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FIRE PERFORMANCE CABLE

Studies on proper cable selection to maximize cable performance during fire hazards
Ridzwan Mustapa

26th February 2009

XLPE are superior than EPR based from the following criteria:

1. Weight and dimensioning of the insulation

XLPE always have a thinner insulation compared to EPR. Based from IEC60502-1: 2004, the

differences of the thickness on each material are obvious as shown in Graph 1. Thickness of the

insulation is proportional to the weight itself thus EPR tends to be heavier compared to XLPE as

shown in Graph 2. Both are thermoset compound which is petroleum (ethylene) based material.

Hence, it is necessary to use in smaller amount because it will act as a fuel in case of fire. Thus

EPR will give a greater impact as it will act as a main fuel component in the event of fire because

of its weight consumption.

2. Material properties (Mechanical and Electrical properties)

XLPE have the same Electrical characteristic with EPR and better Mechanical characteristic

compared to EPR. As shown in Table 1, XLPE tends to have higher tensile strength. In addition,

XLPE doesn’t require ozone resistance test as it would not degrade its properties and XLPE also

have better resistance against solvent and oil.

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Graph 1: Comparison of the insulation thickness according to IEC60502-1: 2004

Insulation Thickness (EPR vs. XLPE)


3.5 50%

45%
3.0
40%
Insulation thickness (mm)

2.5 35%

30%
2.0
25%
1.5
20%

1.0 15%

10%
0.5
5%

0.0 0%

Conductor size (mm²)

EPR XLPE Thickness variance

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Graph 2: Comparison of the insulation weight based on insulation thickness
according to IEC60502-1: 2004

Insulation Weight (EPR vs. XLPE)


600.0 140%

500.0 120%
Insulation Weight (kg/km)

100%
400.0
80%
300.0
60%
200.0
40%

100.0 20%

0.0 0%

Conductor size (mm²)

EPR XLPE Weight variance

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Table 1: Material comparison (Mechanical and Electrical Properties)

PROPERTIES MATERIAL : EPR MATERIAL : XLPE

Applicable standards BS 7655 Section 1.2 (GP4) BS 7655 Section 1.3 (GP8)

Type of compound Thermosetting polymer Thermosetting polymer

Maximum conductor operating temperature (°C) 90 90

Volume resistivity (Ω.cm) 10E 15 10E 16

Dielectric constant 3 to 5 2.3 to 2.5

Mechanical properties before ageing


(IEC 60811-1-1 clause 9)
- Min. tensile strength (N/mm²) 4.2 12.5
- Min. elongation at break (%) 200 200

Mechanical properties after ageing


(IEC 60811-1-2 subclause 8.1)
- Temperature (°C) 135 ± 2 135 ± 3
- Duration (h) 168 168
- Max. variation for tensile strength (%) 30 25
- Max. variation for elongation at break (%) 30 25

Hot set test (IEC 60811-2-1 clause 9)


- Temperature (°C) 250 ± 3 250 ± 3
- Duration (mins) 15 15
- Mechanical stress (N/mm²) 0.2 0.2
- Max. elongation under load (%) 175 175
- Max. permanent elongation after cooling (%) 15 15

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Table 1 (continued)

PROPERTIES MATERIAL : EPR MATERIAL : XLPE

Water absorption (IEC 60811-1-3 subclause 9.2)


- Gravimetric method:
- Temperature (°C) 85 ± 2 85 ± 2
- Duration (d) 14 14
- Max. increase of mass (mg/cm²) 5 1

Shrinkage test (IEC 60811-1-3 clause 10)


- Distance L between marks (mm) - 200
- Temperature (°C) - 130
- Duration (h) - 1
- Max. shrinkage (%) - 4

Ozone resistance test (IEC 60811-2-1 Clause 8)


- Temperature (°C) 25 ± 2 -
- Duration (h) 24 -
- Ozone concentration (in volume) (%) 0.025 to 0.030 -

Flammability Flammable Flammable

Flame-retardant property Poor Poor

Solvent resistance Poor Fair

Oil resistance Poor Fair

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