FP 200 and insulating tape

[pickleye]

Hi Guys,

Just a quick question, at college I was taught, when using FP200, to wrap a bit of tape around the sheath to hold the earth sleeving in place.

At work, the lad who is training me never bothers, but doesn't bother with a lot of things - another story.

We had a fire alarm engineer come out to do a commissioning for our company and he did. What do you do? :C

 

[spinlondon]

I prefer to do it myself, not to hold the sleeving, just to tidy it up and cover the sharp edges of the outer cable.

 

[sellers]

I prefer to do it myself, not to hold the sleeving, just to tidy it up and cover the sharp edges of the outer cable.

Yes! I also find fp insultion on the cores very soft, so like spin says, a bit of extra protection where stripped.

 

[sparkytim]

The original version had such a hard sheath that they used to supply ferrels to slip over the end to protect the soft skinned conductor insulation.

 

[pickleye]

Thanks guys, makes more sense than holding the sleeving on, that we were told.

Just found out I'm getting my AM2 in June or July, so, I want to brush up of practices.

Thanks again

 

[Larnacaman]

I get the impression that MICC/Pyro isn't used that often in the UK these days for fire alarm installations and the like. Probably because it's way more expensive than FP 200. and in labour costs for installation...

Most of the projects i work on, MICC is always the standard called for.

Is MICC/Pyro installation methods etc still taught as part of C&G course work etc??

 

[m4tty]

I get the impression that MICC/Pyro isn't used that often in the UK these days for fire alarm installations and the like. Probably because it's way more expensive than FP 200. and in labour costs for installation...Most of the projects i work on, MICC is always the standard called for.

Is MICC/Pyro installation methods etc still taught as part of C&G course work etc??

I was taught it on my 2330 2 years ago so I believe it is still part of it. However not had any dealings with it as yet.

 

[Andy™]

Is MICC/Pyro installation methods etc still taught as part of C&G course work etc??

it was a few years ago. done the odd job with pyro whilst working for council, but never used the stuff since

 

[Evans Electric]

Pickle, the idea of the tape on FP , is to hold the cores away from the edge of the metalic outersheath . The silicon insulation is quite fragile , it doesn't like being jammed into the back of boxes either .

 

[pickleye]

When I did my C&G 2330 a couple of years ago, I asked about pyro and told it was still in syllabus but could be substituted with other fire resistant cable.

Since the cleaners complain about cleaning up the dust! (and the cost) we were not taught it.

We did a disabled kids home extension this time last year and it was speckd with micc. We asked if we could use FP200 for the modifications but were declined. Yey! I got to work with the pyro and taught how to make off the pots and do the testing. A dozen or so ends and a good length of cable - all good

I've never used it since other than adding FP to it or stripping it out

 

[Evans Electric]

Meet loads of guys these days who have not worked with pyro as there now modern materials for fire retarding properties .

Pyro (MICC) is probably the safest cable ever , completly non combustible with greater current carrying capacity, 1.5 for ring mains Eh !

 

[Andy™]

Pyro (MICC) is probably the safest cable ever , completly non combustible with greater current carrying capacity, 1.5 for ring mains Eh !

and will probably last forever, and survive floods (providing ends are properly made) & living in dampness under floors etc

its just too expensive and time consuming

 

[Sidewinder]

IIRC it was the only thing to survive the Channel Tunnel fire and come out working!

 

[Larnacaman]

pickleye,

There are several different grades of termination pots and sealants, mainly for different temperature ratings, upto 250C. But generally standard pots seals, sealant and tail tubing are good for -50C to 105C...

Good to hear that at least some collages are still training in the use of MICC cable, it serves many a useful service in the industry. Those that let cleaners dictate the collage curriculum leaves a lot to be desired!!!

 

[pickleye]

Sadly Larnacaman the cleaners did dictated the curriculum in that instance. I was shown MICC with standard pots and seals by the lad I'am apprenticed to.

He's been in the biz 16 years (but still younger than me).

Yes mr evans electric, I've come across it several times in schools feeding rings In 1.5, usually when the school tells us they need more sockets adding. One or two single sockets in a class never seems to be enough.

We've just stripper out single core MICC in a school refurb, not so keen on that, apparently you can't get pots any more, so when mr builder cuts a cable you have to re-use the old pot. I've salvaged some scrap cable and will try that at a later date.

Hmmm, can you settle an argument... my mentor says FP200 has a higher current rating, as with PYRO, I said not, as it resists heat for safety but is not intended to run "hot", and isn't re-usable after heat damage - unlike the pyro in Chunnel.

Anyway boys, bedtime. Thanks for your help. I like this friendly helpful forum. Enjoy your weekend:good night:.

 

[Robin Spark]

Sadly Larnacaman the cleaners did dictated the curriculum in that instance. I was shown MICC with standard pots and seals by the lad I'am apprenticed to.He's been in the biz 16 years (but still younger than me).

Yes mr evans electric, I've come across it several times in schools feeding rings In 1.5, usually when the school tells us they need more sockets adding. One or two single sockets in a class never seems to be enough.

We've just stripper out single core MICC in a school refurb, not so keen on that, apparently you can't get pots any more, so when mr builder cuts a cable you have to re-use the old pot. I've salvaged some scrap cable and will try that at a later date.

Hmmm, can you settle an argument... my mentor says FP200 has a higher current rating, as with PYRO, I said not, as it resists heat for safety but is not intended to run "hot", and isn't re-usable after heat damage - unlike the pyro in Chunnel.

Anyway boys, bedtime. Thanks for your help. I like this friendly helpful forum. Enjoy your weekend:good night:.

Who told you that lie!

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Cable_Index/Micc/index.html

Maybe someone who hasnt got the correct tools or cant be bothered to work with it.

 

[Larnacaman]

Well, considering that MICC cable can run at upto 250C, (not exposed to touch) and even then, is only limited by the pot sealing material i'd say that FP200 wouldn't get anywhere near that.

Who said you can't get the pots/seals for single core MICC?? They are available upto 300mm!!!

We were using 95mm singles the early part of last year to supply a mortuary and Lab building., and 25mm singles to supply the sub DB's...

 

[Zeespark]

The reason for MI having conductors of less CSA than standard cables, ie 1.5 for socket outlets instead of 2.5 for everything else, is mainly down to the magnesium oxide inner insulation of MI.

AndyGuinness

 

[pickleye]

Should have said, small single core micc, i'd guess 1L1.5. Its also getting pulled out as new smoke detection going in and needs two cores.

My boss told me that the wholesalers can't get that size, never needed one yet to be honest as old systems getting updated.

 

[Manator]

I still get a few government buildings were they spec piro, main problems in the past and probably nowadays is the integrity of the pot seal, I have often seen incorrectly sealed pots which greatly reduces the capabilities of the cable. Having said that I do use FP200 when I can, and I do tape the terminations not to hold the sleeving, but as others have said it helps to reduce the risk of a short with the metal outer sleeving. It looks better as well.