ULC-S139-00

1. SCOPe 1.1 The intent of this fire test method is to determine the integrity of electrical cables which are evaluated for their ability to maintain circuit integrity at a specified voltage potential relative to ground and other conductors. Leakage current per unit length of cable shall also be quantified. 1.2 Cables are exposed to a fire of standard time and temperature (see Figure 1) and optionally, to the application of a hose stream. During the fire test, cables shall be continuously energized at a minimum voltage or at their rated voltage while measurements are made of insulation resistance. Following the fire test, the assembly may be subjected to a hose stream test after which the cable shall be tested for circuit integrity. Insulation resistance measurements shall also be taken to quantify leakage current. 1.3 Because these requirements are intended to cover electrical cables for a variety of applications, not all of which would require hose stream testing, the hose stream test is optional. Authorities having jurisdiction shall be consulted concerning the requirement for the hose stream rating for any specific installation. 1.4 The performance of the electrical cables is expressed in terms of the retention of vital electrical performance characteristics at various increments of fire endurance time, as follows: Circuit Integrity Rating: ____h with hose stream or, where the hose stream test is not conducted; Circuit Integrity Rating: ____h without hose stream. 1.5 The fire exposure and hose stream tests are not intended to be representative of all fire conditions. It is likely that conditions will vary with changes in the amount, nature, and distribution of fire loading, ventilation, compartment size and configuration and, heat conducting and dissipating characteristics of the compartment in which the electrical cables are installed. These requirements provide a relative measure of fire performance of comparable assemblies under these specified fire exposure conditions. It is possible that any variation from the construction or operating condition tested, such as size, method or assembly and materials, will substantially change the electrical performance characteristics of the cables. 1.6 The results of these tests represent one factor in determining the acceptability of electrical cables for use in specific applications. Application of these test results to predict electrical performance of cables in actual installations requires careful evaluation. 1.7 The prescription of the standardized fire and hose stream exposures for comparing the performance of electrical cables represents one factor in determining the acceptability of cables for use in specific applications. 1.8 The construction and operation of the furnace and the general test conditions are intended to be identical to those provided for in CAN/ULC-S101, Standard Methods for Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials, except where other fire exposures are used as allowed in Clause 3.4.1.