The fire performance of PVC cables standard cables and newer developments

Over the past 40 years, plasticised PVC has been the dominant material for cable making in a wide range of applications. It has proved to be both technically-well-suited and cost-effective, and has provided excellent long-term performance and durability. Moreover standard or general purpose PVC cables have good fire retardance properties and are adequate for many building applications. Further developments in PVC cables offer even higher levels of fire performance combined with reduced smoke and low acid emissions - providing competitive performance to non-PVC: alternatives at lower costs. If improved fire performance is required in certain areas, modern specialised PVC cables should be considered. Recent changes in specific guiding principles in Germany, which are related to the burning performance of cables, no longer contain the requirement for halogen-free materials. Performance requirements are now defined and not materials.