INFIT™ fits right in to fight fires

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.

Microscopic “landscape” of a ceramified INFIT™ CABLE

• 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

In the event of a fire, INFIT™ transforms the insulation from a flexible plastic covering to a tough insulating ceramic layer to assure circuit-integrity (i.e. no breaks or short circuits) to keep alarms, exit lighting, elevators, pumps, public address systems, and fans operating.

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.