What’s the difference between FP200 Gold, FP PLUS, FP600s and FP500?
We know there are various fire resistant cables, but what exactly is the difference between FP200 Gold, FP PLUS, FP600s and FP500? The answer lies in what fire tests they pass because of the applications they are used for.
Prysmian FP cables are critical in helping to save lives and protect property and are all independently fire tested by LPCB. The burning question is, what do these cables do and what are the differences between them?
FP cables for fire alarm and emergency lighting systems
Fire detection, fire alarms and emergency lighting systems are vitally important in helping people to evacuate a building in the event of a fire or power outage. For example, the circuits for fire alarms and fire detections must continue to function and emergency exit routes must be illuminated to support those evacuating the building. This is where FP200 Gold and FP PLUS come in.
Prysmian FP200 Gold is a “Standard” fire resistant cable specifically designed to meet the requirements of BS 5839-1 and is manufactured in accordance with BS 7629-1 as necessary for fire detection, fire alarm and emergency lighting systems in buildings. “Standard” fire resistant cables are required to achieve at least 30 minutes circuit integrity when tested in accordance with BS EN 50200 and BS EN 50200 ANNEX E.
Prysmian FP PLUS is an “Enhanced” fire resistant cable. It has been specifically designed to meet the requirements of BS 5839-1 and is also manufactured in accordance with BS 7629-1, as necessary for fire alarm and emergency lighting in buildings. “Enhanced” fire resistant cables are required to achieve at least 120 minutes when tested to BS EN 50200 and BS 8434-2. FP PLUS is suitable for hospitals plus large and complex buildings.
Both FP200 Gold and FP PLUS are suitable for applications such as fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings, emergency and escape lighting,
emergency voice communication and voice alarm systems. The main difference between the two, is the fire tests they are subjected to.
FP cables for life safety and fire-fighting systems
For life safety and fire-fighting systems, it is vital that fire performance cables maintain their circuit integrity for much longer than “standard” FP cables. These systems require greater fire performance so that they can power and control fire-fighting lifts, smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems and sprinkler pumps, and other similar equipment.
Prysmian FP600s is a steel wire armoured power cable with special fire-resistant properties and is the ideal choice to distribute power for life safety and fire-fighting systems. FP600s is suitable for smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems, fire-fighting and evacuation lift supplies, smoke barriers, control dampers and smoke curtains plus extinguishing systems such as sprinkler pumps, water mist and powder. FP600s is manufactured in accordance with BS 7846, achieving the highest fire performance rating. The cable also meets BS 8491- 120 Minutes Fire Resistant Test which is Flame, Direct impact & Water JET.
The newest addition to the Prysmian FP cable range is FP500. FP500 is a control cable designed to satisfy Category 3 Control cable requirements for BS 8519 including where the control cable is to be used as a single phase power cable. Category 3 control cables now require mechanical protection so FP500, with its built-in protection, reduces additional materials and labour as it needs no further protection FP500 passes a 120-minute fire test at approx. 950°C.
Similarly to FP600s, FP500 is a steel wire armoured cable, which makes it ideal for applications where mechanical protection is required. Its built-in steel wire armour protection helps electrical professionals save time on the installation, as there is no need for special tools or glands compared to unarmoured Cat 3 control cables, which require additional mechanical protection.
FP500 differs from FP600s in that it’s part of the control circuitry of a particular emergency system that is required to operate when a fire is detected. FP500 cables do not power life safety or fire-fighting equipment, they control them.
In short, each FP cable caters for a particular job. What type of fire performance cable you use, depends on the application.
FP is the original, easy to install and fully compliant range of fire resistant cables approved by engineers, installers and regulators. Find out more about our fire performance cables.