Complete Technical Guide to German Fire Performance Cable Testing Standard — Circuit Integrity, Flame Propagation & NHXH/NHXCH FE180 Cables
Anhui Feichun Special Cable Co., Ltd.
安徽飞纯特种电缆有限公司
What is DIN VDE 0472 Cable?
Complete Technical Guide to German Fire Performance Cable Testing Standard — Circuit Integrity, Flame Propagation & NHXH/NHXCH FE180 Cables
1. Introduction to DIN VDE 0472 Standard
Germany’s standards agency DIN VDE originally set the parameters for circuit integrity for cables, wires, and flexible cords in the event of a fire in standard DIN VDE 0472. While this standard has now been superseded by German standard DIN VDE 0482, it remains widely referred to across the cable industry for fire performance testing and continues to be an important reference for specifying fire-resistant cables.
DIN VDE 0472 is similar to the British Standard BS 6387 Cat C and the International Standard IEC 60331 (FE). It assesses the resistance of single insulated cables and bunches of cables against vertical flame propagation, providing a comprehensive framework for evaluating cable behavior under fire conditions.
DIN VDE 0472 has been superseded by DIN VDE 0482. However, references to VDE 0472 remain common in fire performance cable specifications, particularly for insulation integrity testing (Part 814). Many cable manufacturers continue to reference VDE 0472-814 for FE (Flame Exposure) ratings.
DIN VDE 0472
Historical Standard
SUPERSEDEDDIN VDE 0482
Current Standard
CURRENTSource: Eland Cables – DIN VDE 0472 Standard Cable
EspañolIntroducción al Estándar DIN VDE 0472
La agencia de normas alemana DIN VDE estableció originalmente los parámetros para la integridad del circuito de cables, alambres y cordones flexibles en caso de incendio en la norma DIN VDE 0472. Aunque esta norma ha sido reemplazada por la norma alemana DIN VDE 0482, sigue siendo ampliamente referenciada en toda la industria del cable para pruebas de rendimiento contra incendios. DIN VDE 0472 es similar a la norma británica BS 6387 Cat C y a la norma internacional IEC 60331 (FE), evaluando la resistencia de cables aislados individuales y grupos de cables contra la propagación vertical de llamas.
繁體中文DIN VDE 0472 標準簡介
德國標準機構DIN VDE最初在DIN VDE 0472標準中設定了電纜、電線和軟線在發生火災時電路完整性的參數。雖然該標準現已被德國標準DIN VDE 0482取代，但它在電纜行業中仍被廣泛引用於防火性能測試。DIN VDE 0472類似於英國標準BS 6387 Cat C和國際標準IEC 60331（FE），用於評估單根絕緣電纜和成束電纜對垂直火焰傳播的抵抗力。該標準為評估火災條件下的電纜行為提供了全面的框架，並包含電路完整性測試和阻燃性的多個子部分。
2. FE Classification — Flame Exposure Duration
DIN VDE 0472 standard cables are categorized according to the length of time during which they can maintain their circuit integrity in the event of extended flame exposure under mechanically unstressed connection. The duration of time is referenced in their FE (Flame Exposure) classification:
🔥 FE Classification System
FE60
FE90
FE120
FE180
The fire test with circuit integrity (FE rating) shows how many minutes a mechanically unstressed connection at a flame exposure of minimum 750°C keeps minimum insulation efficiency (circuit integrity) in a dry environment. Similar standards include IEC 60331 (FE) and BS 6387 Cat C.
Source: Fireproof Cables – DIN VDE 0472-814 Circuit Integrity
3. DIN VDE 0472 Standard Parts & International Equivalents
DIN VDE 0472 encompasses multiple test standards for fire performance, each addressing specific aspects of cable behavior under fire conditions. These parts have been updated to newer DIN EN standards while maintaining backward compatibility references.
