CAN/ULC-S139-12

1 SCOPE 1.1 The intent of this fire test method is to determine the integrity of electrical power, data and optical fibre cables which are evaluated for their ability to maintain circuit integrity. 1.2 The electrical power, data and optical fibre cables covered by this Standard are installed to comply with the requirements in the Canadian Electrical Code and the National Building Code of Canada. 1.3 Power cables are subjected to the fire exposure in accordance with CAN/ULC-S101, Standard Methods of Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials. During the fire test, cables are continuously energized at a minimum voltage or at their rated voltage and evaluated for circuit integrity. Insulation resistance measurements are also taken to quantify leakage current. Following the fire test, the assembly may be subjected to a hose stream test. 1.4 Data and optical fibre cables are subjected to the fire exposure in accordance with CAN/ULC-S101, Standard Methods of Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials. During the fire tests, the data and optical fibre cables are evaluated for their ability to maintain error free data transfer and retrieval at the specified protocol and data rates. Following the fire test, the assembly may be subjected to a hose stream test. 1.5 The performance of the electrical power, data and optical fibre cables is expressed in terms of the retention of circuit integrity at various increments of fire endurance time, as follows: Circuit Integrity Rating: ____ h with hose stream or, where the hose stream test is not conducted; Circuit Integrity Rating: ____ h without hose stream. 1.6 The fire exposure and hose stream tests are not intended to be representative of all fire conditions. It is likely that conditions will vary with changes in the amount, nature, distribution of fire loading, ventilation, compartment size and configuration, and heat conducting and dissipating characteristics of the compartment in which the electrical cables are installed. These requirements provide a relative measure of fire performance of comparable assemblies under these specified fire exposure conditions. It is possible that any variation from the construction or operating condition tested, such as size, method of assembly and materials, will substantially change the electrical performance characteristics of the cables. 1.7 The results of these tests represent one factor in determining the acceptability of electrical cables for use in specific applications. Application of these test results to predict electrical performance of cables in actual installations requires careful evaluation. 1.8 The prescription of the standardized fire and hose stream exposures for comparing the performance of electrical cables represents one factor in determining the acceptability of cables for use in specific applications. 1.9 The construction and operation of the furnace and the general test conditions are intended to be in accordance with the requirements in CAN/ULC S101, Standard Methods of Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials.