INFIT™ fits right in to fight fires
How material science can save your life
Ceramic/polymer synergy for a first-class cable
To insure the integrity of flexible cable insulation during a fire, the cable industry has traditionally used two technologies: fire resistant mica-taping and ceramic-forming silicone rubbers.
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- Strong but stiff: Insulation based on mica-taping has been largely used since the eighties. It is easily implemented on an industrial scale and gives a hard and good electrical insulation when over-coated with cross-linked polyethylene. Unfortunately, cables produced with this technology are stiff and much more difficult to strip and connect.
- Flexible but vulnerable: Silicone rubber insulation was an efficient alternative to mica-taping. Its direct extrusion on the conductors gives a good compromise between fire-performance and ease of installation. However, intrinsic poor mechanical resistance (especially to cuts and tears) can lead to serious degradation during installation.
INFIT™ is a unique innovative technology, developed and patented by Nexans, which combines in a polymeric material the advantages of a tough mica-tape layer and extruded silicone insulation. It offers rigidity and handling ease of traditional mica tape/XLPE cables and strippability and easy installation of flexible silicone rubber insulated cables.
![]() "Cool" insulating protection in a very hot place |
The development of this technology was based on the synergy between ceramic science and the latest polymer science.
The first challenge was to develop a plastic that would turn into a ceramic shield and effective insulation in a very short time no matter how dramatic the temperature rise. The second was to achieve this through a formulated polymeric extrudable material (not a powder) which would meet the very demanding standards of the cable industry.
Nexans patented INFIT™ meets many worldwide cable standards according to the most rigorous product quality and safety criteria. Nexans cables insulated with INFIT™, called ALSECURE® PREMIUM, can steadily deliver up to 1 kV at 1,000°C for several hours, exhibiting greater char cohesion and electrical insulation properties.
This innovation sets a new bench-mark for the entire industry.
Nexans patented INFIT™ meets many worldwide cable standards according to the most rigorous product quality and safety criteria. Nexans cables insulated with INFIT™, called ALSECURE® PREMIUM, can steadily deliver up to 1 kV at 1,000°C for several hours, exhibiting greater char cohesion and electrical insulation properties.
This innovation sets a new bench-mark for the entire industry.