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Fire testing of cables EN 50399
EN 50399 is a fire test method that generates data used to evaluate the fire characteristics of cables in terms of flame spread, power generation, smoke formation and burning droplets.
The test results forms a part of the basis for CE marking according to the CPR Construction Product Regulation.
Purpose
In the product development context, it is important to investigate the cable's fire properties at an early stage. Fire testing according to EN 50399 generates data used to investigate flame spread, power generation, smoke formation and burning droplets. These are important parameters from a fire risk perspective.
Requirements according to the Construction Product Regulation (CPR) stipulates that cables must be CE marked and fire classified according to the Euroclass in order to be sold as construction products, meaning cables that pose major risks from a fire risk perspective are sorted out. Data from tests according to EN 50399 form the basis for CE marking with a fire classification in the Euroclasses B1ca, B2ca, Cca, and Dca.
Method
The cable is exposed to a burner for a test time of 20 minutes. During this time the flame spread and burning droplets/particles are observed and when the test is finished, fire damaged length is measured. Flue gases emitted during testing are collected for analysis and from these data the emitted fire effect and smoke formation can be calculated.
The burner's output is 20.5 or 30 kW, depending on which fire class the cable is expected to achieve. The cable to be tested is mounted in 3.5-meter lengths on a test ladder. The lengths are mounted with spacing and the total width for cables and spaces is approximately 30 cm. During the fire test, the ladder with the cables is placed vertically against a wall in a combustion chamber. The cables are facing inwards, away from the wall. In front of the ladder the burner is placed at a distance of 7.5 cm from the cable lengths.
Deliveries
The fire test results are summarized in English in a test report delivered in digital format.
Video of the testing can also be obtained.
RISE holds both accreditation and notification regarding this test method why the test report is valid as a part of the CE marking documentation.
It is interesting and instructive to watch fire testing and therefore we welcome our clients to visit us at the test occasions.
More information
Utrustningen för brandprovning av kablar beskrivs i standarden EN IEC 60332-3-10. Den används framförallt för provning enligt EN 50399 men också för provning enligt metodserien EN IEC 60332-3-21, -22, -23, -24 och -25.
Testresultaten från brandprovning enligt EN 50399 och EN IEC 60332-3-serien är inte fullt jämförbara eftersom luftflöde och även uppbyggnad av provkroppar är olika, dessutom genererar EN 50399 analysdata från brandgaserna vilket EN IEC 60332-3-serien inte gör.
