BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

50200:2006

Method of test for

resistance to fire of
unprotected small
cables for use in
emergency circuits

The European Standard EN 50200:2006 has the status of a

British Standard

ICS 13.220.40; 29.060.20

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BS EN 50200:2006

National foreword

This British Standard is the official English language version of

EN 50200:2006. It supersedes BS EN 50200:2000 which is withdrawn and
BS 8434-1:2003 which will be withdrawn on 1 March 2009.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted by Technical Committee
GEL/20, Electric cables, to Subcommittee GEL/20/18, Fire testing, which has
the responsibility to:

— aid enquirers to understand the text;

— present to the responsible international/European committee any

enquiries on the interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep UK
interests informed;
— monitor related international and European developments and
promulgate them in the UK.

A list of organizations represented on this subcommittee can be obtained on

request to its secretary.
Cross-references
The British Standards which implement international or European
publications referred to in this document may be found in the BSI Catalogue
under the section entitled “International Standards Correspondence Index”, or
by using the “Search” facility of the BSI Electronic Catalogue or of British
Standards Online.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, the EN title page,
pages 2 to 29 and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.

This British Standard was Amendments issued since publication

published under the authority
of the Standards Policy and
Strategy Committee Amd. No. Date Comments
on 30 June 2006

© BSI 2006

ISBN 0 580 48751 2

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50200
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM May 2006

ICS 13.220.40; 29.060.20 Supersedes EN 50200:2000

English version

Method of test for resistance to fire

of unprotected small cables
for use in emergency circuits

Méthode d'essai de résistance au feu Prüfung des Isolationserhaltes im

des câbles de petites dimensions Brandfall von Kabeln mit kleinen
sans protection pour utilisation Durchmessern für die Verwendung in
dans les circuits de secours Notstromkreisen bei ungeschützter
Verlegung

This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2006-03-01. CENELEC members are bound to comply
with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard
the status of a national standard without any alteration.

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified
to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, the Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B - 1050 Brussels

© 2006 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.

Ref. No. EN 50200:2006 E

EN 50200:2006 –2–

Foreword

This European Standard was prepared by Working Group 10 of the Technical Committee CENELEC TC 20,
Electric cables. This edition is a consolidation of the original text of EN 50200:2000 approved on 1999-08-01
and the text of the draft amendment prepared by WG 10 and agreed at 115 BT (D115/055, confirmed by
D116/162 at 116th Technical Board (BT)) to go forward to the Unique Acceptance Procedure at which a
positive vote was achieved.

This consolidated text was submitted to the formal vote and was approved by CENELEC as EN 50200 on
2006-03-01.

This European Standard supersedes EN 50200:2000.

The following dates were fixed:

– latest date by which the EN has to be implemented

at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2007-03-01
– latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2009-03-01

This European Standard was originally prepared under Mandate M/117, given jointly to CEN and CENELEC
by the Commission of the European Communities and the European Free Trade Association, and supports
Essential Requirement No.2 "Safety in case of fire" of the Construction Products Directive.

The cable is tested in a representative installed condition, under conditions of minimum bending radius, and
the test is based upon a constant temperature attack at a minimum test temperature of 830 °C. This is
typical of the gas temperature reached after 30 min exposure to the time/temperature conditions prescribed
in EN 1363-1.

The test method in this document includes exposure to fire with mechanical shock under
specified conditions and satisfies the requirements of Mandate M/117 for the PH classification.
The standard also includes (Annex E) a means of applying a water spray to the cable during the
test, which is not required under Mandate M/117.
 –3– EN 50200:2006

Contents
1 Scope ............................................................................................................................4
2 Normative references ...................................................................................................4
3 Definitions ....................................................................................................................4
4 Duration of survival ......................................................................................................5
4.1 Time......................................................................................................................5
4.2 Point of failure .......................................................................................................5
5 Test environment ..........................................................................................................5
6 Test apparatus ..............................................................................................................6
6.1 Test equipment......................................................................................................6
6.2 The wall and its mounting ......................................................................................6
6.3 Continuity checking arrangement ...........................................................................6
6.4 Source of heat .......................................................................................................7
6.5 Shock producing device .........................................................................................7
7 Verification procedure for source of heat ....................................................................8
8 Test sample ..................................................................................................................8
8.1 Sample preparation ...............................................................................................8
8.2 Sample mounting...................................................................................................9
9 Cable test procedure ....................................................................................................9
9.1 General .................................................................................................................9
9.2 Procedure for different cable types.........................................................................9
9.3 Ignition and shock production...............................................................................11
9.4 Electrification or optical monitoring.......................................................................11
9.5 End-point ............................................................................................................11
10 Test report ..................................................................................................................11

Annex A (informative) Guidance on the choice of test equipment ....................................20

Annex B (informative) Flowmeter calibration correction factors ......................................22
Annex C (normative) Fuse characteristic curve ................................................................24
Annex D (informative) Guidance for range of classification .............................................25
Annex E (informative) Guidance for using optional water spray protocol ........................26

