The Fire Resistant Armoured Power Cable BS7846 from Batt Cables is a high-performance armoured cable designed to maintain circuit integrity under fire conditions. Meeting the rigorous BS7846 standard, this cable features steel wire armour (SWA), robust insulation, and low-smoke zero halogen (LSZH) bedding and outer sheath. When safety and reliability are non-negotiable, this cable delivers.
Key Features & Benefits
-
Fire resistance and safety: Engineered to remain operational during fires, this power cable is suitable for critical systems such as fire detection, emergency lighting, and alarms. The LSZH materials minimise smoke and hazardous gases in fire scenarios.
-
Strong mechanical protection: With Steel Wire Armour (SWA), this armoured cable offers high crush resistance and mechanical durability for installations in exposed locations, in trays, ducts, concrete embedding, or underground.
-
High temperature performance: XLPE + MGT insulation rated to operate up to 90 °C, helping to withstand continuous load and elevated temperature situations reliably.
-
Installation versatility: Suitable for open air, cable trays, baskets, surface clips, underground ducting in well-draining soils, or embedded in concrete. It’s well suited for many environments where SWA cables are required.
-
Compliance & standards: Fully conforms to BS7846. Bedding and outer sheath are LSZH, ensuring low fire hazard.
-
Reliable conductors: Plain copper (Class 2 stranded) conductors give consistent conductivity and electrical performance.
SWA vs AWA vs How This Armoured Cable Stands Out
While AWA cable (Aluminium Wire Armour) variants are lighter and offer certain advantages (e.g. in corrosion resistance or weight), SWA-armoured cables like this offering provide superior mechanical strength and are often the required choice for fire-critical installations. Whether you need SWA cables for high crush/load areas or want an armoured cable that meets fire integrity, this BS7846 fire resistant cable is a leading option.
Want to know more about SWA vs AWA? Read our article.
Technical Specification Summary
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard | BS7846 |
| Armour Type | Steel Wire Armour (SWA) |
| Insulation | MGT + XLPE |
| Bedding & Sheath | LSZH |
| Conductor | Plain Copper, Class 2 stranded |
| Max Operating Temperature | 90 °C |
| Bending Radius | 6 × overall diameter |
Applications
This fire resistant armoured cable is ideal for essential power circuits where safety and compliance are critical. Typical use-cases include:
-
Emergency lighting systems
-
Fire alarm / detection systems
-
Exit signs and safety circuits
-
Critical power supplies in public buildings, hospitals, schools
-
Embedded in concrete floors or ceilings, or installations requiring robust mechanical protection
| Conductor | Plain Copper |
|---|---|
| Stranding | Class 2 |
| Insulation | MGT+XLPE |
| Bedding | LSZH |
| Armour | Steel Wire Armour |
| Outersheath | LSZH |
| Colour | Black |
| Ratingtables | 4E4A, 4E4B |
| Bendingradius | 6 x Overall Diameter |
| Temperature | 90°C |
