BS EN 50576:2022

Electric cables. Extended application of test results for reaction to fire. | Status: Current

1 Scope This document describes the procedure and rules for extended application of results of tests carried out according to the test methods described in EN 50399, EN 60332‑1‑2 and EN 61034‑2. The EXAP rules described apply to EN 50399 test results used for classification according to EN 13501‑6 in classes B2ca, Cca and Dca, additional smoke production classes s1, s2 and s3 and flaming droplets/particles, to EN 60332‑1‑2 test results used for classification in classes B2ca, Cca, Dca and Eca and to EN 61034‑2 test results used for classification in classes s1a and s1b. No EXAP procedure and rules have been developed in respect to the results of tests carried out according to the test method described in EN 60754‑2. As the parameters (pH and conductivity) for each cable in a family are determined based upon calculation using material test results, this is considered as a matter of direct application. Material test results taken from any one sample of finished cable from a family are sufficient to calculate the parameters for each cable in the family. Cables with a diameter of 5,0 mm or less are expected to be tested as bundles according to EN 50399. Cables with a diameter of less than or equal to 5,0 mm are included in the specific and general EXAP rules for single core unsheathed power cables only. The rules apply to circular and non-circular cables provided that they fall within the scope of the relevant test method. A specific EXAP rule has been developed for any of the types of electric cable families as defined in this document. A general EXAP rule has been developed for all electric cable families unless otherwise stated elsewhere in this document.

NOTE 1 Multicore power cables are sometimes referred to as control cables with a rated voltage but for the purposes of this document are considered as power cables. For multipair, multitriple and multiquad control cables, either the general EXAP rule or the specific EXAP rule for power cables or the specific EXAP rule for communication cables can be applied.

The use of the specific EXAP rule gives benefit in the lower number of cables to be tested for a range of cable constructions (product family). An EXAP is only possible when cables belong to a family as defined in this document.

NOTE 2 For the purposes of this document, the term “electric cables” also covers optical fibre cables.