Bibliography .....................................................................................................................29
Figure 1 - Schematic of test wall .........................................................................................12
Figure 2 - Plan view of fire test equipment (not to scale) ......................................................13
Figure 3 - End elevation of fire test equipment (not to scale) ................................................14
Figure 4 - Typical rubber bush (hardness: 50-60 shore A) for fastening wall .........................15
Figure 5 - Burner face .........................................................................................................15
Figure 6 - Schematic diagram of an example of a fuel control system using rotameters ........16
Figure 7 - Temperature measuring arrangement ..................................................................17
Figure 8 - Example of method of mounting a sample for test ................................................17
Figure 9a - Basic circuit diagram - Electric power and control cables
with rated voltage up to 600/1 000 V..................................................................18
Figure 9b - Basic circuit diagram - Electric data and communication cables
with no rated voltage .........................................................................................19
Figure E.1 – Water spray tube.............................................................................................27
Figure E.2 – Water spray application ...................................................................................28
EN 50200:2006 –4–

1 Scope
This European Standard specifies the test method for cables designed to have intrinsic resistance to fire
and intended for use as emergency circuits for alarm, lighting and communication purposes.

This standard is applicable to cables, for emergency circuits, of rated voltage not exceeding 600/1 000 V,
including those of rated voltage below 80 V, and for emergency circuit optical cables.

NOTE Although test procedures for electronic data and communication cables and optical fibre cables are given in
this document, these areas are under active development and the given procedures may be subject to future review.

This standard is not applicable to cables intended for use in public telecommunications networks.

The test method is limited to cables with an overall diameter not exceeding 20 mm.

The test method, which is based on the direct impingement of flame from a propane burner giving a
constant temperature attack of a notional 842 °C, can be used for cables for emergency circuits required to
comply with Subclause 4.3.1.4.6 (a) of the Interpretative Document for Essential Requirement No. 2 'Safety
in Case of Fire' (94/C62/01) of the Construction Products Directive (89/106/EEC). In such cases the test
method only applies, for metallic conductor cables, to those with conductor sizes up to and including
2,5 mm2. For optical cables, only the 20 mm diameter limit applies.

This standard includes (Annex D) a means of linking the measured survival time to the fire resistance
classification for these cables, as required by Subclause 4.3.1.4.6(a) of 94/C62/01.

The standard also includes (Annex E) a means of applying a water spray to the cable during the test.
Although there is no requirement under the Construction Products Directive for cables to withstand water
spray when assessing resistance to fire, such a requirement may be a feature of particular product
standards.

2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the
referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

HD 60269-3-1 Low-voltage fuses Part 3-1: Supplementary requirements for fuses for use by
unskilled persons (fuses mainly for household and similar applications)
Sections I to IV: Examples of types of standardized fuses
(IEC 60269-3-1:2004, modified)

EN 60584-1 Thermocouples - Part 1: Reference tables (IEC 60584-1)

EN 60695-4 Fire hazard testing - Part 4: Terminology concerning fire tests (IEC 60695-4)

IEC 60793-1-4 1995 Optical fibres - Part 1: Generic specification - Section 4: Measuring methods
for transmission and optical characteristics

3 Definitions
For the purposes of this standard the definitions given in EN 60695-4 apply.
 –5– EN 50200:2006

4 Duration of survival

4.1 Time

The duration of survival, measured in minutes, to the point of failure shall be recorded for each cable tested
up to a maximum survival time of 120 min.

4.2 Point of failure

The criteria for determining the point of failure shall be as follows:

a) Electric power and control cables of rated voltage up to 600/1 000 V

1) The voltage is not maintained during the test duration, as indicated by fuse failure or by
interruption of the circuit breaker.

2) A conductor ruptures during the test duration, as indicated by the lamp extinguishing.

NOTE The test procedure given in 9.2.1 connects the neutral core to earth. This may not be appropriate if the cable
is designed for use on systems where the neutral is not earthed. If required by the cable standard, it is permissible for
the neutral conductor to be tested as if a phase conductor. Where a metallic sheath, armour or screen acts as a
neutral conductor, it shall always be connected to earth.

b) Electric data and communications cables with no rated voltage

1) The voltage is not maintained during the test duration, as indicated by fuse failure or by
interruption of the circuit breaker.

2) A conductor ruptures during the test duration, as indicated by the lamp extinguishing.

c) Optical fibre cables

1) The maximum increase in attenuation exceeds the value given in the cable standard during the
test duration.

In the case of cables in a) and b), failure by either one of the criteria listed shall be sufficient to show a
failure for that cable.

5 Test environment
The test shall be carried out in a suitable chamber with facilities for disposing of any noxious gases resulting
from the burning. Sufficient ventilation shall be available to sustain the flame for the duration of the test.

The chamber and test apparatus shall be at (25 ± 15) °C at the start of each test.

The same ventilation and shielding conditions shall be used in the chamber during both the verification and
cable test procedures.

NOTE 1 The test given in this standard may involve the use of dangerous voltages and temperatures. Suitable
precautions should be taken against shock, burning, fire and explosion risks that may be involved and against any
noxious fumes that may be produced.

NOTE 2 An example of a suitable chamber is the 3 m smoke cube as specified in EN 61034-1.

