Cable runs are one of the main fire-spread paths in a building: PVC, polyethylene and rubber sheaths are combustible, and fire travels along the cable route from room to room. Cable fire protection limits flame spread along the sheaths and buys time for evacuation and firefighting. In practice two solutions are used: fire-protective paint (an intumescent compound) and fire-protective mesh. Let us see how they work and where each fits.
Why cable fire protection is needed
The goal is to stop flame from spreading over cable surfaces and bundles. Fire-protective efficiency is assessed to GOST R 53311 and GOST IEC 60332-3-22 (category A). A separate critical point is cable penetrations through walls and floors, through which fire and smoke pass between compartments.
An important in-service figure is the derating coefficient of the cable’s continuous permissible current: any coating adds a layer around the conductor and must not noticeably worsen heat dissipation. For both STABITERM solutions this coefficient is at least 0.98, so the protection barely reduces the line’s current-carrying capacity.
Fire-protective paint Stabiterm-225
Stabiterm-225 is a water-based fire-protective compound for cables. Applied directly to the cable surface, on heating it intumesces and forms a porous, heat-insulating char layer that curbs ignition and flame spread.
Key parameters (per manufacturer documentation):
- use: single cables and bundles with PVC, rubber or polyethylene sheaths; indoors and in the open atmosphere;
- grey; non-volatile content at least 65%; density 1.30–1.40 g/cm³;
- dry film at least 0.8 mm at a consumption of about 1.36 kg/m²; applied in 1–3 coats;
- current derating coefficient at least 0.98;
- service life at least 25 years indoors and 20 years in the open air; seismic resistance up to 9 (MSK-64).
Application notes:
- the cable surface must be prepared — dry, clean, free of dust, oil and sheath damage;
- applied by airless spray, brush or roller at +5…+40 °C and humidity up to 80%; intercoat drying 3–6 h, full cure about 24 h;
- gives a continuous coating of any geometry — handy for single cables, complex sections and open areas;
- the coating is continuous: for repair, replacement or pulling new cables it must be partly broken and restored.
Fire-protective mesh Stabiterm-300
Stabiterm-300 is a flexible composite fire-protective mesh. On heating it intumesces and forms a porous, heat-insulating layer around the cable; it is installed in a single layer.
Key parameters (per manufacturer documentation):
- fabric weight 860 g/m²; effective thickness at least 1.2 mm; grey; rolls 1 m × 20 m;
- complies with TR EAEU 043/2017; tested to GOST R 53311, GOST IEC 60332-3-22, IEC 60331-21 and EN 60332-3-22;
- charred length no more than 1.5 m; current derating coefficient at least 0.98;
- service life at least 30 years; operating range −60…+60 °C.
Application notes:
- no surface preparation required; installed at once, from −25 to +60 °C;
- fast install and removal — fixed with clips or galvanised wire at 40 cm pitch, sheet overlap 4±1 cm; no special tools;
- free access to the cable: the mesh is folded back, the line is serviced and it is returned in place;
- cable replacement and pulling — without restrictions; the mesh is reusable.
Cable penetrations
Along the route the solution runs over bundles and trays; where cables cross walls, the inner zone of the penetration is sealed with a non-combustible material to block fire and smoke between rooms. A cable penetration is a separate assembly, designed and accepted apart from the route protection.
Paint or mesh: comparison
- Current load: both solutions have a derating coefficient of at least 0.98 — barely any effect.
- Surface prep: required for paint (dry, clean, degreased); not required for mesh.
- Work conditions: paint — +5…+40 °C, humidity up to 80%, curing up to a day; mesh — installed at once at −25…+60 °C.
- Access, repair, pulling: difficult with paint (coating broken and restored); free with mesh, which is reusable.
- Geometry: paint — single cables, complex shapes, open air, seismicity up to 9; mesh — bundles, trays, long routes.
- Service life: paint — 25 years indoors / 20 outdoors; mesh — from 30 years.
What to choose
Stabiterm-225 paint suits single cables and complex geometry, open areas and seismic sites where a continuous coating is needed. Stabiterm-300 mesh is optimal for long routes, bundles and trays where fast install and free access for service and cable pulling matter. Solutions are often combined, and cable penetrations are sealed separately.
Cable fire protection with STABITERM
STABITERM will select a cable fire-protection solution for your site — Stabiterm-225 paint or Stabiterm-300 mesh — supply the materials and carry out installation. Phone: +998 93 500-09-16, Telegram or a request on the site.