Independent testing at Exova Warringtonfire has earned the Firefly fire clips eight fire safety certificates.
The clips, which have just won ‘Industrial Product of the Year’ in the prestigious Electrical Industry Awards 2017, fit on the inside or outside of Marshall-Tufflex mini/maxi trunking and conduit, holding cables secure in the event of a fire to ensure escape routes remain free and accessible.
In tests conducted at Warringtonfire using Prysmian Plus fire alarm cable, the clips remained in place as temperatures reached 930ºC for two hours. The test included a shock and water spray trial.
“Falling or hanging cables can pose a major safety hazard in the event of a building fire,” said Marshall-Tufflex Technical Services Manager, Nick Hayler. “These latest tests underline just how effective Firefly clips are at preventing this, even in very high temperatures and over a period of time; their spring-loaded design means they embed themselves tighter into a substructure as fire takes hold, making it almost impossible for overhead cables to fall.”
Firefly clips are compliant with Amendment 3 of BS 7671:2008 of the Wiring Regulations which requires cabling above escape routes to be supported by fire-resistant fastenings and fixings to prevent collapse in extreme heat. Installation of the clips also satisfies fire regulations prohibiting the use of non-metallic clips or plastic trunking as the sole means of support for cables.
Firefly clips fix to walls and ceilings and are designed to be quick and easy to install and do not reduce the usable space for cables. The internal version fits within trunking prior to cable installation, the external version can be retrofitted. Firefly clips are also available in kits which include specifically designed, fully compliant fixings for either masonry or cavity walls that will also ensure that the wiring stays in place.
