FAQ
General Fundamentals
1. What is the difference between "Flame-Retardant" and "Fire-Resistive"?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a technical distinction:
- Flame Retardant: Designed to prevent the spread of fire along the cable. The cable itself may melt and stop working, but it won't act as a "wick" to propagate flames.
- Fire-Resistive (Circuit Integrity): Designed to remain operational (maintain the circuit) for a specified time (e.g., 2 hours) while directly exposed to fire.
2. What is UL 2196, and why is it so important?
UL-2196 is the testing standard for fire-resistive cable systems. A UL-2196 listed system verifies that the cable and installation method maintain electrical functionality during a fire for a specified duration.
3. What makes up a UL 2196‑certified "system," and can components be substituted?
A UL 2196 system specifies exact cable, conduit/raceway type, supports, clamps, splices, boxes, and installation spacing. Substitutions are not allowed, and any change invalidates the certification.
4. Is there a "wet rating" for fire-resistive cables?
Yes, both Lifeline® RHW‑2 and Lifeline® MC are wet rated. Lifeline® RHW‑2 is listed to UL 44 as a Type RHW‑2 conductor, which means it is rated for 90°C in both dry and wet environments, and this wet rating applies whether the cable is installed in EMT or in BreathSaver® XW phenolic conduit per FHIT.25E. Likewise, Lifeline® MC is listed as Type MC under UL 1569 and is approved for use in wet locations when installed with our LSZH jacketing, making it suitable for tunnels, outdoor environments, and other moisture‑prone installations without compromising its UL 2196 fire‑resistive system rating.
Code Compliance
5. Are fire-resistive cables required in all buildings?
Generally, no. NEC 70, Article 700.10(D) defines the buildings requiring 2 hr. fire protection for critical circuits:
- Assembly occupancies for not less than 1000 people
- Buildings above 23 m (75 ft) in height
- Educational occupancies with more than 300 occupants
Additionally, codes like NFPA 72 or NFPA 101 mandate the needs for "Pathway Survivability." This usually applies to high-rise buildings, hospitals, and tunnels where "defend-in-place" or phased evacuation is necessary, requiring fire alarms and emergency communications to function long after a fire starts.
6. What codes require the use of 2-hour fire-rated cables?
NFPA codes and NEC articles referencing fire-resistive cable systems include:
- NEC Articles 517, 695, 700, 708, 728 (772 per NEC 2026), 760 (healthcare, fire pump, emergency feeders, COPS, fire alarm)
- NFPA 72 (pathway survivability Level 2/3)
- NFPA 101, NFPA 130, NFPA 502 — These codes require 2-hour survivability for emergency circuits in many occupancies.
7. Can I mix different brands of fire-resistive cables?
No. Per NEC Article 772 (previously 728), fire-resistive cables must be installed as a complete system. This means you must use the specific brand of conduit, couplings, connectors, supports, lubricants and bushings, etc. that were tested with that specific cable in the UL "FHIT" (Electrical Circuit Integrity System) listing. Combining unapproved brands may void compliance.
Common Misconceptions
8. What are the most common misconceptions about 2-hour fire-rated cable systems?
Misconception A — "If a room is 2-hr rated, I don't need 2-hr cable."
Inside the 2-hr room this can be true, but once the circuit leaves the room, it must transition to an approved 2-hr wiring or protective method.
Misconception B — "Adding conduit improves any fire-rated cable."
False. A cable must only be installed in a raceway if the UL 2196 listing includes that raceway.
Misconception C — "Any splicing method is acceptable."
Only UL-approved splice kits for the specific FHIT system may be used when installed in the fire zone it serves.
Misconception D — "Pulling other wires through the same conduit as fire-resistive cables is OK."
No. You cannot install standard building wire or communication cables in the same conduit as fire-resistive cables. The melting of the standard wire could cause a short circuit or chemical reaction that compromises the 2-hour performance of the resistive cable.
My Account
9. What are the benefits of creating an account?
By creating an account on our portal, you can manage your RFQs more efficiently without having to re-enter your company information each time—only project-specific details will be required. Additionally, with an account you'll be able to view the complete history of all your requests.
10. How can I create an account?
You can create a free account by completing the simple form with your company details at: https://lifeline.kablee.com/registration
11. Forgot your password?
If you've forgotten your account password, you can reset it at: https://lifeline.kablee.com/forgot-password
How to Create a Request For Quotation
12. Can I submit a Request for Quotation without having an account on the platform?
Yes, you can submit an RFQ without creating an account.
13. How can I add products to my Request for Quotation?
- Search for products of interest using the search bar or by browsing through categories. Next to each product you'll find an "Add to request" button.
- Specify the required length and click "Add to RFQ."
14. How can I specify custom lengths for products in my Request for Quotation?
If you already have specific lengths for each cable, after indicating the total length you need, you can specify individual quantities and lengths for each item.
