Fire safety concerns over data cables from some Chinese manufacturers

I recently received a press release from the US-based Communications Cable and Connectivity Association (CCCA) warning that many offshore-manufactured communications cable products could present significant fire risk. Extracts from the press release are included in this article to emphasise some of the hazards we may also be exposed to in Australia and New Zealand.

The caution came after the CCCA commissioned an independent laboratory to analyse whether nine randomly selected offshore samples of category 5e and 6 data cables that were manufactured in China and Taiwan met minimum requirements for performance and safety.

The test results showed that eight of the nine samples failed to meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) minimum code requirements for low flame spread and/or smoke safety requirements for installation in commercial buildings, schools and multi-tenant residences. Many of the samples failed the flame spread and smoke tests catastrophically. Furthermore, none of the samples fully complied with TIA 568-B industry minimum requirements for physical and electrical performance.

While these standards are not directly applicable to our markets, they closely reflect the fire safety and electrical performance requirements of our local codes and standards, so their findings do present a warning to us.

Of particular concern is the finding that four out of five CMR (riser) rated cables failed the UL 1666 flame test. All four failing cables burned the entire length of the test chamber, while the worst cable burned beyond the maximum length allowed in only 45 seconds and reached a temperature of over 1000°C! Riser-rated cables are commonly used in data and voice installations in multi-storey buildings in Australia and New Zealand and fire integrity is a critical factor in containing fires in these situations. With such poor fire performance exposed in these tests, these cables could easily compromise that integrity.

Because of the seriousness of these safety concerns, the CCCA plans to work in cooperation with the major leading independent telecommunications industry testing agencies to establish a new product certification program. A key component will be independent laboratory testing of structured cabling products that have been procured from point-of-sale locations.

The category 5e and 6 cables selected for the tests were all procured from American distributors, destined to be installed behind walls and in ceilings. The invisible placement of these cables makes their flame and smoke characteristics critical because combustion would not be evident to inhabitants until after it had progressed significantly.

The CCCA sponsored the independent tests in response to concern from the market that many of the new cable brands entering the American market appeared to be constructed of inferior materials that would not pass the flame and smoke tests required by electrical and building codes. The testing program outlined above confirmed these concerns. All nine samples were sold under brand names that would largely be considered unknown to US customers.

“These test results strongly imply that these cable products, manufactured in China or Taiwan, were made with inferior materials and methods to save on production costs,” said CCCA Executive Director Frank Peri. “Several of the samples tested would pose a serious fire safety risk once installed.

“Unlike CCCA members who have pledged to our Code of Ethics, these manufacturers have put public safety at risk and that is unacceptable. Contractors and distributors could face major liabilities if the installed substandard products are later found not to meet minimum fire code requirements or do not satisfy other mechanical or electrical performance standards.”

The simple message is: take the time to confirm that the cables you are specifying or installing are certified as being adequately fire-rated and backed up by the manufacturer with independent test results. If they can’t prove it — don’t use it. In the event of a fire, it’s highly likely that the building’s consultants and contractors will be among the first people contacted by the insurance companies to determine their accountability in contributing to the fire. In that situation, you’d want to be very confident that you chose the right cable.