NOTE 3 Shields, such as those as described in EN 61034-1, may need to be placed in an appropriate position to
protect the burner from draughts that may influence the flame geometry.
EN 50200:2006 –6–

6 Test apparatus

6.1 Test equipment

The test equipment consists of the following:

a) a vertical wall, on to which the cable is mounted, comprising a board manufactured from heat
resisting non-combustible material fastened to steel supports as described in 6.2;

b) a continuity checking arrangement as described in 6.3;

c) a source of heat comprising a horizontally mounted ribbon burner as described in 6.4;

d) a shock producing device as described in 6.5;

e) a general arrangement of the test equipment is shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

6.2 The wall and its mounting

The wall consists of a board of heat resisting non-combustible and non-metallic material fastened rigidly to
two horizontal steel supports, one at the top of the board and the other at the bottom. Vertical supports may
also be used. The board is approximately 900 mm long, 300 mm high and 9 mm thick, and the total mass
of the wall (i.e. board and steel supports) shall be (10 ± 0,5) kg. Ballast, if required, shall be placed inside
the steel supports.

Guidance on the choice of suitable material for the wall is given in Annex A.

NOTE 1 Supports made from square section steel tube approximately 25 mm x 25 mm and approximately 1 m long
have been found to be suitable

NOTE 2 The top support should be fastened to the board so that its upper face is slightly above the upper edge of the
board, so that the shock producing device impacts on the support and not the board.

Each support shall have a horizontal hole at each end, the exact position and diameter being determined by
the particular supporting bush and supporting framework used. The wall shall be fastened to a rigid support
by four bonded rubber bushes fitted between the horizontal steel supports of the wall and the support
framework, as shown in Figure 1, so as to allow movement under impact.

NOTE 3 A typical rubber bush which has been found to be suitable is shown in Figure 4.

In order to check the mounting of the wall, the static deflection following application of a load to the centre of
the upper support of the wall shall periodically be measured.

The values of load and deflection shall comply with the following:

Load (kg) Deflection (mm)

25 ± 0,2 1,5 ± 0,3

6.3 Continuity checking arrangement

6.3.1 Electric power and control cables with rated voltage up to 600/1 000 V

During the test a current for continuity checking is passed through all conductors of the cable and this shall
be provided by a three phase star connected or single phase transformer(s) of sufficient capacity to maintain
the test voltage up to the maximum leakage current allowable.

NOTE 1 Due note should be taken of the fuse characteristics when determining the power rating of the transformer.

This current is achieved by connecting, at the other end of the sample, a suitable load and indicating device
(e.g. lamp) to each conductor, or group of conductors.
 –7– EN 50200:2006

NOTE 2 A current of 0,25 A at the test voltage, through each conductor or group of conductors, has been found to be
suitable.

6.3.2 Electric data and communication cables with no rated voltage

During the test a current for continuity checking is passed through all conductors of the cable and this shall
be provided by a three phase star connected or single phase transformer(s) of sufficient capacity to maintain
the test voltage up to the maximum leakage current allowable.

NOTE 1 Due note should be taken of the fuse characteristics when determining the power rating of the transformer.

This current is achieved by connecting, at the other end of the sample, a suitable load and indicating device
(e.g. lamp) to each conductor, or group of conductors.

NOTE 2 A current of 0,25 A at the test voltage, through each conductor or group of conductors, has been found to be
suitable.

6.3.3 Optical fibre cables

At the conclusion of the test, check each fibre (or those fibres indicated in the relevant cable specification as
fire resistant) for continuity.

6.4 Source of heat

The source of heat shall be a ribbon type propane gas burner with a nominal burner face length of 500 mm
with Venturi mixer. A centre-feed burner is recommended. The nominal burner face width shall be 10 mm.
The face of the burner shall have three staggered rows of drilled holes, nominally 1,32 mm in diameter and
drilled on 3,2 mm centres, as shown in Figure 5. Additionally, a row of small holes milled on each side of
the burner plate, to serve as pilot holes for keeping the flame burning, is permitted.

Guidance on the choice of recommended burner systems is given in Annex A.

Mass flow meters should be used as the means of controlling accurately the input flow rates of fuel and air
to the burner.

NOTE Rotameter type flow meters may be used as an alternative, but are not recommended. Guidance on their use,
and the application of appropriate correction factors, may be found in Annex B. Figure 6 shows an example of a
rotameter type system.

By reference to the wall the burner shall be positioned centrally at a horizontal distance of (40 ± 2) mm from
the burner face to the wall as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The burner shall be positioned in the test chamber
such that it is at least 200 mm above the floor of the chamber or any solid mounting table and 500 mm from
any chamber wall.

The flow rates used for the test at reference condition (1 bar and 20 °C) shall be as follows:

Propane: (5 ± 0,2) l/min

Air: (80 ± 4) l/min

The burner and control system shall be subject to verification following the procedure given in Clause 7.

For the purposes of this test, the air shall have a dew point not higher than 0 °C.

