Mechanical and electrical (M&E) services require fire protection to maintain function of certain essential electrical and/or mechanical systems and services, and also to prevent fire, smoke and toxic fume propagation from one building compartment to another.

It is necessary to ensure the continued function of essential electrical systems and services is maintained during fire, for a specified period of time, until all the building occupants have escaped. Electrical systems that need protection from fire may include:

• Electrically operated fire alarms
• Emergency escape route lighting
• Electrically operated extinguishing systems
• Smoke extraction venting systems
• Power supply for fire service elevators in high-rise buildings
• Water mains supply and pumps servicing sprinkler systems
• Essential life support and/or computer, communication or information technology networks

In general, coatings to cables are designed to restrict the spread of flame along the cables and thus reduce propagation of fire. Thin film coatings will maintain circuit integrity to small diametrical cables in restricted applications. The specifier must use with caution when recommending cable coatings to ensure the performance criteria clearly matches their expectations and requirements.

If there is any doubt regarding performance of cable coating and the maintenance of the circuit integrity is imperative, the specifier should consider the use of a board cladding system/ a full M&E enclosure. For further clarification and assistance, please consult Promat.