Reliable power supply, even in the event of fire
Cable junction boxes from Hensel are tested for insulation integrity PH120 and intrinsic fire resistance in electrical systems E30/E60/E90
Especially in buildings with public traffic as department stores, airports, hospitals, etc. and other public places security is top priority.
The emergency power supply in accordance with regional building regulations is generally required. In the event of fire, the functional integrity of the emergency power supply must be guaranteed for a specific period of time. This ensures that electric devices, such as emergency lighting, lifts, smoke extractors, alarms, etc. remain operational for 30, 60 or 90 minutes and that people can leave the building and rescue services can work in case of fire. In addition to these requirements electrical installation systems must fulfill especially the electrical parameters with all components.
Generally two, but completely different standards and testing procedures have been established.
Insulation integrity PH120
Testing for resistance to fire of unprotected cable lines (cables with cable junction boxes) for use in emergency circuits. This test method consideres single tested products regardless of their usage.
This test determines the period for which a mechanically unloaded cable maintains a minimum insulation integrity under fire exposure. The test is passed, if after a test period of 120 minutes the current still flows and no short circuit or cable break can be detected. The tested product achieves PH120 Classification.
Testing for insulation integrity is a hardness test, which only high quality materials can pass.
Complete cable installations are not subject of this test.
Intrinsic fire resistance E30/E60/E90 places higher demands
In contrast to insulation integrity, the testing of intrinsic fire resistance accesses not just a single test product, but the cable
system as a whole including all components.
The German standard DIN 4102-12 sets the requirements on a complete cable system to achieve the functional integrity in the event of fire.
The classifications E30, E60, E90 indicate the period for which a complete cable system ensures functional integrity so that emergency power supply remains operational in case of fire, for example E90 is 90 minutes.
The test approves a cable system as a whole under real-life conditions including all components as support systems, cable junction boxes and mounting device.
Testing of functional integrity sets extreme but realistic demands on a complete cable system in combination with all installed components.
Therefore this method of test allows meaningful conclusions to be drawn on the realistic behaviour in the event of fire (full intrinisic fire resistance).
