Germany-based cable manu- facturer Helukabel has introduced advanced cables, with the ability to maintain their function integrity for up to two hours in a fire, into the local market.

The new Helufire PH30/120 cables are specifically used for fire alarm and emergency evacuation systems, or where long-term electrical circuits are required under fire conditions, says Helukabel South Africa MD Doug Gunnewegh.

The new-generation cables are designed to self-extinguish when exposed to flames. As they are halogen-free, the cables will not emit corrosive or toxic gases under fire conditions. “This makes them ideal for use in public areas to ensure that essential electrical services are maintained in an emergency,” emphasises Gunnewegh.

Besides the Helufire PH30/120 cables, Helukabel’s range of products includes a variety of security cables, as well as other heat- and fire-resistant cables, enclosures, protection boxes, glands and accessories.
“Building regulations, as well as regulations relating to public places, transport and key public gathering points, require high levels of function integrity on critical equipment – especially fire control panels and evacuation systems,” Gunnewegh points out.

The company’s range of Helufire cables is, therefore, specially designed to withstand direct flames and heat of up to 850 °C for 30 minutes for the PH30 cables, and two hours on the PH120 cables.

The cables are also shock resistant and able to withstand forces that might be expected in a severe fire-related incident – such as falling objects or shock from blasts caused by flammable substances exploding.

“All Helufire cables are manufactured in accordance with BS EN 50200:2006, which requires tests to be conducted to verify the circuit integrity of cables that are exposed to mechanical shock, as well as temperatures of up 850 °C for a certain number of hours,” notes Gunnewegh.

Helufire cables are used in industrial complexes, power stations, communal establishments, mines and public places to ensure the safety of people, animals or property.

Further, the cables are suitable for fixed installations on or beneath plaster in dry and moist room applications. They are also suitable to run outdoors or in conduits underground, excluding excessive water build-ups.
The cables are available in two-core or four-core varieties, from 1 mm to 2.5 mm cross sections to complement the company’s range of cabling products and accessories. “Owing to the high demand for this type of product, we have ensured that we have sufficient stock to cover the needs of the local market,” says Gunnewegh.

A range of security cables up to 1 kV, with the ability to withstand bare flames for extended periods of up to three hours, further supports the Helufire range.

In addition to the cables, Helukabel offers the full range of Spelsberg function integrity junction boxes and enclosures, which can match the cable products with different flame-resistance rating

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