PLUS MICA TAPE MULTICORE – Fire resistant multicore cable with mica tape, AS/NZS 3013 WS52W circuit integrity. Technical specifications by Anhui Feichun Special Cable Co., Ltd.
ALSECURE® PLUS MICA TAPE MULTICORE🔥 FIRE RATEDMULTICORE
Multicore Flexible Copper Conductors | Mica Taped | 0.6/1kV | AS/NZS 3013 WS52W Circuit Integrity | 110°C
The ALSECURE® PLUS MICA TAPE MULTICORE extends the proven fire-resistant technology of the ALSECURE® range into multicore configurations, providing a complete solution for three-phase power distribution and control circuits in life-safety applications. Each conductor is individually wrapped with glass mica tape, creating independent fire barriers that ensure circuit integrity is maintained even when the cable is subjected to direct flame exposure at temperatures exceeding 830°C.[1]
The multicore construction with integrated earth conductor (+E configuration) simplifies installation while maintaining full compliance with AS/NZS 3013 WS52W fire performance requirements. This cable is specifically engineered for applications where continued three-phase power supply during fire events is critical, including fire pump motors, smoke extraction fans, and emergency lift systems.[2]
Understanding the differences between multicore and single core fire-resistant cables helps engineers specify the optimal solution for each application. The ALSECURE® PLUS range offers both configurations to address varying installation requirements.[3]
Key Advantages of Multicore Configuration
| Parameter | ALSECURE® Multicore | ALSECURE® Single Core |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Complexity | Lower (single cable) | Higher (multiple cables) |
| Conductor Size Range | 2.5 – 50 mm² | 10 – 630 mm² |
| Core Configurations | 2C+E, 4C+E | Single core only |
| Fire Rating | WS52W (120 min) | WS52W (120 min) |
| Typical Application | Motors, 3-phase loads | Mains, sub-mains |
| Flexibility | Class 5 (most sizes) | Class 5 |
The WS52W classification per AS/NZS 3013 defines the fire and mechanical performance characteristics of wiring system elements. Both single core and multicore ALSECURE® PLUS cables achieve the same WS52W rating, ensuring consistent fire performance across the product range.[4]
The “W” suffix is particularly important for multicore cables used in fire pump and sprinkler system applications, as it indicates the cable will continue to function even when subjected to water spray from firefighting operations or sprinkler activation during a fire event.
Conductors: Multiple flexible stranded plain annealed copper conductors, Class 5 per AS/NZS 1125 for sizes 4mm² and above. The 2.5mm² 2C+E variant uses non-flexible (Class 2) conductors as noted in specifications.
Fire Barrier: Each individual conductor is wrapped with glass mica tape providing independent fire protection. Mica maintains insulating properties at temperatures exceeding 1000°C.[5]
Insulation: X-HF-110 cross-linked halogen-free polyolefin compound applied over each mica-wrapped conductor. Rated for 110°C continuous operation with excellent thermal aging characteristics.
Sheath: HFS-110-TP halogen-free thermoplastic sheath providing mechanical protection, UV resistance, and low smoke emission compliant with AS/NZS 4507 RHE requirements.
• AS/NZS 5000.1 – Electric cables
• AS/NZS 4507 – Reduced Halogen Emission (RHE)
• AS/NZS 3013 – Fire & Mechanical Performance (WS52W)
• AS/NZS 1125 – Conductor specifications
• AS/NZS 3000 – Wiring Rules compliance
• IEC 60331-21 – Fire resistance test (0.6/1kV)
• IEC 60332-1 – Single cable flame test
• IEC 60332-3 – Bunched cable flame test
• IEC 61034-2 – Smoke density test
• IEC 60754-1/2 – Halogen content test
| Config | Conductor (mm²) | Insulation (mm) | Sheath (mm) | OD (mm) | Mass (kg/100m) | Product Code | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2C+E | 2.5 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 14.2 | 27 | PDGP07AA002* | Stock |
| 4C+E | 10 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 21.1 | 80 | PDGX01AA004 | Stock |
| 4C+E | 16 | 0.8 | 1.8 | 23.9 | 110 | PDGX02AA004 | Stock |
| 4C+E | 25 | 1.0 | 1.8 | 27.7 | 175 | PDGX03AA004 | Stock |
| 4C+E | 35 | 1.0 | 1.8 | 31.5 | 230 | PDGX04AA004 | Stock |
| 4C+E | 50 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 35.9 | 312 | PDGX05AA004 | Stock |
Made to Stock * Non-flexible conductor (Class 2)
| Config | Conductor (mm²) | DC Resistance @ 20°C (Ω/km) | Current Rating Free Air (A) | Voltage Drop 3-Phase (mV/A/m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2C+E | 2.5 | 7.41 | 28 | 16 |
| 4C+E | 10 | 1.83 | 57 | 4.0 |
| 4C+E | 16 | 1.15 | 76 | 2.5 |
| 4C+E | 25 | 0.727 | 101 | 1.55 |
| 4C+E | 35 | 0.524 | 125 | 1.15 |
| 4C+E | 50 | 0.387 | 151 | 0.84 |
Current ratings based on multicore cable in free air at 30°C ambient. Installation method corrections per AS/NZS 3008.1.1 required. Voltage drop values for balanced 3-phase loads.
| Parameter | ALSECURE® Multicore | Standard LSZH Multi | PVC/PVC Multicore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Integrity (Fire) | 120 minutes | 0 min (fails) | 0 min (fails) |
| Fire Test Temperature | 830-950°C | N/A | N/A |
| Mica Tape (per core) | Yes (individual) | No | No |
| Smoke Density | ≥60% transmittance | ≥60% | <20% |
| HCl Emission | <0.5% | <0.5% | up to 30% |
| Water Spray (W rating) | Yes | No | No |
| Green Star Compatible | Yes (PVC-free) | Yes | No |
Data referenced from AS/NZS 3013 and IEC 60331 testing standards.[6]
The multicore configuration is particularly suited for three-phase motor loads and control circuits in life-safety systems. The integrated earth conductor (+E) simplifies installation while ensuring protective earthing continuity is maintained during fire conditions.[7]
Sheath Color (4-character code):
Example: PDGX01AA004JBNA = 4C+E 10mm² Red sheath
Core Identification:
• 4C+E: Brown, Black, Grey, Blue + G/Y Earth
Installation Requirements:
• Install in metal conduit/trunking for max fire rating
• Ambient temp during installation: >0°C
• Terminations: Use fire-rated glands & accessories
• Support spacing per AS/NZS 3000 Table 3.3