6.5 Shock producing device

The shock producing device consists of a mild steel round bar (25 ± 0,1) mm in diameter and (600 ± 5) mm
long. The bar is freely pivoted about an axis parallel to the wall, which is in the same horizontal plane as,
and (200 ± 5) mm away from, the upper edge of the wall. The axis divides the bar into two unequal parts of
length (400 ± 5) mm and approximately 200 mm respectively; the longer section impacting the wall. The bar
drops under its own weight from an angle of 60° to the horizontal to strike the upper steel support of the wall
at its midpoint as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3.
EN 50200:2006 –8–

7 Verification procedure for source of heat

7.1 The flame temperature shall be measured using two 1,5 mm mineral insulated, stainless steel
sheathed thermocouples Type K to EN 60584-1, mounted on the test wall as shown in Figure 7. The
thermocouple tips shall be (10 ± 0,5) mm in front of the test wall. The horizontal line of the thermocouples
shall be approximately 100 mm above the bottom of the wall.

Position the burner (40 ± 2) mm horizontally from the wall and (65 ± 10) mm vertically below the centre line
of the thermocouple as shown in Figure 3.

Ignite the burner and adjust the gas and air supplies to those given in 6.4.

7.2 Monitor the temperature as recorded by the thermocouples over a period of 10 min to ensure
conditions are stable.

7.3 The verification procedure shall be considered satisfied if

a) the average of the readings from the two thermocouples over the 10 min period falls
within the requirement of (830 + 40, -0) °C and
b) the maximum difference between the averaged readings for each of the two
thermocouples over the 10 min period does not exceed 40 °C.
At least one measurement shall be made on each thermocouple every 30 sec in order to obtain the
average.

NOTE The actual method of obtaining the average thermocouple reading over the period is not specified but it is
recommended that a recorder with averaging facilities is used in order to damp the variability caused by point
measurement.

7.4 If the verification is not successful, the flow rates shall be altered within the tolerances given in 6.4
and/or distances altered within the tolerances given in 7.1 and a further verification carried out.

7.5 The positions established for successful verification shall be recorded (see 9.1.2).

7.6 If no successful verification can be achieved within the tolerances given, then the burner system shall
be considered as incapable of providing the source of heat required by this standard.

8 Test sample

8.1 Sample preparation

8.1.1 Electric power and control cables with rated voltage up to 600/1 000 V

The sample to be tested shall be a piece of cable not less than 1 200 mm long with approximately 100 mm
of sheath and outer coverings removed at each end. At each end of the cable, each conductor shall be
suitably prepared for electrical connections, and the exposed conductors shall be spread apart to avoid
contact with each other.

8.1.2 Electric data and communication cables with no rated voltage

The sample to be tested shall be a piece of cable not less than 1 200 mm long with approximately 100 mm
of sheath or outer coverings removed at each end. At each end of the cable, each conductor shall be
suitably prepared for electrical connections, and the exposed conductors shall be spread apart to avoid
contact with each other.

8.1.3 Optical fibre cables

The sample to be tested shall be a piece of cable (at least 5 m) sufficiently long that the two ends emerge
from the test chamber, with approximately 100 mm of sheath or outer coverings removed at each end. For
 –9– EN 50200:2006

multi-fibre cables, one fibre shall be selected from the outermost layer of the cable. At each end of the
cable sample, lengths of identical optical fibre shall be connected, if necessary, to give a total length
appropriate to the optical measuring method used.

8.2 Sample mounting

The cable shall be bent to form an approximate 'U' shape. The internal radius of each bend shall be the
manufacturer's declared minimum bending radius and the overall distance between the vertical portions of
the cable shall be approximately 475 mm as shown in Figure 8.

The cable shall be mounted centrally on the wall using metal clips, as recommended by the manufacturer
for the cable under test, for example, copper P clips. The clips, which shall be earthed, shall support the
cable at either end of the radiused section and in the centre as shown in Figure 8. The type of clips used
shall be detailed in the Test Report.

NOTE By agreement between the user and manufacturer of the cable alternative clips may be used for the testing of
multicore cable, but in this case the test shall only be considered valid for cable installed with such clips.

9 Cable test procedure

9.1 General

9.1.1 Remove the thermocouple assembly and position the cable test sample on the wall as described in
8.2.

9.1.2 Position the burner (40 ± 2) mm horizontally from the wall, and at the same vertical distance below the
bottom line of the cable as determined in the verification procedure for the distance between burner and
thermocouple centre lines.

9.1.3 Fuses used in the test procedures in 9.2.1 and 9.2.2 shall be Type DII complying with HD 60269-3-1.
Alternatively, a circuit breaker with equivalent characteristics may be used.

Where a circuit breaker is used, its equivalent characteristics shall be demonstrated by reference to the
characteristic curve shown in Annex C.

The fuse shall be the reference method in the case of dispute.

9.2 Procedure for different cable types

9.2.1 Electric power and control cables with rated voltage up to 600/1 000 V

At the transformer end of the sample, earth the neutral conductor and any protective conductor. Any metal
screens, drain wire or metallic layer shall be interconnected and earthed. Connect the transformer(s) to the
conductors, excluding any conductor which is specifically identified as intended for use as a neutral or a
protective conductor, as shown in the circuit diagram (Figure 9a).

