BS 8436:2011

This standard BS 8436:2011 Electric cables. Specification for 300/500 V screened electric cables having low emission of smoke and corrosive gases when affected by fire, for use in walls, partitions and building voids. Multicore cables is classified in these ICS categories:

• 29.060.20 Cables
• 13.220.99 Other standards related to protection against fire

• This British Standard specifies requirements and test methods for the construction and performance of cables that:

• have a thermosetting insulation of rated voltage 300/500 V;

• emit limited amounts of smoke (see 15.5) and corrosive gases when subjected to relevant tests;

• are primarily intended for use in walls, partitions and building voids;

• have a screen that can carry the fault current required for a selected size and type of protective device, that operates within a given time if the cable is penetrated by a nail or similar fixing (see 16.4).

To achieve a satisfactory safety performance of the cable when installed, both the selection of protective device and the maximum current rating is critical.

NOTE 1 See Clause 12 for the requirements of the safe selection of protective devices and maximum current rating of cables.

It is applicable to 2-core, 3-core and 4-core cables with an uninsulated, full-size circuit protective conductor and metallic screening.

NOTE 2 A guide to the use of the cables specified in this British Standard is given in Annex A.