| Old German Standard | New German Standard | Scope of Standard | International Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| VDE 0472 Part 804B | DIN EN 60332-1 VDE 0482-332-1 | Flammability of a single cable | IEC 60332-1 |
| VDE 0472 Part 804C | DIN EN 60332-3 VDE 0482-332-3 | Flammability of bunched cables | IEC 60332-3 Cat C |
| VDE 0472 Part 813 | DIN EN 60754-2 VDE 0482-754-3 | Corrosiveness of gases emitted during fire | IEC 60754-2 |
| VDE 0472 Part 814 | DIN VDE 0472-814 | Insulation performance under fire (Circuit Integrity) | IEC 60331 |
| VDE 0472 Part 816 | DIN EN 61034-1 VDE 0482-1034-1 | Measurement of smoke density | IEC 61034-1 |
| VDE 0472 Part 815 | DIN EN 50267-2-1 | Non-halogen verification | IEC 60754-1 |
Source: EUROLAB – DIN VDE 0472 Testing
4. Test Procedures & Requirements
4.1 VDE 0472 Part 804 — Flame Propagation Test
According to DIN VDE 0472, the test requires the cable to be thermally stressed by the application of a propane-gas burner. The flame height shall be 125mm and/or 175mm in height. In order to achieve compliance to VDE 0472 Part 804, there should either be no flaming of the cable at all, or the flame should extinguish itself after the burner is removed before it reaches the upper end of the cable being tested.
| Test Method | Propane-gas burner application |
| Flame Height | 125mm and/or 175mm |
| Pass Criteria | No flaming OR self-extinguishing before reaching upper cable end |
| Sample Length | Approximately 600mm (single cable) |
| Flame Application Time | 60 seconds (single) / 120 seconds (larger cables) |
4.2 VDE 0472 Part 814 — Insulation Integrity Test (Circuit Integrity)
This is the critical fire resistance test for circuit integrity. The cable is energized at its rated voltage while being exposed to flame at minimum 750°C for the specified duration (FE60, FE90, FE120, or FE180). The test passes if the cable maintains electrical continuity throughout the test period without shorting.
| Standard | DIN VDE 0472-814 (Similar to IEC 60331, BS 6387 Cat C) |
| Test Temperature | Minimum 750°C flame exposure |
| Cable Condition | Energized at rated voltage |
| Test Duration | 90 minutes flame application + 15 minutes cooling |
| Pass Criteria | No fuse fails, no conductor rupture during entire test |
| Environment | Dry, mechanically unstressed |
4.3 BS 6387 Comparison — Enhanced Fire Testing
BS 6387 specifies performance requirements for cables required to maintain circuit integrity under fire conditions with multiple survival categories. Comparatively speaking, BS 6387 fire performance requirements are more demanding than DIN VDE 0472-814.
| Category | Test Temperature | Duration | Additional Stress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat A | 650°C | 3 hours | Fire alone |
| Cat B | 750°C | 3 hours | Fire alone |
| Cat C | 950°C | 3 hours | Fire alone |
| Cat S | 950°C | 20 minutes | Fire + mechanical shock |
| Cat W | 650°C | 15+15 min | Fire + water spray |
5. NHXH & NHXCH FE180 Fire Performance Cables
NHXH and NHXCH cables are European designation fire safety power cables with 0.6/1kV voltage rating, designed for circuit integrity and manufactured according to fire performance standards including DIN VDE 0472-814. These cables continue operating for set lengths of time in the event of a fire and are used for voice alarms, smoke alarms, and support for fire fighting and life saving efforts.
| Cable Standard | DIN VDE 0266 HD 604 S1 |
| Voltage Rating (U₀/U) | 0.6/1kV (600/1000V) |
| Test Voltage | 4kV AC |
| Conductor | Class 1 Solid or Class 2 Stranded Copper |
| Fire Barrier | High-performance Keram compound |
| Insulation | XLPE compound DIX 3 (Cross-linked polymer, zero halogen) |
| Sheath | FRNC/LSZH compound HXM1 |
| Temperature Range | -30°C to +90°C (operating) / -35°C to +90°C (NHXH) |
| Short Circuit Temp | +250°C |
| Min Bending Radius | Single core: 15×OD | Multicore: 12×OD |
| Min Laying Temp | -5°C |
5.1 E30 & E90 Circuit Integrity Classifications
In addition to the FE (insulation integrity) rating, cables are also classified by their E (circuit integrity) rating per DIN 4102-12 system test. This tests the entire cable installation system including cable management for functional integrity in fire.