Where a metallic sheath, armour or screen acts as a neutral or protective conductor, it shall be connected
as shown in the circuit diagram (Figure 9a), as for a neutral or protective conductor.

For single, twin-or three-phase conductor cables, connect each phase conductor to a separate phase of the
transformer(s) output with a 2 A fuse or circuit breaker with equivalent characteristics in each phase.

For multicore cables having four or more conductors (excluding any neutral or protective conductors), the
conductors shall be divided into three roughly equal groups, ensuring that adjacent conductors are, as far as
possible, in different groups.

For multipair cables the conductors shall be divided into two equal groups, ensuring that the a-core of each
pair is connected to one phase and the b-core of each pair is connected to another phase (L1 and L2 of
Figure 9a). Quads shall be treated as 2 pairs.
EN 50200:2006 – 10 –

For multitriple cables the conductors shall be divided into three equal groups, ensuring that the a-core of
each triple is connected to one phase, the b-core of each triple to another phase and the c-core of each
triple to the third phase of the transformer. (L1, L2 and L3 of Figure 9a)

Connect the conductors of each group in series and connect each group to a separate phase of the
transformer output with a 2 A fuse or circuit breaker with equivalent characteristics in each phase.

NOTE For cable constructions not specifically identified above, the test voltage should be applied, as far as is
practicable, to ensure that adjacent conductors are connected to different phases.

At the end of the sample remote from the transformer

- connect each phase conductor, or group of conductors, to one terminal of the load and indicating
device (as described in 6.3.1), the other terminal being earthed;

- connect the neutral conductor and any protective conductor to one terminal of the load and indicating
device (as described in 6.3.1), the other terminal being connected to L1 (or L2 or L3) at the
transformer end (see Figure 9a).

9.2.2 Electric data and communication cables with no rated voltage

At the transformer end of the sample, earth any earth conductor. Any metal screens, drain wire or metallic
layer shall be interconnected and earthed. Connect the transformer(s) to the conductors, excluding any
conductor which is specifically identified as intended for use as an earth conductor, as shown in the circuit
diagram (Figure 9b).

For multicore cables, the conductors (excluding any earth conductor) shall be divided into two roughly equal
groups, ensuring that adjacent conductors are, as far as possible, in different groups.

For multipair cables the conductors shall be divided into two equal groups, ensuring that the a-core of each
pair is connected to one phase and the b-core of each pair is connected to another phase (L1 and L2 of
Figure 9b). Quads shall be treated as 2 pairs.

For multitriple cables the conductors shall be divided into three equal groups, ensuring that the a-core of
each triple is connected to one phase, the b-core of each triple to another phase and the c-core of each
triple to the third phase of the transformer. (L1, L2 and L3 of Figure 9b).

Connect the conductors of each group in series and connect each group to a separate phase of the voltage
source output with a 2 A fuse or circuit breaker with equivalent characteristics in each phase.

NOTE For cable constructions not specifically identified above, the test voltage should be applied, as far as is
practicable, to ensure that adjacent conductors are connected to different phases.

At the end of the sample remote from the transformer

- connect each conductor, or group of conductors, to one terminal of the load and indicating device (as
described in 6.3.2) the other terminal being earthed;

- connect any earth conductor to one terminal of the load and indicating device (as described in 6.3.2),
the other terminal being connected to L1 (or L2 or L3) at the transformer end (see Figure 9b).

9.2.3 Optical fibre cables

Connect the fibre(s) (or those fibres indicated in the relevant cable specification) to an optical apparatus to
monitor and/or measure the change in optical transmittance in accordance with IEC 60793-1-4, method
C10. Unless otherwise stated in the appropriate standard, the test shall be carried out at the declared
nominal wavelength of operation.
 – 11 – EN 50200:2006

9.3 Ignition and shock production

Ignite the burner and adjust the propane and air flow rates to those obtained during the verification
procedure (see Clause 7).

Immediately after igniting the burner, switch on the electricity supply as indicated in 9.4, activate the shock
producing device and start the test duration timer. The shock producing device shall impact the wall after
5 min ± 10 s from activation and subsequently at 5 min ± 10 s intervals

9.4 Electrification or optical monitoring

9.4.1 Electric power and control cables with rated voltage up to 600/1 000 V

For electric power and control cables of rated voltage up to and including 600/1 000 V, switch on the
electricity supply and adjust the voltage to the rated voltage of the cable (subject to a minimum voltage of
100 V a.c.), i.e. the test voltage between conductors shall equal the rated voltage between conductors and
the test voltage from conductor to earth shall equal the rated voltage from conductor to earth.

9.4.2 Electric data and communication cables with no rated voltage

For electric data and communication cables with no rated voltage, switch on the electricity supply and
unless otherwise stated in the appropriate standard adjust the voltage to (110 ± 10) V a.c. phase to earth.

9.4.3 Optical fibre cables

For optical fibre cables, switch on the optical apparatus and monitor the attenuation.

