What are FR, FRLSH, and Green wires?
Wires play an integral role in the electrical infrastructure of any household as they are responsible for transmitting electrical power or signals from one location to another. Selecting the appropriate wire is of utmost importance because it has significant safety implications, and high-quality wires can mitigate the likelihood of accidents during a fire outbreak.
Nevertheless, numerous types of wires are available in the market driven by environmental issues, health, and safety concerns to safeguard homes. These wires are designed with the sole purpose of ensuring the safety of both people and property. In this blog, we will delve into three such wires: FR wires, FRLSH wires, and Green wires.
- FR Wires:- Flame Retardant (FR) wires are specifically engineered to impede or slow down the spread of fire in case of a short circuit or any other electrical malfunction. FR wires have self-extinguishable properties that prevent them from catching or spreading fire. With an Oxygen Index higher than 26%, these wires possess self-extinguishing properties. The ‘Oxygen Index’ is the minimum concentration of oxygen (usually 21%) required in a mixture for a material to ignite and burn. Moreover, these wires have a Temperature Index greater than 2500, allowing them to resist fires even at very high temperatures. The sole purpose of using FR wires is to reduce the risk of fire and enhance the safety of both individuals and property.
- FRLSH Wires:- Flame Retardant, Low Smoke Low Halogen (FRLS) wires are designed for use in fire hazard areas where such hazardous situations exist. FRLSH Wires pass visually based flammability tests by producing very little visible smoke, hence their name. More than 80% of casualties in an electrical fire are due to inhalation of fumes and the poor visibility caused by the smoke. The FRLSH wire ensures visibility of up to 40% which helps people navigate in case of fire. Low smoke also helps firefighters navigate easily during rescue operations of people trapped indoors or in buildings. These wires are widely used in high-rise buildings, hospitals, schools, and other places where there is a high risk of fire.
- Green Wires:- These wires have nothing to do with green colour, but they are actually eco-friendly wires. The green wires are designed to provide enhanced safety features such as low smoke, non-toxic gas emissions, fire resistance, low halogen, and flame retardancy. As the issue of global warming becomes more pressing, the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has established regulations and mandates for using non-hazardous and lead-free raw materials in wire production in order to promote the use of eco-friendly wires. These green wires are recyclable, energy-efficient, long-lasting, and provide both fire safety and shock protection.
Conclusion
Wires are an essential component of electrical systems in both residential and commercial settings. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the right type of wire for each application to guarantee the efficient and safe functioning of the electrical system. Also, in order to promote a sustainable environment and reduce the carbon footprint on the planet, it is increasingly important to prioritize the use of eco-friendly wires.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Types of Wires:
Q1. What is the full form of FRLSH?
FRLSH stands for Flame Retardant Low Smoke & Halogen. FRLSH wires are commonly used in environments where fire safety is a priority, such as commercial buildings, hospitals, educational institutions, and high-rise residential complexes. Their fire-resistant, low smoke, and low halogen properties make them suitable for installations where minimizing the spread of fire and reducing the release of toxic fumes are essential considerations.
Q2. What is the difference between FRLS and FRLSH cable?
FRLS and FRLSH wires are designed to possess fire-resistant properties and minimize the release of smoke during a fire. FRLS cables are constructed using materials with flame-retardant properties, which result in low smoke production when exposed to fire. On the other hand, FRLSH cables not only possess flame retardant and low smoke properties but also have insulation and sheathing materials that are halogen-free or contain very low levels of halogen. The low halogen content helps reduce the release of toxic gases during a fire.
Q3. What is the difference between PVC and FRLS cable?
The main difference between PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and FRLS (Flame Retardant Low Smoke) cables lies in their fire-resistant properties and their behavior when exposed to fire. PVC cables are not inherently flame retardant. On the other hand, FRLS cables are specifically designed to be flame retardant. Due to their enhanced fire resistance, reduced smoke emission, and lower toxic gas release, FRLS cables are generally preferred in applications where fire safety and human safety are critical concerns. PVC cables are commonly used in less demanding applications where fire resistance and low smoke emission may not be primary considerations.
Q4. What is FRLSH wires made of?
The FRLSH (Flame Retardant Low Smoke & Halogen) cables are made using a combination of materials that provide the desired fire-resistant and low-smoke properties. The core of the FRLSH wire consists of conductors made of copper or aluminum. The insulation material used in FRLSH wires is typically a flame-retardant compound, and its sheathing is also made of flame-retardant material.
Q5. What are earthing/green wires?
The green wires in a circuit are the grounding/earthing wires. They play a crucial role in electrical systems as they provide protection against electrical faults and ensure safety. It’s important to note that grounding wires are not intended for lights or fans, but rather primarily used for socket purposes, such as in the case of air conditioners, geysers, and other heavy-load appliances.