Helukabel (N)HXH-FE 180/E 90 Fire-Resistant Power Cable

The Helukabel (N)HXH-FE 180/E 90 is a halogen-free fire-resistant 0.6/1 kV power and security cable for circuits that must keep operating during a fire. The data sheet gives two separate ratings: FE 180, insulation integrity under direct flame for 180 minutes (IEC 60331), and E 90, functional maintenance of the cable system for at least 90 minutes, tested to DIN 4102 part 12. The orange polyolefin sheath, glass-fibre tape core wrapping and halogen-free materials give low smoke and no corrosive gases.

Technical specifications

What FE 180 and E 90 mean in practice

FE 180 describes the cable on its own: the insulation stays intact under direct flame for the 180-minute test period. E 90 describes the installed cable system: functional maintenance for at least 90 minutes under the test method of DIN 4102 part 12, which depends on the fixings, trays and supports used. The data sheet links the 90 minutes to the functional performance of water-pressure-rising stations, smoke and heat extraction in safety stairways and inner rooms, fire brigade lifts and emergency lifts for hospital beds. Do not treat the cable alone as a certified system: the cable rating applies only with the installation method that was tested.

Helukabel also lists a lower E 30 variant for the same family. Choose the rating the project fire-engineering report requires, and keep the supports and fixings within the tested system. The halogen-free sheath avoids darkening of emergency exits and does not hinder fire-fighting. For non-safety feeders where no fire-resistant function is needed, the standard N2XH is the more economical halogen-free choice.

Sizes

Selection checks before ordering

Start from the fire-engineering report or the consultant specification for the building, not from the cable alone. Confirm which circuits need the E 90 functional maintenance rating and which only need FE 180 insulation integrity, because the two ratings answer different questions. Then match each circuit to a part number from the size table by core count and cross-section, and check the voltage drop and current-carrying capacity calculations against the routing length and the grouping on the tray. Where the specification calls for a particular test standard, compare it word for word with the standards listed on the data sheet rather than assuming equivalence. Single-core sizes and multi-core sizes route differently, so agree the layout with the installer before the quantity is fixed.

Matching the cable to the tested support system

The E 90 result belongs to the cable together with its supports. Ask the installer which tray, ladder, clamp and anchor arrangement they intend to use and whether it corresponds to the tested installation method. Mixing the fire-resistant cable onto supports that were not part of the test, or sharing a tray with ordinary cables whose supports may fail early, can undermine the functional maintenance the project is paying for. Record the chosen method on the cable schedule so the inspector and the authority having jurisdiction can trace it later.

Installation and commissioning

Handle drums carefully and keep them off sharp edges; damage to the sheath or the core wrapping during pulling is not always visible afterwards. Respect the minimum bending radius from the specification table at every bend, at tray transitions and at gland entries, and avoid pulling the cable over rough edges. Use glands, seals and terminations suited to a halogen-free safety circuit so that the termination point does not become the weak link. Fire-stopping at wall and floor penetrations should be carried out with a system approved for the penetration type, and the details should be photographed before the opening is closed.

Before energising, carry out insulation resistance and continuity tests in line with the project test plan and the applicable wiring regulations, and record results per circuit. Check core identification at both ends against the drawings, label each cable with its circuit reference, and confirm that the circuit is connected to the correct safety-rated supply. Hand over the test sheets with the data sheet so the fire-safety file is complete.

Operating environment in Oman and the GCC

Cable routes in Gulf plants and buildings often pass through hot plant rooms, roof spaces and outdoor runs where the surrounding temperature is far higher than in a temperate climate. Compare the expected ambient conditions on each route with the temperature range on the data sheet, and apply the derating factors required by the design standard for high ambient temperature and cable grouping. Shade outdoor runs where possible and keep cables away from hot surfaces such as exhaust ducts and steam lines.

Fine dust and occasional humidity near the coast mean that open ends should be sealed while cable is stored or waiting for termination, and that panels and junction boxes should keep their enclosures closed. During periodic maintenance, inspect safety circuits visually for sheath damage, loose supports, disturbed fire-stopping and unauthorised additions to the tray, and repeat insulation tests at the interval set by the building maintenance plan.

Documents and quotation

The Helukabel data sheet is attached (dated 16.04.2015; confirm the current revision when ordering). Seven Star LLC supplies Helukabel cables in Oman against the part number. Specify core count, cross-section, required fire rating and the project fire standard before ordering. Related products are in the electrical and power category.