
Australian Fire Rated WS52W Cables
When a cable type is assigned a wiring system code it means that a cable, representative of its group as defined by AS/NZS 3013, has satisfied the test criteria for that rating.
In order to understand what a WS rating means, reference to section 3 of AS/NZS 3013 is recommended, however the table below gives a brief overview of how the WS ratings relate to the electrical and mechanical performance of fire rated cables and elements in both normal service and fire conditions.
WS | 1st Numeral Electrical performance |
2nd Numeral Mechanical performance |
Supplementary letter | ||
Number | Level of circuit integrity in fire condition | Number | Level of protection against mechanical damage | Water spray test applied | |
Characteristic lettering “WS” | 1 | 15 min | 1 | Light | The letter “W” shall be applied as appropriate |
2 | 30 min | 2 | Moderate | ||
3 | 60 min | 3 | Heavy | ||
4 | 90 min | 4 | Very heavy | ||
5 | 120 min | 5 | Extremely heavy |
As an example a WS52W rated cable will have the following characteristics;
- WS – be suitable for inclusion in a wiring system
- 5 – have electrical performance (circuit integrity) for 120 minutes (two hours) in a fire condition
- 2 – provide a moderate level of protection against impact damage during normal service
- W – have electrical performance (circuit integrity) following exposure to water from overhead sprinklers