Low smoke and fume type cables for BNFL Sellafield Works

Performance under fire conditions has been an important factor in cable design for many years. Indeed, mineral insulated cable which continues to be extensively used for many fire safety applications has been manufactured for over 60 years. The unique design which excludes organic materials was patented nearly a century ago and does not propagate fire nor produce smoke and fumes. However, fire safety is only one of many parameters to be considered when selecting a cable type. Here, the development of low smoke and fume (LSF) type cables and the factors which led to their use by BNFL are reviewed by the author