To put it as simply as possible, a Data Centre is a building with immense…
How to choose BS 5839 compliant fire alarm cable (with TOXFREE® benefits)
All UK public and commercial buildings must have a method of detecting fires and alerting people on-site. Choosing the best fire alarm cable for BS 5839 compliance -and EN 50525- means integrating standards, performance, and safety. This cable is designed to comply with the regulations of Fire Detection and Alarm systems, and it is highly recommended to be installed in public places such as hospitals, datacentres, airports, high rise buildings and similar.
KEY TAKEAWAYS ABOUT BS 5839
- BS 5839 demands fire alarm cables tested to strict standards.
- Low smoke, zero halogen (LSZH) cable construction drastically reduces toxic gas and smoke emission to protect people and property.
- TOXFREE® FIRE ALARMS Z1OZ1-K and its fire-resistant version Z1OZ1-K (AS+) from Top Cable, offer outstanding CPR-rated safety, flexibility, EMI interference and compliance with leading fire and smoke emission standards.
WHAT IS A FIRE ALARM CABLE? 🚨
Fire alarm cables are specially designed for fire alarms and safety systems. These systems safeguard buildings by constantly monitoring for fire risks, ensuring rapid alerts so people can act quickly in a fire emergency.
The fire alarm cable reliably transmits signals from sensors and manual pull stations to the control panel and notification devices, enabling fast system response during a fire. These cables typically feature copper conductors with LSZH insulation and fire-retardant outer sheath for fire, toxic gases, smoke, and droplets resistance.
The cable screen ensures reliable signal transmission, which is crucial in critical applications. This screen safeguards against EMI and RFI, making these conductors ideal for environments where electronic interference is prevalent.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF FIRE ALARM CABLES? 🔥
For fire alarm systems, you can select between standard fire alarm cable and enhanced fire-resistant cable, both designed for compliance with relevant safety standards. The choice depends on specific application needs and the required level of circuit integrity during a fire event.
Used mostly in low-voltage settings, fire alarm cables are often supplied as two-core cables, with popular sizes including 2×1,5 mm2 and 2×2,5 mm2. Distinct red insulation helps easy identification and compliant installation.
FIRE ALARM CABLES: A COMPARISON TABLE
Each fire alarm cable in this comparison table will help you select the optimal solution for your safety requirements.
| TOXFREE® FIRE ALARMS Z1OZ1-K | TOXFREE® FIRE ALARMS Z1OZ1-KZ1OZ1-K (AS+) Enhanced Fire-Resistant | Typical standard fire alarm cable | |
| Compliance | BS 5839, EN 50575, CPR Cca | BS 5839, EN 50575, CPR Cca | BS 5839, lower CPR |
| Voltage rating | 300/500 V | 300/500 V | 300/500 V |
| Fire grade | Standard | Enhanced (PH120) | Standard |
| Smoke/Acidity/Droplets / light transmittance | LSZH: Cca s1a, d1, a1 Light transmittance >80% | LSZH: Cca s1a, d1, a1 Light transmittance >80% | Basic LSZH or PVC |
| Cable conductor | Copper Class 5 ( flexible) | Copper Class 5 ( flexible) | Copper Class 2 Copper Class 5 (flexible) |
| Cable insulation | LSZH special polyolefin | Mica tape + LSZH special polyolefin | PVC or LSZH insulation |
| Cable screen | Overlapping aluminium polyester tape screen 100% coverage + tinned copper drain wire | Overlapping aluminium polyester tape screen 100% coverage + tinned copper drain wire | Sometimes none |
| Cable outer sheath | LSZH fire retardant polyolefin | LSZH fire retardant polyolefin | PVC or LSZH outer sheath |
| Cable colour | Red | Red | Red or white |
| Mínimum bending radius | 10x cable diameter | 10x cable diameter | 6x cable diameter |
| Max Temp | 70°C operation, 160°C short-circuit, -40º minimum service | 70°C operation, 160°C short-circuit, -40º minimum service | 70°C operation |
| Special Benefits | Flexible, easy to install, EMI interference, meter marking | Fire resistant cable, flexible, easy to install, EMI interference, meter marking | Basic compliance |
| Application | Fire alarms/detection | Emergency circuits, high-risk Fire alarms/detection | Fire alarms/detection |
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FIRE ALARM CABLE?
Consider cable specifications based on the requirements of the fire alarm system, including: conductor size, insulation, screen and outher sheath (PVC or LSZH), fire resistance CPR rating and the cable flexibility, specially in tight spaces. Lastly, ensure that the cable meets relevant testing and certification standards.
CABLE SELECTION CHECKLIST
- Select cable with certified LSZH insulation and outer sheath.
- Confirm CPR rating (minimum Cca-s1a, d1, a1).
- Check conductor size (minimum 2 mm² copper, preferably class 5 flexible for easy installation).
- Choose fire-resistant enhanced grade for hospitals, data centres, airports, multi-storey, or phased evacuation buildings.
- Use screened cable for signal reliability.
- Only install with certified fire-resistant supports/junction boxes.
- Keep fire alarm cable segregated from non-fire alarm circuits.
- Ensure meter-by-meter marking for traceability.
TOP CABLE, THE BEST MANUFACTURER AND SUPPLIER FOR FIRE ALARM CABLES
If you want to achieve the long-term performance of your alarm systems with reliable fire alarm cables, Top Cable is your preferred choice.
Contact Top Cable today for a Request for Quote for TOXFREE® FIRE ALARMS Z1OZ1-K or Fire-resistant TOXFREE® FIRE ALARMS Z1OZ1-K (AS+) cable.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What’s special about TOXFREE® FIRE ALARMS Z1OZ1-K?
It’s flexible, LSZH, CPR Cca-s1a, d1, a1 rated, and provides 100% screening for reliable signal transmission and minimal smoke/toxic emissions.
Do I need to use red cables only?
Red is recommended to ensure clear identification during installation and life safety compliance.
What is the CPR rating in fire alarm cables?
CPR (Construction Product Regulation) measures fire performance of construction products. Look for Cca-s1a, d1, a1 cables to ensure low smoke/toxicity and proven safety por people and property.