9.5 End-point

The test shall be continued either:

i) to a time required to achieve a particular fire resistance classification, as defined in Interpretative

Document No.2 of the Construction Products Directive (see Annex D), or

ii) to the point of failure.

The point of failure shall be as defined in 4.2.

NOTE A particular cable standard may require an alternative survival time and/or measure of the point of failure. In
such cases no classification against the Construction Products Directive shall be claimed.

10 Test report
The test report shall include the following information:

a) the number of this EN;

b) full description of cable tested;
c) manufacturer of cable tested;
d) test voltage or test wavelength;
e) any options used in methodology (i.e. type of test wall, rotameter type flow meter), and point of failure
mechanism);
f) type and disposition of clips supporting cable sample;
g) the actual cable bending radius used for the test;
h) method used for temperature monitoring during the verification procedure;
i) the survival time achieved;
j) the classification, if any, claimed against Subclause 4.3.1.4.6 (a) of the Interpretative Document for
Essential Requirement No. 2 (94/C62/01) of the Construction Products Directive (89/106/EEC).
EN 50200:2006 – 12 –

Dimensions in millimetres
(Dimensions are approximate)

Key

1 shock producing device 4 ribbon gas burner

2 steel support 5 air inlet pipe
3 rubber bush 6 propane inlet pipe

Figure 1 - Schematic of test wall

 – 13 – EN 50200:2006

Dimensions in millimetres
(Dimensions are approximate)

This figure is purely representational and does not indicate nor imply relative sizes or dispositions of
components of the test

Key

1 entry for air 4 support framework

2 board 5 horizontal steel support for board
3 rubber bush 6 entry for propane gas

Figure 2 - Plan view of fire test equipment (not to scale)

EN 50200:2006 – 14 –

Dimensions in millimetres
(Dimensions are approximate except where toleranced)

Key

1 shock producing device 3 gas burner

2 test wall 4 centre line of burner face

Figure 3 - End elevation of fire test equipment (not to scale)

 – 15 – EN 50200:2006

Dimensions are in millimetres

(Dimensions are approximate except where toleranced)

Figure 4 - Typical rubber bush (hardness: 50-60 shore A) for fastening wall

Round holes, 1,32 mm diameter, on 3,2 mm centres,

staggered in three rows and centred on face of the burner

Dimensions are in millimetres

Dimensions are approximate

Figure 5 - Burner face

EN 50200:2006 – 16 –

Key

1 regulator 8 gas flow

2 piezoelectric igniter 9 flowmeters
3 flame failure device 10 venturi mixer
4 control thermocouples 11 burner
5 propane cylinder 12 ball valve
6 screw valve (6A = alternative position) 13 air flow
7 pilot feed 14 compressed air cylinder

Figure 6 - Schematic diagram of an example of a fuel control system using rotameters

 – 17 – EN 50200:2006

Dimensions in millimetres
(Dimensions are approximate except where toleranced)

Key

1 thermocouple supports 3 burner

2 thermocouple tip 4 1,5 mm type K sheathed thermocouples

Figure 7 - Temperature measuring arrangement

Key
1 Metal clips
R = minimum bending radius of cables

Dimensions are in millimetres

Dimensions are approximate except where toleranced

Figure 8 - Example of method of mounting a sample for test

EN 50200:2006 – 18 –

Key

L1, L2, L3 = phase conductors (L2, L3 if present)

N = neutral conductor (if present)
PE = protective earth (if present)

1 transformer 5 test conductor or group

2 fuse (2 A) 6 load and indicating device (e.g. lamp)
3 connection to phase L3 (or L1 or L2) 7 sample
4 metal clips 8 metal screen (if present)

Figure 9a - Basic circuit diagram -

Electric power and control cables with rated voltage up to 600/1 000 V
 – 19 – EN 50200:2006

Key

L1, L2, L3 = line conductors (L2, L3 if present)

E = earth conductor (if present)

1 transformer 5 test conductor or group

2 fuse (2 A) 6 load and indicating device (e.g. lamp)
3 connection to phase L3 (or L1 or L2) 7 sample
4 metal clips 8 metal screen (if present)

Figure 9b - Basic circuit diagram -

Electric data and communication cables with no rated voltage
EN 50200:2006 – 20 –

Annex A
(informative)

Guidance on the choice of test equipment

NOTE The information given in this annex, covering named products and their suppliers, is given for the convenience of users of this
standard and does not constitute an endorsement by CENELEC TC 20 of the product named. Equivalent products may be used if they
can be shown to lead to the same results.

A.1 Burner and Venturi

A commercially available burner face meeting the requirements of this standard is the AGF burner insert 11-
55, and a suitable 500 mm burner including the specified burner face is available from AGF, reference
1857B.

A recommended Venturi mixer is the AGF 14-18.

