Prysmian flame-barrier cables

Prysmian Power Cables and Systems has released the flame-barrier cables for use with non-barrier type glands.

Until now, proper specification of cable systems for use in hazardous areas was an extremely complex process requiring a great deal of information beforehand, due to the fact that Australia currently has no certification scheme in place for hazardous area cables. For cable entry systems to flameproof enclosures, the usual method was to specify barrier-type flameproof glands while worrying less about the specifics of cable construction. However, this added significant costs to installation due to the high cost of barrier-type glands and their relatively long installation time.

The cables are suitable for use with non-barrier-type flameproof glands and are specifically designed to be used in a variety of hazardous and potentially explosive applications including mine sites, oil and gas platforms, fertiliser plants, chemical installations and by explosive manufacturers.

Prysmian’s flameproof cables cover all the requirements for LV power, LV control and ELV instrumentation. The cables offer compact and circular construction, and are evaluated and tested for gas groups IIA and IIB to the requirements of AS/NZS 60079.14-2009 clause 10.4.2 (b) and AS/NZS 60079.1-2007 clause 15.2 utilising already certified Exd-rated, non-barrier-type flameproof glands with sealing rings.

The cables exceed equipment protection level (EPL) Gb for non-energy limited wiring systems, in accordance with AS/NZS 60079.14-2009 table 6. This protection level is generally adequate for Zone 1 and Zone 2. The cables can be specifically engineered to provide reduced flame propagation exceeding the requirements of the IEC 60332-3 category C bunched vertical test.