Posted 19 September 2011
Low loss braided microwave coax cables are widely used for remote radio and satellite applications on ships and oil rigs where their flexibility provides easy routing in in confined spaces.
Fire safety is critical in these environments due to the complex evacuation procedures; as a result more focus it being put on the flame retardance properties of cables as they are one of the few pieces of equipment that can travel throughout the facility, potentially acting as a path to spread fire.
To ensure safety levels are maintained project specifications are calling for flame retardance to IEC 60332-3-24C. Some brands of microwave cables in the market are flame retardant but in most cases they have been tested to American or Canadian standards which are not recognised globally.
To meet industry demand the popular sizes of Antennax Low Smoke Halogen Free microwave cables have been enhanced and independently tested by BRE to meet IEC 60332-3-24C flame retardance requirements.
Often referred to as the “ladder test”, a large volume of cable is subject to a 20 minute burn test to encourage the fire to spread up the cable. To pass the test the cable should not show charring or damage above a 2.5m from the burner assembly.
The enhanced performance LSHF copolymer based sheathing material used on the Antennax range retarded the fire restricting the damage to an average of 0.9m above the burner assembly.
The impressive IEC 60332-3-24C fire test results make Antennax LSHF cables a market leader and the number one choice for installations on ships, rigs, tunnels, public buildings or any installation where safety is paramount.
Antennax LSHF cables meet the smoke emission and halogen gas requirements of IEC 61034-2 and IEC 60754-1&2. The range is available form stock complete with connectors and termination tools providing you with the highest quality complete solution available.
For more information call us now or visit the Antennax page.