AGF
American Gas Furnace Company
PO Box 496
Elizabeth
New Jersey 07207
USA

A.2 Mass flow meters

Commercially available mass flow meters suitable for use in carrying out tests according to this standard are
supplied by, amongst others:

1. Brooks Instrument Rosemount

2. Kobold Instruments MAS Flow Monitor

A.3 Test wall material

Examples of materials which have been found to be suitable for the wall are:

i) Tenmat Limited, UK - Sindanyo H61

ii) Frenzelit-Werke, Germany - Isoplan 1100
iii) Skamol, Denmark - Skamolex V-1100 Mk.2
iv) Elit, France - Monolax 500

A.4 Rubber bushing

Commercially available bushings which have been found to be suitable for mounting the wall include:

i) Autogem rubber bushing Type SM1 (UK)

ii) Paulstra "Radiaflex R diabolo" Type RON 521403 (France)
iii) Vibro Stop TA 431 (Germany)
 – 21 – EN 50200:2006

A.5 Guidance on provision of a suitable test chamber

The chamber must have a sufficient volume such that fire effluents released during combustion do not alter
the test conditions. Experience has shown a chamber similar to the 3 m cube specified in EN 61034-1 to be
suitable. Windows may be installed in the walls of the chamber in order to observe the behaviour of the
cable during the test. Fume exhaust should be by means of natural draught through a chimney located at
least 1 m from the burner. A damper may be used for adjustment of ventilation conditions. The use of
forced ventilation is not recommended.

Air inlet to the chamber should be through orifices located near the base of the chamber. Air inlets and an
exhaust chimney should be located in such a way that the burner flame remains stable during the
verification procedure and test.
EN 50200:2006 – 22 –

Annex B
(informative)

Flowmeter calibration correction factors

B.1 General

When using the rotameter type flowmeters to monitor the supply rate of the gases, two factors need to be
considered in order to use them correctly. It is important

a) to know what the flowmeter is indicating when used under the actual operating conditions;
b) to know under what conditions of temperature and gas pressure the flowmeter was calibrated, and
under what conditions it was designed to operate.

Considering point (a), most flowmeters are designed to indicate the volumetric flow rate at atmospheric
temperature and pressure, i.e. 20 °C and 1 bar. However, considering point (b), not all flowmeters are
calibrated and designed to work at the same temperature and pressure, and care should be taken to ensure
that the temperature and pressure of the gas flowing through a flowmeter are correct for that particular
meter. Working the flowmeter at temperatures and pressures different from these conditions requires
application of a correction factor such as provided hereafter.

B.2 Example

B.2.1 General

Assume that an air flow rate of 80 l/min at 1 bar and 20 °C is required at the burner:

Flowmeter 1 : Calibrated to operate at 2,4 bar absolute and 15 °C, but to indicate
l/min at 1 bar and 15 °C

Flowmeter 2 : Calibrated to operate at 1 bar absolute and 20 °C, but to indicate

l/min at 1 bar and 20 °C

Assume that the air supply pressure up to and including the flowmeters is altematively at 1 bar (see B.2.2)
or at 2,4 bar (see B.2.3), and 20 °C.

The calibration correction factor is given as follows:

P1 T 2
C= ×
P2 T1
where

T is the absolute temperature, in kelvins (K);

P is the absolute pressure, in bars (bar);
P1, T1 are the calibration conditions;
P2, T2 are the operating conditions.
 – 23 – EN 50200:2006

B.2.2 Air supplied at 1 bar

Flowmeter 1

This will require a correction factor to be used since the meter is operating in conditions removed from its
designed operating conditions:

P1 = 2,4 bar T1 = 15 °C = 288 K

P2 = 1 bar T2 = 20 °C = 293 K

Substituting these values:

2,4 293
C= × = 1,56
1 288
Thus to set a flow rate of 80 l/min at reference conditions a reading on this flowmeter of 125 l/min
(80 x 1,56) is required.

Flowmeter 2

Since this meter is operating under its design conditions, the required flow rate of 80 l/min can be read
directly from the meter with no correction factor necessary.

B.2.3 Air supplied at 2,4 bar

Flowmeter 1

This will require a correction factor for temperature, but not for pressure since the meter is operating at its
design pressure:

P1 = 2,4 bar T1 = 15 °C = 288 K

P2 = 2,4 bar T2 = 20 °C = 293 K

Substituting these values:

2,4 293
C= × = 1,01
2,4 288

Thus to set a flow rate of 80 l/min at reference conditions, a reading of 81 l/min (1,01 x 80) on this flowmeter
is required.

Flowmeter 2

This will also require a correction factor since it is operating in conditions removed from its design
conditions:

P1 = 1 bar T1 = 20 °C = 293 K
P2 = 2,4 bar T2 = 20 °C = 293 K

Substituting these values:

1 293
C= × = 0,65
2,4 293
Thus to set a flow rate of 80 l/min at reference conditions, a reading of 52 l/min (0,65 x 80) on this flowmeter
is required.
EN 50200:2006 – 24 –

Annex C
(normative)

Fuse characteristic curve

NOTE This is taken from Figure 1a "Time-current zones for "gG" fuse-links" of HD 60269-3-1. Where a circuit
breaker is used instead of a 2 A fuse, the requirement that it shall have equivalent characteristics to the fuse should be
interpreted by reference to the zone for 2 A as delineated by the pair of curves closest to the y-axis and between
which the number "2" appears.
Time

Current I p
 – 25 – EN 50200:2006

Annex D
(informative)

Guidance for range of classification

The purpose of this annex is to provide guidance as to the derivation of the fire resistance classifications for
continuity of power supply or signal, as included in the Interpretative Document no. 2 of the Construction
Products Directive, from test data.

