Fire Performance of Wire and Cable: Reaction-to-Fire Tests--A Critical Review of the Existing Methods and of New Concepts.
Fire Performance of Wire and Cable: Reaction-to-Fire
Tests--A Critical Review of the Existing Methods and of
New Concepts.
(12228 K)
Babrauskas, V.; Peacock, R. D.; Braun, E.; Bukowski, R.
W.; Jones, W. W.
NIST TN 1291; 130 p. December 1991.
Sponsor:
National Electrical Manufacturers Assoc., Washington, DC
Available from:
National Technical Information Service
Order number: PB92-141563
Keywords:
cables; wires; flame spread; heat release rate; large
scale fire tests; small scale fire tests; standards;
test methods; occupants
Abstract:
U. S. and Canadian reaction-to-fire tests for wire and
cable are examined. The technical basis for their
development is analyzed. The data requirements for
engineering computations of fire hazard are examined.
It is found that the current methods are primarily based
on determining ignitability, speed of flame travel, or
distance of flame propagation. The fire hazard to
building occupants, however, is associated with the heat
release rate of the fire, instead. Newer testing
methods, which are not yet standards but which do
measure the heat release rate of cables, are already
under development. A limited comparison is made to
British and international standards. Recommendations are
made for improved testing strategies. The document
includes about 300 reference.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899