The Enhanced Fire Resistant Armoured Power Cable BS7846 F-120 from Batt Cables is engineered for the most demanding safety critical applications. Built to deliver exceptional fire survival, mechanical protection, and compliance, it is a premium choice when standard cables won’t suffice. Whether you’re specifying for fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, or life safety circuits, this armoured cable meets rigorous standards.
Key Features & Benefits
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Fire survival integrity (F120): Tested per BS 8491 to survive fire for up to 120 minutes while under mechanical and water-spray stress. Ensures continuity in emergency power, alarms, and safety systems.
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Superior mechanical protection: This armoured cable incorporates Steel Wire Armour (SWA), offering high resistance to impact, crushing, and external mechanical damage.
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Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) safety: Bedding and outer sheath are LSZH, which reduces the risk of smoke inhalation and toxic gas generation in the event of fire – vital for enclosed spaces and public buildings.
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Reliable conductor & insulation materials: Plain copper conductors stranded to Class 2, insulated with MGT + XLPE, rated for up to 90 °C operational temperature.
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Standards compliance: Fully conforms to BS 7846 F-120, BS 8491 F-120, BS EN 60332-1 & -3 categories, IEC60754, BS EN 50267-2-1, IEC 61034, BS EN 50268. Built for life safety and firefighting systems (BS 8519).
SWA vs AWA & Comparison
While some fire-resistant armoured cables are available with AWA (Aluminium Wire Armour), this BS7846 F-120 model uses SWA cables style armour to deliver enhanced mechanical strength and durability in harsh or exposed installations. If lightweight corrosion resistance is a priority, AWA cables are an option elsewhere – but for fire performance, mechanical protection, and water resistance, this SWA-armoured variant offers clear advantages.
Applications & Use Cases
This enhanced fire resistant armoured cable is especially suitable for:
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Emergency lighting, exit signs, and fire detection / alarm systems
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Life safety and firefighting systems, particularly in buildings with strict fire safety standards
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Fixed power circuits in public, high occupancy, or critical infrastructures: hospitals, schools, transport hubs
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Installations with exposure to mechanical damage, water spray, or need for embedded wiring in walls, ceilings, or ducts
Technical Specification Overview
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard | BS 7846 F-120; BS 8491 F-120; BS 8519 |
| Armour Type | Steel Wire Armour (SWA) |
| Insulation | MGT + XLPE |
| Bedding & Sheath | LSZH |
| Conductor | Plain Copper, Class-2 stranded |
| Voltage Rating | 0.6 / 1 kV |
| Temp. Rating | 90 °C |
| Bending Radius | ~ 6 × overall diameter |
| Conductor | Plain Copper |
|---|---|
| Stranding | Class 2 |
| Insulation | MGT+XLPE |
| Bedding | LSZH |
| Armour | Steel Wire Armour |
| Outersheath | LSZH |
| Colour | Black |
| Voltage | 0.6/1kV |
| Ratingtables | 4E4A, 4E4B |
| Identification | 3 Core: Brown, Black, Grey 4 Core: Brown, Blue, Black, Grey 5 Core: Brown, Blue, Black, Grey, Green/Yellow |
| Bendingradius | 6 x Overall Diameter |
| Temperature | 90°C |
| Standards | BS7846 – F120, BS8491 – F120, BS EN 60332-1 BS EN 60332-3 Categories A, B & C, IEC60754, BS EN 50267-2-1:, IEC 61034, BS EN 50268 |