Functional requirement (PH) and Interpretation

The ability of electrical cables or optical cables to maintain a reliable form of power supply or signal from the
source to the safety installation(s) when exposed to fire.

The performance criterion is continuity of power supply or signal.

The PH classification refers to a constant temperature attack of a notional 842 °C.

Classification

The following classes are defined in the Interpretative Document no.2.

Classification PH 15, 30, 60, 90, 120

Two results in which the measured duration of survival equals or exceeds the stated classification
(i.e. 15, 30, 60, 90 or 120 min) are needed to obtain classification.

Range of classification

A range of cables of the same general construction and materials and differing only in conductor or fibre
size or number of conductors may be classified on the basis of the following tests:

Classification Category 1 - Single core electric power and control cables of a particular rated voltage

„ Test the smallest conductor size in the range

Classification Category 2 - Multicore electric power and control cables of a particular rated voltage

„ Test the smallest conductor size having the largest number of cores and also test the largest
conductor size having the smallest number of cores.

Classification Category 3 - Multipair/multitriple electric power and control cables of a particular rated voltage

„ Test as for Category 2 except that a test on screened pairs/triples covers unscreened types but not
vice versa and a test on multitriples covers multipairs but not vice versa.

Classification Category 4 - Electric data and communication cables

„ Test as for Category 2 or Category 3 as appropriate to the construction

Classification Category 5 - Optical fibre cables of a particular fibre type

„ Test the smallest number of fibres in the range and test the largest number of fibres in the range.
EN 50200:2006 – 26 –

Annex E
(informative)
Guidance for using optional water spray protocol

E.1 General

There is no requirement under the Construction Products Directive to withstand a water spray
when assessing resistance to fire, but such requirements may be features of national standards
or codes of practice or particular product standards.

Where the water spray requirement is needed, the requirements given in Clauses 4 to 10 of this
Standard shall apply with the modifications in E.2.

E.2 Modifications for optional water spray protocol

Subclause 4.1

The duration of survival, measured in minutes, to the point of failure shall be recorded for each
cable tested up to a maximum survival time of 30 min, with the water spray being applied for the
last 15 min of the test.

Subclause 6.1 add

f) A water spray device as follows:

The water spray bar shall consist of a metallic tube (copper or stainless steel) of nominal thickness 1,00 mm
and overall diameter (15,5 ± 1,0 ) mm, closed at one end and open at the other to allow the inflow of water.

The tube shall have one row of 17 holes of nominal 0,85 mm diameter drilled on 30 mm centres as shown in
Figure E.1.

The bar shall be positioned centrally with respect to the test sample as shown in Figure E.2.

The output of water from the bar shall be at a flow rate of (0,80 ± 0,05) l/min. This shall be verified by
volumetric measurement.

The tube shall be capable of adjustment such that the resulting water spray is centralised around the burned
portion of the test sample.

The use of a metal plate device over the burner to avoid ingress of water is permitted. If a plate is used, the
calibration shall be carried out with the metal plate in place.

NOTE 1 A steel plate of suitable thickness extending horizontally approximately 12 mm from the burner face and
fixed approximately 12 mm vertically above the centre line of the burner has been found to be satisfactory

NOTE 2 If the metal plate device is not used the flame is likely to be extinguished. In such cases the gas supply
should be turned off and a new test carried out.

Subclause 9.3

Ignite the burner and adjust the propane and air flow rates to those obtained during the verification
procedure (see Clause 7).
 – 27 – EN 50200:2006

Immediately after igniting the burner, switch on the electricity supply as indicated in 9.4, activate the shock
producing device and start the test duration timer. The shock producing device shall impact the wall after
5 min ± 10 s from activation and subsequently at 5 min ± 10 s intervals.

After 15 min and with the flame and shock still being applied, the water spray shall be started. The
application of water shall continue until the end-point of the test.

Subclause 9.5

The test shall be continued either:

i) until 15 min of fire and impact alone, followed by 15 min of fire, impact and water (total 30 min)
has been completed, or
ii) to the point of failure.

Clause 10 add

k) The application of water spray (if applied)

l) The survival time achieved in accordance with this Annex E

Key

1 inflow of water 3 metallic tube – Diameter = (15,5 ± 1,0) mm

2 closed end H 17 holes at nominal 30 mm centres

Figure E.1 - Water spray tube

EN 50200:2006 – 28 –

All dimensions in millimetres

Key

1 test wall 5 burner

2 water spray tube 6 spray directed at sample
3 test sample 7 centre point of spray
4 metal plate (see note in E.2)

Figure E.2 - Water spray application

 – 29 – EN 50200:2006

Bibliography

The following documents are referenced in the text for information.

EN 1363-1 Fire resistance tests - Part 1: General requirements

EN 61034-1 Measurement of smoke density of cables burning under defined conditions -

Part 1: Test apparatus (IEC 61034-1)
BS EN
50200:2006
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