BS 6387:2013 evaluates whether an energized cable can maintain circuit integrity under fire conditions. Unlike flame spread tests, it focuses on whether the cable continues to carry power when exposed to fire, water spray and mechanical impact.
Why It Matters
Life safety systems rely on cables that remain operational during a fire. BS 6387:2013 verifies this capability by testing cables under realistic emergency conditions.
Three Test Protocols
|
Protocol |
Test |
Condition |
Duration |
|
C |
Fire Resistance |
950°C flame |
3 h |
|
W |
Fire + Water Spray |
650°C flame + water spray |
30 min |
|
Z |
Fire + Mechanical Impact |
950°C flame + impact |
15 min |
Only cables that pass Protocols C, W and Z may be classified as Category CWZ.
TESTECH Solution
The TESTECH integrated Cable Fire Resistance, Water Spray & Impact Tester is designed in accordance with BS 6387:2013. One touchscreen-controlled system performs Protocols C, W and Z, reducing equipment investment and improving laboratory efficiency.
Related Standards
IEC 60331-1/-2/-3/-11/-21/-23/-25, EN 50200 and BS 8491.
Equipment Parameters
1. Independent Spray System Control Cabinet: Stainless steel piping and stainless steel cabinet with a water trough. 2. The water supply pressure to the spray nozzles is 250–350 kPa, with a water flow rate onto the test specimen of approximately 0.25–0.3 L/s·m². 3. During testing, the test cables are energized through an isolation transformer and connected to a 3 A fuse or circuit breaker, with indicator lights showing the on/off status of each phase cable.
4. The burner is a propane gas torch equipped with a Venturi mixer; the nozzle is 500 mm long and 15 mm wide, fitted with a Venturi mixer.
5. The inlet is equipped with dual flow meters and a pressure regulator. It includes a temperature measurement device with a 2 mm diameter (Type K thermocouple).
6. The cable specimen is supported by two metal rings, with a central length of approximately 300 mm.
7. The system features intelligent detection capabilities; if a short circuit occurs in the specimen during the test, it automatically triggers an alarm and shuts off the flame source.
8. The voltage applied to the specimen is adjustable from 100 V to 1000 V AC.
9. A 27 m³ combustion chamber is available as an option.
10. The impact cone strikes the specimen via free fall at a 60° angle.
11. A motor drives the hammer to perform periodic impact strikes.
12. Impact cycle (duration): 10–999 s (configurable; standard requires 30 ± 2 s per cycle). 13. Test temperature: 600–1,000 °C (Grade A: 650 °C; Grade B: 750 °C; Grades C and D: 950 °C). 14. Dimensions: 1,600 (L) × 850 (W) × 1,650 (H) mm.
15. Control panel dimensions: 600 (L) x 750 (W) x 1,200 (H) mm.
16. Power supply: AC 380 V, 3-phase, 50/60 Hz, 30 A.
17. Weight: 100 kg.
BS 6387:2013 is about circuit integrity-not simply flame resistance. The standard verifies whether cables continue operating under fire, water spray and mechanical impact, helping ensure the reliability of life safety systems.
