Pyro cabling installation is a safety conscious and long-term option to protect critical electrical systems and infrastructure during a fire. Pyro cabling differs from standard electrical cables which use plastic or rubber insulation, and provides superior protection due to its composition of copper conductors inside a seamless copper sheath and being insulated by compressed magnesium oxide powder.
Mineral Insulated (MI) Cabling aka Pyro Cabling
This type of cabling is also referred to as mineral insulated (MI) cable due to the magnesium oxide that allows for the cabling to be able to withstand extreme temperatures and conditions, and does not melt, burn or release toxic fumes or gasses when exposed to fire. Likewise, the magnesium oxide insulation is crucial for the longevity of the system and cabling, as it is highly resistant to aging and corrosion and a significant thermal conductor by transferring heat from the copper conductors to the copper sheath. If installed and maintained properly, pyro cabling systems can last decades.
Most Common Uses of Pyro Cabling
The most common uses for pyro cabling are for core fire emergency systems, such as fire alarms, emergency lighting, sprinkler controls and smoke extraction equipment. Considering that the function of these systems are crucial in emergency situations, pyro cabling is the best solution to ensure that all lights, sprinklers, alarms, etc., continue to work as intended during a fire or other emergency. As traditional cables insulated with rubber or plastic can melt and damage the wiring when exposed to high temperatures, their use in maintaining functioning fire systems is problematic, as systems can fail if wires begin to melt or get damaged.
Where is Pyro Cabling Used?
Pyro cabling is most commonly used in spaces such as hospitals, hotels, schools, care homes, data centres, airports, large office blocs and shared residential flats and condominiums, due to the volume of people needing to avail of emergency systems, especially over larger and complex spaces and systems. The continued operation of fire systems such as lighting, sprinklers, extractors and alarms, in addition to emergency communication systems are crucial to safety, and especially so in high-risk environments, such as hospitals. Installing fire resistant pyro cabling is not only crucial to maintain the operation and functionality of these systems, but can also demonstrate compliance for insurers with risk and fire safety mitigation, and that all emergency systems (as required by legislation) are adequately protected from operational disruptions and damages caused by a fire.
Installation of Pyro Cabling
It is especially important to recognise that the installation of pyro cabling must be carried out and overseen by a qualified and registered electrician like those at the PAT Group, who have the specialty knowledge and equipment to carry out all works safely and efficiently. Additionally, as pyro cabling is constructed from copper and compressed magnesium oxide powder, they are stiffer than traditional plastic and rubber insulated cables, and require specialised preparation before installation. As such, pyro cabling installations generally take longer to complete than works with standard cable, but installation times will also vary depending on the size of the space and complexities of the system. Installations can take from as little as a few days in smaller spaces (like schools) to a few weeks (hotels, care homes offices, residences), to phased works over the course of several months in more complex environments like hospitals and data centres.
Pyro Cabling Specialists Ireland
With collective decades of experience in Ireland installing these systems, our registered and qualified electricians are here to discuss options for installations or pyro cabling upgrades to systems depending on your needs. For more details on this service just give us a call now on 01-9602636 or contact us for more information.