As seen in many fires, cables are actually a potential source of danger in spreading fire. Most of the time, cables, flame, smoke and toxic gases can carry far from the point of fire. On the other hand, they are the key to protection against fire because they support warning and control systems. Therefore, the importance of cable testing is very important.

Within the scope of fire resistance tests, many performance tests are applied to the cables. The main tests performed in this context are as follows:

• Single cable burning test: A single cable sample is taken and flame is applied as described in the standards. During this test, it is observed how long the cable endures against the flame and how far the flame moves along the cable during the test.
• Combustion test in bundled cables: In some systems, some cables are used bundled. This test determines the fire resistance of the cables and how they affect each other. Standing cables are more resistant to flames than a single cable. Because air gaps between the cables accelerate combustion. In addition, a burning cable can easily ignite a solid cable. Especially in large buildings, the cables are passed through a single channel and a combustion occurring on one floor can quickly reach other floors. Therefore, fire resistant and high performance cables should be used in buildings. During this test, the cable samples are connected together and bundled together in a container and 20-40 is flame-held for minutes as described in the standards. During this test it is observed how far the wiring harness endures against the flame and how far the flame travels along the cable during the test.
• Burning droplet test: In case of flaming of the cable, the insulation, filling and sheath materials on the cable burn and the burning parts fall around. This will cause a fire or a fire to grow. The burning droplet test is performed to detect this effect.
• Smoke density test: Cables have the potential to generate too much smoke during combustion. This can lead to fatal consequences due to the closure of the field of view during escape and causing poisoning. During this test, first determine how many cables will be tested, depending on the diameter of the cable. These cables are then burned together with the fuel mixture in a closed cube according to the method described in the relevant standards. The extent to which the light transmittance of the cube, which was initially 100 per cent, is reduced by the smoke generated when the cables are burnt is measured. The light transmittance should not fall below 60 percent. The smoke intensity test simulates the first 40 minute, which is the critical time to escape in the event of a fire. The expectation is that the cable will emit low-intensity smoke in case of combustion.
• Halogen acid gas quantity test: This test is used to measure the effect of the gases produced while the cables are burning. The pH and conductivity values ​​of the burning cable materials are measured during the test. Acidic gases generated when the cables are burned, both affect the health of people and other living things and cause the deterioration of the electronic devices in the environment.
• Combustion test under voltage: Cables should normally be capable of conducting current at a temperature of the lowest 750 degree. This test is performed to determine how long the cable can conduct current in such an environment. In general, these cables are expected to conduct current for at least 3 hours. Ventilation fans, smoke pressure systems, fire elevators, fire water pumps and fire alarm systems are required to work especially in buildings where people are in bulk. The cables used in these systems must function even during a fire. During the test, the cables are expected to conduct continuous current for at least three hours. In addition, the 15 must not cause any short circuit during minute cooling.

During the tests carried out by the authorized laboratories, the legal regulations in force are complied with while the standards issued by domestic and foreign organizations are taken into consideration. The main standards used in these studies are as follows:

• TS EN 60332-1-2 Cables - Tests on electrical and fiber optic cables under fire conditions - Part 1-2: Vertical flame propagation test for a single insulated wire or cable - Process for 1 kw premixed flame
• TS EN 60332-1-3 ... Section 1-3: Vertical flame propagation test for a single insulated wire or cable - Process for the identification of flame droplets / particles
• TS EN 60332-2-2 ... Part 2-2: Vertical flame propagation test for a single insulated small wire or cable - Process for diffusion flame
• TS EN 60332-3-21 ... Section 3-21: Test for vertical flame spread of bundled wires or cables mounted vertically - Category af / r
• TS EN 60332-3-22 ... Section 3-22: Vertical flame propagation test of bundled wires or cables mounted vertically - Category a
• TS EN 60332-3-23 ... Section 3-23: Test for vertical flammability of vertically mounted bundled wires or cables - Category b
• TS EN 60332-3-24 ... Section 3-24: Vertical flame propagation test of bundled wires or cables mounted vertically - Category c
• TS EN 60332-3-25 ... Section 3-25: Vertical flame propagation test of bundled wires or cables mounted vertically - Category d
• TS EN 61034-2 Measurement of smoke density of burning cables under specified conditions - Part 2: Test procedure and rules
• TS EN 60754-1 Cables - Test for gases released during combustion of electrical cables - Part 1: Determination of the amount of halogen acid gas
• TS EN 60754-2 Testing of gases released during combustion of materials used in cables - Part 2: Determination of acidity and conductivity (by pH measurement)