How fire-resistant cables keep safety circuits running: FE180 (IEC 60331), PH120 (EN 50200), E30–E90 (DIN 4102-12) and what to specify.
Emergency lighting, fire alarm systems, smoke extraction fans, sprinkler pumps and evacuation lifts all have one thing in common: they must keep working while the building is burning. The cables that feed them are therefore specified not only for low smoke but for circuit integrity — the ability to keep transmitting power or signals for a defined time under fire conditions. This article explains the main European test standards and how to read them on a datasheet.
Two very different properties are often mixed up:
A safety circuit usually needs both: a fire-resistant cable that is also halogen-free and low-smoke.
| Marking | Standard | What is tested |
|---|---|---|
| FE180 | IEC 60331 series | The cable alone, exposed to flame at about 750 °C or more; it must keep working for 180 minutes |
| PH30 / PH60 / PH90 / PH120 | EN 50200 (and EN 50362 for larger cables) | Small cables under flame with mechanical shock; rated by minutes of integrity |
| E30 / E60 / E90 | DIN 4102-12 | The complete system — cable plus its fixings, trays or clamps — in a furnace following the standard fire curve |
The last point is important. An E90 rating applies to a tested installation system: the cable together with specific supports, clips and spacing. Using the right cable with the wrong fixings does not give you E90.
A cable such as (N)HXH FE180 PH120 / E30–E90 tells you:
National regulations and standards (for example for fire alarm systems or emergency lighting) define the required integrity time. In many cases 30 minutes is the minimum for evacuation and 90 minutes for fire-fighting systems — but always confirm with the project’s fire strategy.
Fire-resistant cable performance depends heavily on installation:
Most fire-resistant cables for European buildings are also halogen-free and low-smoke, so they meet both the integrity requirement and the smoke and acidity requirements in escape routes. For non-safety circuits in the same areas, halogen-free cables such as H07ZZ-F or screened HSLCH control cables are common choices. Read more in our halogen-free cable guide.
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FE180 indicates that the cable maintained circuit integrity for 180 minutes when tested under flame according to the IEC 60331 series. It refers to the cable itself, not to the complete installation with its fixings.
E30 to E90 ratings under DIN 4102-12 are tested on complete systems, including trays, clips and supports. If the cable is installed with fixings that were not part of the tested system, the rating cannot be claimed.
Yes, when they are installed permanently in buildings in the EU. The CPR Euroclass describes reaction to fire, while FE180, PH or E ratings describe resistance to fire. Both are usually specified for safety circuits.
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