Fire Performance CWZ Cables

What Makes a Cable Fire Resistant?

Fire resistant cables are designed to maintain circuit integrity during fire-related events. That means they can keep emergency systems operating even in extreme conditions.

Key Characteristics of Fire Resistant Cables

• Withstand temperatures up to 950°C for extended periods
  
• Continue to work when exposed to water or fire suppression systems
  
• Resist mechanical shock from collapsing infrastructure or vibrations 

These features make them ideal for mission-critical areas like hospitals, public buildings, train stations, tunnels, and commercial properties.

Understanding CWZ Ratings and BS 6387

CWZ refers to a classification under BS 6387, the British Standard for fire performance in cables. For a cable to pass the CWZ rating, it must prove it can handle a fire scenario from multiple angles.

What CWZ Stands For:

• C: Fire resistance for up to three hours
  
• W: Maintains operation while drenched with water
  
• Z: Handles physical shock and mechanical disruption during fire 

A cable that passes all three offers one of the highest levels of fire survival performance in the industry.

Where CWZ Fire Resistant Cables Are Commonly Used

These cables aren’t just for ticking boxes—they serve a real safety function where uptime matters most.

Practical Applications:

• Fire alarm and voice evacuation systems
  
• Emergency lighting and backup power
  
• Smoke extraction and ventilation controls
  
• Sprinkler activation and monitoring systems
  
• Data and communication lines in protected escape routes 

CWZ fire resistant cables are chosen for environments where failure is not an option.

The Benefits of CWZ-Rated Fire Resistant Cables

1. Reliable Under Extreme Conditions

CWZ cables are engineered to survive where others fail. When exposed to fire, water, and impact, they continue operating and buying critical minutes for evacuation and response.

2. Helps Meet Strict Building and Safety Codes

Using BS 6387 CWZ-rated cables makes it easier to comply with UK fire regulations and building control standards, avoiding costly revisions or safety concerns.

3. Low Smoke Zero Halogen for Healthier Evacuations

CWZ fire resistant cables are typically made with LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) materials. This limits the release of toxic fumes and smoke, improving visibility and reducing health risks during emergencies.

4. High Durability and Long-Term Safety

These cables are made to last through tough conditions and stand up to years of use in challenging environments—ideal for infrastructure that can’t afford failures.

Choosing the Right Fire Resistant Cable Supplier

When reliability is on the line, who you buy from is just as important as what you buy. That’s where BATTCables comes in.

Why BATTCables?

BATTCables is one of the UK’s leading stockists and distributors of fire performance cables, with a reputation built on quality, technical knowledge, and consistent supply. From BS 6387-tested cables to LSZH options designed for public safety, BATTCables has solutions trusted by contractors, engineers, and consultants across industries. And with their technical support on hand, you’re never left guessing about compliance or performance.

Considerations Before Specifying Fire Resistant Cables

Every installation is different. Before you settle on a cable, think through these key factors:

Questions to Ask:

• Will the cable need to withstand fire and water simultaneously?
  
• Is mechanical impact likely during a fire situation?
  
• Does the project require full CWZ compliance for inspections or safety audits?
  
• Are LSZH properties required by local building codes? 

If the answer is yes to any of the above, then CWZ-rated fire resistant cables should be your go-to.

For expert support, BATTCables’ team is ready to help you match the right cable to your application. They’ll even help you stay aligned with the latest standards from authorities like the British Standards Institution (BSI).