficult to bend and install. Mineral-insulated fire-resistant cables, on the other hand, require a bending radius of only 6 to 10 times the cable diameter, which not only reduces the available space for assembly layouts but also lowers installation costs, making them easier to lay out.
Radiation-resistant, ageless
Mineral-insulated fire-resistant cables use inorganic mineral insulation material for their insulation layer. Compared to conventional organic chemical insulated cables (such as YJV and VV), these cables are not affected by radiation, and their materials are resistant to aging and mold, ensuring consistently stable insulation performance over time. Additionally, the cable’s outer sheath features a copper corrugated design, providing excellent sealing, water resistance, and corrosion protection. As a result, the cable can last for 70 years or longer—2 to 3 times the lifespan of standard cables. Moreover, the inherent properties of the copper sheath further enhance the cable’s grounding capability, effectively enabling robust lightning protection and grounding measures. This, in turn, ensures the reliable operation of the power distribution system.
High impact toughness, collision-resistant
The alloy-sheathed, protective, flexible mineral-insulated fire-resistant cable features an outer layer made of aluminum-based metallic material, which also provides excellent thermal insulation, heat retention, fire-blocking, and water-barrier effects. Additionally, this design helps prevent damage to the cable sheath caused by object impacts in a fire environment. Moreover, the cable’s vitrified fire-resistant layer forms a robust outer shell at 350°C, significantly enhancing the overall protection and durability of the cable.
Mineral-insulated fire-resistant cables are specialized cables essential for fire safety in China’s critical infrastructure planning, large and medium-sized public venues, multi-story buildings, and other similar applications. Their exceptional flame retardancy, durability, safety performance, stability, and cost-effectiveness make them irreplaceable by conventional power engineering cables. Thanks to these unique features, mineral-insulated fire-resistant cables have been progressively adopted in numerous Chinese distribution design standards and regulations over the past few years, finding widespread use across various industries and project types. Looking ahead, it is anticipated that demand for mineral-insulated cables in China will surge significantly over the next decade.
Previous page
Recommended Articles