Fire Performance Testing and Cable Management

Following increased scrutiny of fire safety within the built environment, questions are often raised about the fire performance of cable containment systems and how this performance can be demonstrated.

Unlike some construction products, there is no dedicated UK product standard that provides a fire resistance classification specifically for metallic cable management systems. This is partly because steel is classified as a non-combustible material and does not contribute to fire growth. Current UK standards such as BS 7671 and BS 8519 focus on ensuring electrical systems remain adequately supported during a fire through the use of metallic or otherwise non-combustible supports. Another relevant standard is TC 50658, which specifies test methods for cable management systems designed to support intrinsically fire-resistant cables under fire conditions. Approved for use across both the UK and Europe, it provides a recognised methodology for assessing the performance of cable support systems during fire exposure.

voestalpine Metsec reviewed the applicability of this standard; however, no UK test facility had been identified as able to carry out testing in accordance with its requirements. Whilst a fire test methodology exists for this type of product, there is currently, to the best of our knowledge, no UK test house capable of undertaking the test. As a result, recognised approaches such as DIN 4102-12 continue to be used within the industry to provide evidence of fire performance.

voestalpine Metsec Fire Testing

voestalpine Metsec has undertaken fire testing of its Cable Ladder, Cable Tray and Cable Trunking systems, supported by Metsec Metal Framing, in accordance with the requirements of DIN 4102-12.

Testing demonstrated that the containment systems and supporting structure maintained their integrity throughout the full E90 classification period. During the test, furnace temperatures exceeded 1,000°C while the installed assembly remained supported with no evidence of collapse.

To further evaluate system performance, testing continued beyond the standard E90 duration to a total of 120 minutes. Throughout the extended exposure period, the containment systems remained supported and intact, with no collapse observed.