NHXCH-FE180/E90 Fire Resistant Cable

What is NHXCH-FE180/E90 Cable?

The NHXCH-FE180/E90 Cable is a low-voltage, halogen-free fire-resistant security power and control cable featuring Class 1 solid (RE) or Class 2 stranded (RM) copper conductors, ceramic-forming LSZH insulation, an LSZH inner sheath, a concentric copper wire and tape conductor, and an orange LSZH outer jacket complying with DIN VDE 0266 and DIN VDE 0276-604 standards. Operating at a voltage rating of 0.6/1kV, it provides insulation integrity for 180 minutes (FE 180) under IEC 60331 fire exposure and functional circuit integrity for 90 minutes (E 90) under DIN 4102-12 installation guidelines.

Unlike conventional cables that fail rapidly during structural combustion, the NHXCH construction forms a protective ceramic-like layer when exposed to flames, preventing electrical short circuits between phases. The integrated concentric copper screen serves as an EMC shield and high-capacity earth conductor, while the halogen-free compounding eliminates the release of dense smoke, toxic gases, and corrosive hydrochloric fumes, preserving human life and safeguarding sensitive equipment in enclosed spaces.

NHXCH-FE180/E90 Cable Construction

• Conductor: Class 1 solid copper conductor (RE) for smaller cross-sections, or Class 2 stranded circular copper conductor (RM) for larger cross-sections per EN 60228.
• Insulation: Cross-linked, mineral-filled Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) compound engineered to withstand temperatures up to +90°C and form a rigid insulating ash barrier under direct fire.
• Inner Sheath: Extruded Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) thermoplastic material encasing assembled cores to provide mechanical bedding.
• Concentric Conductor: Helically applied round copper wires with a counter helix of copper tape acting as an electrostatic screen and protective PE/PEN earth conductor.
• Outer Sheath: Flame-retardant and UV-stabilized Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) thermoplastic compound complying with IEC/EN 60332-3-24 bunched cable fire propagation tests.
• Core Identification: 2 cores: Brown, Blue; 3 cores: Brown, Black, Grey; 4 cores: Brown, Black, Grey, Blue; 5 cores: Brown, Black, Grey, Blue, Black; 7 cores and above: Black with White numbers.
• Sheath Colour: Safety Orange.

Applications

NHXCH-FE180/E90 cables are designed for indoor installation across facilities where high levels of fire safety, low smoke emission, and functional circuit integrity are required. They are not suitable for direct underground burial or permanent submersion in water.

• Emergency Ventilation & Smoke Extraction: Power feeds to high-temperature smoke extraction fans, stairwell pressurization systems, and fire dampers.
• Firefighting Water & Sprinkler Pumps: Reliable supply circuits connecting backup generators to emergency fire booster pumps and deluge valves.
• Evacuation Lifts & Emergency Lighting: Power lines for firefighter elevators, emergency egress signage, and public address alarm systems.
• High-Occupancy Public Infrastructure: Sub-distribution networks in airports, rail stations, hospitals, data centres, hotels, and tunnels requiring zero toxic gas emission.

Specifications & Dimensions

The NHXCH-FE180/E90 cable range includes 2-core, 3-core, 4-core, and multi-core control configurations up to 24 cores, with phase conductor cross-sections from 1.5mm² up to 240mm² and matched concentric copper conductors ranging from 1.5mm² to 120mm². Operating at a rated voltage of 0.6/1kV, it supports service temperatures from -5°C to +90°C and maintains a minimum bending radius of 12 times the overall diameter. Overall outer diameters span from 16mm on 2-core 1.5mm² cables up to 74.4mm on 4-core 240mm² cables, with nominal weights ranging from 300 kg/km up to 14,359 kg/km, adhering to DIN VDE dimensional tolerances.

Standards

Design & Construction Standards: DIN VDE 0266, DIN VDE 0276-604, DIN VDE 0472-814, EN 60228
Circuit & Insulation Integrity: FE 180 (IEC 60331, insulation integrity for 180 minutes) and E 90 (functional circuit integrity for 90 minutes per DIN 4102-12)
Flame Retardancy: IEC/EN 60332-3-24 (Category C bunched cable vertical flame spread), IEC/EN 60332-1-2
Operating Temperature Spectrum: -5°C to +90°C
Minimum Bending Radius: 12 × overall diameter
Regulatory Compliance: European Regulation EN 50575, Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, CE Marked, RoHS Directive 2015/65/EU, REACH EC 1907/2006

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the practical difference between the FE180 and E90 fire performance ratings?
A: FE 180 certifies that individual cable core insulation maintains its electrical properties under direct flame at 750°C for 180 minutes (IEC 60331), whereas E 90 certifies system circuit integrity for 90 minutes when installed alongside certified cable trays and clamps during an active structural fire test (DIN 4102-12).

Q: What is the function of the concentric copper conductor layer in NHXCH cables?
A: The concentric conductor of helical copper wires and tape acts as an electrostatic and electromagnetic screen to suppress EMI, while functioning as a protective earth (PE) or neutral (PEN) conductor capable of handling high earth-fault currents.

Q: Can NHXCH-FE180/E90 cable be laid directly into underground soil or water?
A: No, the NHXCH construction is specifically engineered for dry, damp, or wet indoor environments; it is not approved for direct soil burial or continuous water submersion unless enclosed within waterproof piping or sealed raceways.

Q: What commercial payment terms does Huadong Cable accept for international project deliveries?
A: Huadong Cable Group accepts standard commercial export terms, including Telegraphic Transfer (T/T, 30% advance deposit and 70% balance against shipping documents) and 100% Irrevocable Letter of Credit (L/C) at sight.

NHXCH-FE180/E90 Cable – Why Choose Huadong Cable?

Huadong Cable Group manufactures NHXCH-FE180/E90 fire resistant security cables in accordance with DIN VDE 0266 and DIN VDE 0276-604 standards, verified by comprehensive laboratory testing for conductor resistance, FE180 flame survival, and IEC/EN 60332-3-24 bunched flame propagation. Utilizing high-conductivity Class 1 solid and Class 2 stranded oxygen-free plain copper conductors, our manufacturing process ensures uniform dielectric performance and stable current capacities up to +90°C. Combined with precision-extruded ceramic-forming LSZH insulation, a concentric copper wire screen with counter-helix tape, and a flame-retardant orange outer sheath, our cables maintain continuous circuit integrity under structural fire conditions.

Backed by over 20 years of precision cable engineering expertise, Huadong Cable Group operates automated stranding, concentric taping, and zero-halogen compounding lines certified to ISO 9001, CE, CPR (EN 50575), RoHS, and REACH protocols. By eliminating distributor markups, we deliver competitive factory-direct pricing, 100% routine Mill Test Certificates (MTC) tested in accredited testing facilities, continuous drum lengths on ISPM 15 heat-treated export wooden reels, and seamless door-to-port logistics for EPC contractors and safety infrastructure projects worldwide.