BS EN 13501 is a European Standard that discusses fire classification of construction products and building elements.
BS EN 13501-6 is the sixth part of the multi-series that provides the reaction to fire classification procedure for electric cables.
For the purpose of this BS EN 13501-6, the term “electric cables” covers all power, control, and communication cables, including optical fibre cables.
BS EN 13501-6 on fire classification of construction products is relevant to:
The aim of BS EN 13501-6 is to define a harmonized way of presenting the classification of a product, based on results obtained during tests in accordance with the reaction to fire test methods for electric cables.
BS EN 13501-6 provides classes of reaction to fire performance, test methods, principles for specimen preparation, testing of electric cables, and different types of classes along with test results.
As a result, compliance with BS EN 13501-6 can help demonstrate the fire performance and burning behaviour of electric cables. Through the tests and guidance, indications of longer times to ignition, lower heat release, lower flame spread or lower smoke release are all signs of improved fire performance, that can be classified.
Thus, you can make the right selection of fire-resistant materials such that electric cables offer adequate levels of thermal and electrical insulation, in the event of a fire outbreak.
EN 13501-6:2018