What You Need to Know About FRLS Wires and Their Fire-Safety Properties
Fires triggered by electrical short circuits are increasingly becoming common. These incidents have hundreds of casualties in the past few years. Poor wire quality and incorrect choice of wires are the main reasons behind these fires.
That’s why, FRLS wires are gaining popularity as the best quality electric wire for houses, residential complexes, and other fire-prone places such as hospitals, hotels, commercial buildings, industrial buildings, power plants, airports, and other public zones. Let’s help you understand more about FRLS wires.
What are FRLS Wires?
Flame Retardant Low Smoke (FRLS) are fire-resistant cables. They can withstand high temperatures for a specific period when exposed to direct fire.
They are made from a compound that is equipped to perform better with low smoke emission in comparison to other wires which have Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) as the outer, sheathing material.
Benefits of FRLS cables
Ordinary PVC insulated wires emit dense, thick, and injurious smoke that cause suffocation. Most of the deaths occur due to suffocation than the actual fire. However, FRLS is designed to give better and safer performance due to the following benefits:
- Releases Less Unwanted Elements:- FRLS wires release little smoke, corrosive fumes, and toxic gas such as hydrochloric acid. It is comparatively easier to handle fire breakouts or other wire-related mishaps.
- Minimises the Risk of Spread of Fire:- FLRS wires self-extinguish the flames at a fast speed because they have an oxygen index higher than 26%. So, they minimise or even stop the spread of fires.
- Gives Higher Visibility:- FLRS wires give visibility of at least 40% during smoke emission. This helps people, rescuers, and firefighters to see clearly, navigate easily, and survive for longer in fire-trapped situations without suffocating.
- Provide Aesthetic Value:- FRLS wires are suitable for undertaking concealed and conduit wiring in multi-storeyed houses and buildings. They are favourites with interior decorators and architects.
FRLS Cable Properties
You now know about the benefits of FRLS wires. Check out the characteristics or properties which make FRLS a better choice for wiring.
- Conductor:- FRLS wires have uniform resistance, dimension, and flexibility due to the use of finely-drawn several thin strands of electrolytic copper. They are twisted with high-precision methods and accuracy for compactness that prevents them from separating under pressure during installation and usage.
- Insulation:- FRLS wires are made from specially-formulated high-temperature grade materials. It is this property that makes them release less smoke, curb the spread of flames and provide better visibility in a fire mishap.
- Specifications:- FRLS wires usually confirm these standards – IS: 694 (applicable to PVC insulated cables), IEC:60332-1 (tests on electric cables under fire conditions), IEC:60754-1 (level of corrosive gases), IS:8130 (electric conductor), and IS:5831 (PVC insulation and sheath of electric cables). Adherence to these specifications ensures that FRLS wires offer the maximum possible safety.
- Others:- A few other properties you must be aware of are:
- Oxygen index>20%
- Temperature index>2500
- Smoke density<50%
- Hydrochloric acid gas advancement<17.5%
Conclusion
FRLS cables are ideal for 3-phase wire connections for homes or any other industrial and commercial properties. Their fire-safety properties make them a reliable choice for electrical wiring. When choosing FRLS wires, make sure you check for all its properties to ensure maximum safety for people and buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :
Q1. Can FRLS wires completely prevent fires?
FLRS wires can quickly self-extinguish the flames as they have an oxygen index higher than 26%. So, they minimise or even prevent the spread of fires.
Q2. Are FRLS cables suitable for installations outside?
FRLS cables have a temperature index>2500. So, you can use them for outdoor installations. It is advisable to consult your electrical professional for the best results.
Q3. What are the properties of FRLS wire?
FLRS wire has the following properties:
- Uniform resistance, dimension, and flexibility
- Better insulation performance
- Oxygen index>20%
- Temperature index>2500
- Smoke density<50%
- Hydrochloric acid gas advancement<17.5%
Q4. Can FRLS wires be used in high-temperature environments?
FRLS wires are made from specially formulated high-temperature grade materials. They have a temperature index>2500. So, they can withstand high-temperature environments. It is advisable to consult your electrical professional for the best results.
Q5. Do FRLS wires require special installation techniques?
FRLS wires are easy to install. An electrical professional can do the installation safely and easily.