ANALYTICAL STUDY OF METHODS OF ASSESSMENT OF FIRE RESISTANCE OF CABLE PENETRATIONS

Abstract

The results of the analytical study of methods of assessment of fire resistance of cable penetrations applicable to their European classification are presented. It is shown that the European approach to the assessment of the fire resistance of cable penetrations has a peculiarity with respect to national approaches. This feature consists in the application of two methods, one of which is intended to test cable penetrations for fire resistance and to determine the scope of direct application of the results of this test and is given in EN 1366-3, the other method is given in EN 15882-3 for the determination of the scope of extended use the results of this test. The features of the above European methods and procedures for evaluating the fire resistance of cable penetrations applicable to the European classification are compared with the methods and procedures set out in national standards. It is shown that the cable penetration test method described in EN 1366-3 takes into account a large number of situations that occur during a fire with a minimum of tests. This method applies the principle that the scope is limited to what was used in the test. To allow for the expansion of the scope, standard seam configurations have been defined and a modular approach has been adopted so that different combinations of standard configuration elements can be adopted. At the same time they consider large and small size penetrations, which are not applied in national standards. It is shown that the features of this test method are also the application of the procedure for applying mechanical load to the ballast (steel plate) support elements, as well as the separation of cables into several groups and the use of standard cable configurations to allow testing depending on the intended scope application. The method of determining the scope of extended application of test results has the peculiarity of providing general guidance on the likely consequences of design changes for each type of seal, but does not provide guidance on the magnitude of these effects and how this value is determined.