Modern data centers host mission-critical IT infrastructure, where uninterrupted power and signal transmission are essential.
A fire incident can lead to severe consequences, including data loss, service outages, and significant financial impact.
Fire resistant cables are designed to maintain circuit integrity during fire, allowing essential systems to remain operational when they are most needed.
Although data centers are highly controlled environments, fire risks still exist:
High-density power distribution systems
Overloaded cable trays and busways
UPS and battery energy storage systems
Cooling equipment and electrical panels
In the event of a fire, cable failure can disable emergency systems within minutes if inappropriate cable types are used.
Fire resistant cables are widely used for:
Emergency power supply circuits
Fire alarm and detection systems
Emergency lighting and evacuation systems
Control and monitoring systems
Critical communication and signaling circuits
These systems must continue functioning long enough to support evacuation and fire response procedures.
| Feature | Fire Resistant Cables | Flame Retardant Cables |
|---|---|---|
| Maintain circuit integrity | ✔ | ✖ |
| Power continuity during fire | ✔ | ✖ |
| Suitable for emergency systems | ✔ | Limited |
| Typical use | Safety & critical circuits | General cabling |
Flame retardant cables help slow fire spread, but only fire resistant cables are designed to keep systems running during fire exposure.
BS 6387 CWZ fire resistant cables are tested to withstand:
C – Fire exposure at 950°C
W – Fire with water spray (sprinklers)
Z – Fire with mechanical shock
Data centers often rely on sprinkler or gas-based fire suppression systems, making CWZ-rated cables suitable for real-world emergency conditions.
Typical fire resistant cable design includes:
Copper conductor for stable conductivity
Mica tape insulation for fire survival
XLPE or equivalent insulation layer
LSZH inner and outer sheaths to reduce smoke
Optional armour for mechanical protection
This construction ensures low smoke emission, minimal toxic gas release, and reliable performance during fire.
Separate fire resistant cables from standard power cables
Use fire-rated cable trays and supports
Maintain proper spacing for cooling airflow
Integrate with fire-stopping systems at penetrations
Correct installation is essential to ensure certified fire performance is achieved on-site.
When selecting fire resistant cables, consider:
Compliance with BS 6387 CWZ or equivalent standards
Verified fire test reports
Low smoke and zero halogen performance
Compatibility with data center safety regulations
Supplier experience in critical infrastructure projects
For other mission-critical environments such as
chemical plants
and
oil & gas facilities,
fire resistant cables are also widely specified.
Our
fire resistant cables
are designed for data center power, safety, and control systems, ensuring circuit integrity and operational continuity during fire incidents.
We support:
BS 6387 CWZ compliant designs
Custom conductor sizes and voltage ratings
LSZH constructions for enclosed environments
Fire resistant cables play a critical role in protecting data center infrastructure, personnel safety, and service continuity.
By maintaining circuit integrity during fire events, these cables support emergency response systems and minimize operational risk.
Selecting certified fire resistant cables is an essential step in building resilient and reliable data center facilities.
Looking for fire resistant cables for data center projects?
BS 6387 CWZ compliant
Suitable for emergency and critical systems
Custom specifications available
👉 Contact us for datasheets and quotations