| Classification | Meaning | Standard | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insulation Integrity (FE) | |||
| FE180 | 180 minutes insulation integrity at 750°C | VDE 0472-814 | Cable material test |
| Circuit Integrity (E) | |||
| E30 | 30 minutes system circuit integrity | DIN 4102-12 | System test (cable + mounting) |
| E90 | 90 minutes system circuit integrity | DIN 4102-12 | System test (cable + mounting) |
5.2 NHXH vs NHXCH Cable Comparison
| Model | Construction | Fire Rating | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHXH FE180-E30 | Without concentric conductor | FE180 E30 | Basic fire safety circuits |
| NHXH FE180-E90 | Without concentric conductor | FE180 E90 | Extended fire safety circuits |
| NHXCH FE180-E30 | With copper wire/tape concentric | FE180 E30 | Screened fire safety circuits |
| NHXCH FE180-E90 | With copper wire/tape concentric | FE180 E90 | Extended screened circuits |
Source: Halley Cables – NHXH FE180 E90
6. Fire Performance Standards Comparison
| Test Type | DIN VDE Standard | IEC Standard | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flame Propagation Tests | |||
| Single Cable Flame | VDE 0472-804B VDE 0482-332-1 | IEC 60332-1-2 | Single vertical cable flame test |
| Bunched Cable Flame | VDE 0472-804C VDE 0482-332-3 | IEC 60332-3 Cat C | Vertical bunched cable flame test |
| Fire Resistance Tests | |||
| Circuit Integrity | VDE 0472-814 | IEC 60331 | Electrical integrity during fire |
| System Integrity | DIN 4102-12 | — | Furnace test for functional integrity |
| Smoke & Gas Emission Tests | |||
| Smoke Density | VDE 0472-816 VDE 0482-1034-1 | IEC 61034-1/2 | 3-meter cube smoke density test |
| Acid Gas Emission | VDE 0472-813 VDE 0482-754-3 | IEC 60754-2 | Corrosiveness of combustion gases |
| Halogen Free | VDE 0472-815 | IEC 60754-1 | Non-halogen verification |
7. Applications for VDE 0472 Fire Performance Cables
Safety cables tested to DIN VDE 0472 are used in all locations where a high degree of protection against fire and fire damage must be provided for human life and equipment, and where strict security requirements must be fulfilled. These cables are designed to continue operating in the event of fire, enabling critical safety systems to function.
🚨 Fire Alarm Systems
Voice alarms, smoke detectors
Fire detection circuits
🔦 Emergency Lighting
Evacuation lighting
Exit sign power supply
🛗 Evacuation Elevators
Firefighter lifts
Emergency elevator control
📢 PA & Announcement
Public address systems
Emergency broadcasting
🏥 Critical Facilities
Hospitals, data centres
Power stations
🏢 Public Buildings
Shopping centers, hotels
Airports, metro stations
NHXH/NHXCH cables should not be laid on common cable trays but on fire-resistant trays which retain their geometry in case of fire. Keeping cables in the same position during fire enables additional protection of cable conductivity by means of the mineral layer discharged around the cable at increased temperature. These cables may not be installed directly into ground or water.
Source: TT Cables – NHXH FE180/E90
8. Key Technical Parameters
Voltage Rating
Test Voltage
Fire Test Temp
Max Conductor Temp
Short Circuit Temp
FE180 Insulation
E90 Circuit
E30 Circuit
Authoritative External References
https://www.elandcables.com/…/vde0472-cable
https://www.elandcables.com/…/fire-performance-cable
https://www.elandcables.com/…/nhxh-nhxch
https://www.eurolab.net/…/din-vde-0472
http://www.fireproof-cables.com/…/VDE0472-814
https://halleycables.com/…/nhxh-fe180-e90
https://nationalcablefactory.com/…/nhxh-fe180-e30
https://www.ttcables.com/…/nhxh-fe180-e90
https://itinfra.datwyler.com/…/nhxh-fe180-e90
https://www.keystone-cable.com/…/flame-retardant-test
Contact Feichun Cable
For technical support with DIN VDE 0472 fire performance cables, NHXH/NHXCH FE180-E30/E90 cables, or fire safety circuit integrity applications, please contact our engineering team.
