In modern buildings and infrastructures, it is vital to ensure the continued operation of critical systems under extreme conditions such as fire, and Lifeline® fire rated cables are the industry's leading solution for a wide range of life-safety systems, providing a solid safeguard for power and communications. This article will provide you with an in-depth analysis of the technical characteristics, product types, certification standards and application areas of Lifeline® fire-resistant cables, to help you make an informed choice in your project.

What is Lifeline® fire protection cable?

Lifeline® is a high-performance fire-resistant cable brand of Prysmian Group. It adopts a unique ceramicized silicone technology, which forms a strong ceramic layer under high temperature to protect the conductor from flame and water, ensuring the continuous operation of critical systems in a fire. The series of products have passed many international certifications such as UL 2196, ULC-S139 and IEC 60331, meeting the stringent requirements for life safety systems around the world.

Core Technical Advantages of Lifeline® Fire-Rated Cables

Ceramicized Silicone Insulation Technology
Lifeline® cables are insulated with ceramicized silica gel, which transforms into a strong ceramic layer at high fire temperatures, effectively protecting the conductors and ensuring that the cable maintains its electrical integrity during a fire.
Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) Sheathing
The cable sheath is made of low-smoke, non-halogenated materials that produce minimal smoke and toxic gases during combustion, improving evacuation safety and minimizing secondary damage to electronic equipment.
Numerous international certifications
Lifeline® cables have the following approvals to ensure their worldwide suitability:
UL 2196: U.S. Fire-Rated Cable Testing Standard for two-hour fire resistance testing for horizontal and vertical installations.
ULC-S139: Canadian fire test standard for cables, applicable to the RC90 series.
IEC 60331-25: International Electrotechnical Commission standard for testing cable integrity under fire conditions, applicable to QFCI fiber optic cables.

Lifeline® Fire-Rated Cable Product Line

1. RHW-2 Power Cables
Designed for use in EMT and XW Breathsaver® phenolic conduits, RHW-2 cables are UL 2196 two-hour fire-resistant and are widely used in life safety and emergency circuits.
2. MC and MC LSZH Metal Sheathed Cables
The MC and MC LSZH series are self-contained, metal-sheathed cables that require no additional conduit for easy installation. The LSZH models have a low-smoke, halogen-free jacket and are suitable for use in locations with stringent smoke and toxicity requirements.
3. QFCI Fiber Optic Cable
QFCI is the first fiber optic cable to be UL flame certified for sustained operation in fires up to 1000°C for more than three hours for critical communications and emergency response systems.
4. RC90 cables (Canada-specific)
Designed for the Canadian market, the RC90 series is ULC-S139 certified for horizontal and vertical installations and meets the requirements of the National Building and Electrical Codes of Canada.

Applications for Lifeline® Fire-Rated Cables

Lifeline® cables are widely used in the following critical systems to ensure continuous operation in emergency situations such as fires:
Fire pumps
Emergency ventilation systems
Stairwell pressurization systems
Emergency lighting systems
Backup power systems
Emergency feeder cables
Elevator and OEO Systems
Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)
In addition, Lifeline® cables are used in the following applications:
Medical facilities
High-rise/commercial/public buildings
Educational Institutions/Dormitories
Auditoriums/Stadiums
Museums
Transportation Tunnels and Stations
Road Tunnels
Petrochemical facilities

Advantages of Lifeline® fire rated cables

Superior fire performance: the cable maintains its electrical integrity under extreme fire conditions, ensuring the continued operation of critical systems.
Easy to install: Lifeline® cables are easier to install than mineral insulated (MI) cables and concrete encased methods, saving time and costs.
Cost-effective: Lifeline® cables are far cheaper to install and maintain than traditional fire protection cables, making them more cost-effective.
Multiple international approvals: UL, ULC and IEC approvals are available to meet compliance requirements in the global marketplace.

In life safety systems, choosing the right fireproof cable is crucial. Lifeline® fireproof cable has become the first choice for many projects around the world due to its excellent fireproof performance, convenient installation and high cost performance. Whether you are an architectural designer, engineering contractor, or facility manager, Lifeline® cable can provide reliable protection for your project and ensure the continuous operation of critical systems in emergencies.