Modern infrastructure relies more and more on electricity and data for their operations including lighting, power, ventilation and communications systems. All these systems have one thing in common: they need cables as a vehicle to transmit electricity and data. As per GlobalNewsWire, the cable market globally is expected to grow from USD 254 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 387.3 billion by the end of 2029. Cables can be a source of fire if exposed to high temperatures, short circuits, or voltage surges. Without proper protection, they can transmit fire, endangering lives and infrastructure. Fire resistant measures, such as protective coatings and compliant installations, help prevent fire spread, safeguard critical systems, and reduce risks of toxic smoke and structural damage in a fire incident.


Figure 1 Cables in Power Sector for Transmission (HCH ID: 3004559)

As mentioned, the absence of proper fire protection for cables significantly worsens fire incidents. Non-functioning ventilation systems reduce air quality and visibility, complicating evacuations and rescue efforts. The fire can quickly spread between compartments via unprotected cables, posing severe risks in densely occupied infrastructures like hospitals, high-rise buildings, and underground stations, where lives are at stake. In industrial settings, operational halts due to fire-related damages can result in substantial financial losses, highlighting the critical need for robust fire protection measures.
Effective fire-resistant cable protection
The industry provides different effective solutions for fire protection of cables and inhibition of its spread through electrical systems, either individually or in combination. Fire-resistant insulation helps to prevent the spread of flame. The proper spacing between high and low voltage cables reduces the risk of fire due to overheating, non-combustible conduits and trays provide physical protection against fire exposure, ensuring a safer and enhancing system resilience against potential hazards.
In addition, fire-retardant cable coatings enhance flame resistance in cables to help ensure safety and operational continuity. The cable coatings can be ablative (non-intumescent) coatings, designed for durability, provide chemical and moisture resistance, making them suitable for industrial use, or intumescent coatings that expand under heat to form an insulating char layer, offering robust fire protection for electrical installations. Their versatility extends to all cable types, including copper, aluminum, and steel, without health risks or harmful chemicals. These cable coatings are widely used in construction, transportation, and telecommunications, and meet stringent fire performance criteria, help ensuring operational integrity and reducing hazards in critical environments.
Main globally standards for cable coatings are IEC 60332-1-2 and IEEE 979, these coatings help achieve regulatory approvals (FM approval Class 3971 and IEC 332). The IEEE 979 highlights the need for effective sealing systems that can maintain the integrity under fire conditions, ensuring that fire does not spread through cable penetration. These standards do not exclude local standards, and both should be adhered to ensure adequate fire protection in cables.


Figure 2 CP-679A Plus for cable and cable trays (HCH ID: 3426882)

Hilti's contribution to fire protection with cable coatings – ablative cable coating CP 679A Plus
Hilti has long been a trusted name in passive fire protection, offering a range of high performing and value engineered fire protection solution that help to ensure peace of mind to specifiers and facilitate compliance to sustainability standards ensuring global and local codes and standards.
Hilti CP 679A Plus Cable Coating provides advanced fire protection through its innovative ablative technology. By releasing chemically bound water at temperatures above 200°C, it creates a cooling effect that prevents overheating and reduces flammable gas concentrations. Its compliance with multiple certifications, including FM Class 3971, IEC 60332-1-2, and BS476-6/7, ensures broad approval and safety standards adherence making it a high performing coating.
CP 679A Plus requires only 0.5mm of dry film thickness. This helps to considerably reduce installation time and material compared to other coatings in the market. Ideal for time-sensitive projects, the coating supports electricity owners and contractors with quick, reliable solutions for streamlined installation.
This cable coating effectively mitigates cracking risks caused by cable expansion and ensures durability with a single-pass application. It offers exceptional resistance to UV radiation, mold, mildew, moisture, oil, and chemicals, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. The coating's high-quality application is verified, ensuring a strong adhesion, flexibility, and an excellent finish. This makes Hilti CP 679A Pus a reliable, sustainable solution for fire protection in various demanding conditions.
CP 679A Plus is a melamine-free product that was developed with sustainability and the environment in mind, adhering to LEED v4 and VOC standards and with no hazardous classification under GHS.

For more information, please contact your local Hilti experts or visit your local Hilti online shop (https://www.hilti.com.ph/).

Resources:
• https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/10/29/2970682/28124/en/Cables-Materials-and-Technologies-Market-Report-2024-2029-Sustainable-Manufacturing-Partnerships-and-Collaborations-Bolsters-Opportunities.html
• https://www.wirecable.in/the-wire-and-cable-industry-fighting-the-fire/
• https://electrical.theiet.org/bs-7671/faqs/cables-and-fire-protection-faqs/
• https://network-data-cabling.co.uk/blog/cabling-fire-safety-everything-you-need-to-know/
• https://electrical-engineering-portal.com/fire-properties-of-cables
• https://dataintelo.com/report/global-cable-fireproof-coating-market