Fire rated cable technology testing methods and installation practices

The purpose of this paper is to educate safety, facility and design engineers about fire rated cables used for emergency shut down due to a hydrocarbon fuel fire. The survivability of such cables in comparison to regular cables under fire conditions will be discussed. In addition, an explanation of the various technologies of fire rated cables available today will be provided, as well as issues with previous technology. A new standard, IEEE P1717, "Standard for Testing Circuit Integrity Cables Using a Hydrocarbon Pool Fire Test Protocol", is currently being developed. An overview of the draft test standard will be included as well as other test methods that are used in the US and Canada as well as internationally (such as UL1709, NEK 606 and IEC 61892-4). The installation practices of fire rated cables and what to consider for these cables when designing emergency shutdown systems will be reviewed. This will include information about the material selection for cable trays, support systems, cable glands and fire rated enclosures.