Construction Products Regulation establishes three levels of classification:

• The amount of produced smoke (s)
• The amount of droplets released from the cable during the combustion (d)
• The acidity (or toxicity) of the smoke (a)

 

Fire test compared classification

FIRE TEST - 20 MINUTES
A bundle of cables is hanged at the height of 3.5 meter vertically. At the bottom of the cables, a propane flame is applied for a duration of 20 minutes. Once the heat source is turned off, the remaining flame on the cables must self-extinguish, leaving the upper part of the cable intact. Thereby proving that the cable does not propagate the spread of the flame. By utilizing cables that meet this test, you prevent a localized fire from extending to other areas through the cable network. Not all cables meet this safety prerequisite.
(IEC 60332-3)

 

FIRE TEST - 30 SECONDS
A piece of cable of 60 cm is placed in a vertical position in a closed cabinet, and a flame of 1 kW caloric power is applied for 30 seconds. Once the heat source has been shut off, the flame must self-extinguish while keeping the upper part of the cable intact. This is the requirement for all cables, also PVC cables.
(IEC 60332-1)