Fire Resistant Cable

Fire resistant cable is designed to keep carrying power or signals for a defined period during a fire, so life-safety systems such as fire alarms, emergency lighting and voice alarms continue working. We stock 2 core and earth 1.5mm red fire resistant cable in standard and enhanced grades, on 100mt reels and 500m drums, plus NHXMH detector cable.

Trade account holders receive trade pricing. Order in-stock reels and drums by 5pm on any weekday for next working day delivery throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

RD415 In-Stock

Detector Cable NHXMH (Coil 100 Meters)

£166.66 inc. VAT

FIR2C1.5R/ENH/500 In-Stock

2 Core+Earth 1.5mm Enhanced Red Fire Resistant Cable (500m Drum)

£958.80 inc. VAT

FIR2C1.5R/EU In-Stock

2 Core+Earth 1.5mm Red Fire Resistant Cable (100mt reel)

£166.00 inc. VAT

FIR2C1.5R/ENH Ships in 3 - 5 days

2 Core+Earth 1.5mm Enhanced Red Fire Resistant Cable (100mt reel)

£256.00 inc. VAT

FIR2C1.5R/500/EU In-Stock

2 Core+Earth 1.5mm Red Fire Resistant Cable 500mt reel)

£873.00 inc. VAT

How to choose fire resistant cable

Fire resistant cable is specified by the life-safety system it serves, not simply by size. Choosing the right grade and installing it with the right fixings is what allows it to perform in a fire.

Standard vs enhanced grade

Standard grade – used for many fire alarm and emergency lighting circuits where the system design calls for it.
Enhanced grade – tested for longer survival and is specified for larger or more complex buildings, phased evacuation, or where circuits must operate for longer during a fire.

The fire alarm system designer will specify the grade, normally based on the applicable standard (BS 5839-1 for fire detection and alarm systems in the UK, with BS 5266 covering emergency lighting). Do not substitute a lower grade without approval.

Installation requirements

Fire resistant cable is only as good as its fixings. Use fire-rated metal clips, ties or fixings so the cable does not drop and block escape routes in a fire, and do not rely on plastic trunking alone. Current wiring regulations (BS 7671) require wiring systems in escape routes to be supported against premature collapse. Our fire protection range and steel clips are useful here.

Terminating and identification

Red is the preferred sheath colour for fire alarm cable, making it easy to identify. Terminate using the glands and accessories recommended by the cable manufacturer, and take care not to damage the fire-resistant insulation when stripping. Keep fire alarm circuits segregated from other cables. Connect devices following the panel and detector instructions; our conventional fire systems page covers panels and detectors.

Choosing a pack size

100mt reels suit smaller jobs, while 500m drums save time and joins on larger projects.

Meteor Electrical has served electrical contractors for 40+ years from Cookstown, with depots in Cashel and Saggart. Credit accounts are available subject to approval, and orders over £30 / €35 ex VAT are delivered free.

FAQ's Ask Your Own Question

What is difference between FR and FRLS cable?: FR PVC insulation has better fire-retardant properties than normal PVC. FRLS PVC insulation provides better fire-retardant properties then normal PVC & also emits Low Smoke, in case of fire.
What is the difference between flame resistive cables and flame retardant cables?: Fire resistant cable will continue to function in the event of a fire, allowing the circuit to stay in operation for a specific period. On the other hand, flame retardant cables are designed to resist the spread of fire into an area.
What is LSF cable?: LSF cables are made up of a modified PVC compound designed to produce less HCL gas and smoke on burning than standard PVC.
Is LSF cable a requirement?: The use of LSF cables is not a requirement yet. However, regulations may be updated soon with a requirement to install LSF cables in certain areas of buildings, such as escape routes.
What is the difference between standard and enhanced fire resistant cable?: Enhanced fire resistant cable has passed more demanding fire survival tests than standard grade, so it keeps working for longer in a fire. It is specified for larger buildings, phased evacuation and critical circuits. The fire alarm or emergency lighting designer should specify which grade is required.
Why must fire resistant cable be fixed with metal clips?: Plastic clips and trunking can melt in a fire, letting cables fall and obstruct escape routes or firefighters. Current wiring regulations require wiring systems to be supported so they do not collapse prematurely in a fire. Metal clips or fire-rated fixings keep the cable in place for as long as it needs to work.
Why is fire alarm cable red?: Red is the preferred sheath colour for fire alarm cable because it makes life-safety circuits easy to identify and helps prevent them being disturbed or reused for other purposes. Fire alarm standards recommend a single common colour that is distinct from other cables in the building.