N.E.C. Flame Tests
- Details
- Parent Category: Low Voltage Cables
- Category: Technical Section
| N.E.C. Flame Tests | |||||||
| UL TYPE | Plenum Cable - UL 910 (NPFA 262) | ||||||
| MPP CMP FPLP CL3P CL2P CATVP |
The UL 910 (or NFPA 262) test for plenum cable has been in use since 1978. It is a modified version of the Steiner Tunnel test used to test building materials for over fifty years. Cables are mounted horizontally in a 25 foot long tunnel with a 320,000 BTU/hr. gas flame at one end and air flowing through the tunnel at 240 ft./min. Both flame spread and smoke generation are measured. It is the only test where smoke generation is measured. UL 910 is the most difficult flammability test for low-voltage cable. All plenum must pass this test. Any cable which passes this test is automatically assumed to pass any of the other three new tests, which are less severe and have no smoke generation requirements. |
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| UL TYPE | Riser Cable - UL 1666 | ||||||
| MPR CMR FPLR CL3R CL2R CATVR |
The first of the three new flammability tests is for riser cable and is designed UL 1666. This is a modification of the old UL 1581 flame test and involves a 12 foot Vertical Open Tray with a 495,000 BTU.hr. gas flame applied at the bottom for thirty minutes. Note that riser cables are used in special ares that connect one floor to another in commercial buildings and penetrate fire-rated walls and floors. | ||||||
| UL TYPE | General Building Wiring - UL 1581 (Vertical Tray Flame Test) | ||||||
| MP CM FPL CL3 CL2 CATV |
The second new flammability test is for general buidling wire used in commercial buildings. This is wire used in areas other than plenums and riser in commercial buildings. This test is less severe than the riser cable test and consists of a vertical 8 foot open tray subject to a 70,000 BTU/hr. flame for twenty minutes. It is similar to the UL 1581 and IEEE 383 tests. | ||||||
| UL TYPE | Restricted Use - VW-1 | ||||||
| CMX CL3X CL2X CATVX |
The third new flammability test is for residential wire as used in one and two family dwelling. It is a laboratory test using a Bunsen burner and a single vertical wire and has the least critical requirements of the four flammability tests. Wire passing this test may be used in conduit in nonresidential buildings, and exposed lengths up to ten feet are permitted in nonconcealed spaces only. | ||||||
