inspection to ensure long term integrity . For example , the Spelsberg WKE fire protection box can be rapidly accessed by maintenance and safety teams via four screws positioned in the enclosure cover . This lid is held in place by a cover retainer lanyard to prevent loss during inspection while unauthorised access can be prevented thanks to a safety seal .
Spelsberg WKE Lifeline cable junction and connection box are manufactured exclusively from high-quality materials that are heat and fire resistant .
Threats also remain in the longer term . In the event of any high temperatures , concrete can conduct heat and retain it over an extended duration , sufficient to degrade or damage any enclosed electrical connections . Embedded electrical connections could also be exposed to hidden moisture or damp conditions , which could corrode and damage junctions . However , to deal with either of these situations , the inherent challenge of embedded systems is inspection : the only way to make a visual check is to drill in or completely expose the electrical junction .
Fire-resistant polycarbonate Using enclosures manufactured from specially treated polycarbonate resistant to flame and heat can protect electrical junctions in the event of a fire . As polycarbonate is non-conductive during fire or heat exposure , the enclosures also prevent the risk of short circuit . Protection features such as ceramic terminal blocks inside the enclosure , resistant to high heat , also help to protect the connections .
Combining these features in a surface-mounted enclosure can ensure electrical integrity for up to 90 minutes , according to the E30-E90 electrical functional integrity standard . This testing and recognition are the hallmark for fire-and heat-protected enclosures like the Spelsberg WKE Lifeline cable junction and connection box .
However , an enclosure designed specifically for fire protection and wall mounting also needs to form a barrier against more than flame and heat . These special junction boxes need to withstand water ingress from sprinkler systems and high-pressure hoses , so an IP66 rating is also key . An IK08 impact protection rating should also apply to defend electrical connections from force , which is another advantage of designing with high-strength polycarbonate .
Easy access for installation and maintenance While appropriately designed , externally fitted enclosures can provide sufficient fire defence , the significant advantage of easy access also enables frequent
To speed up a project for installers , wall-mounted , fire-resistant enclosures really come into their own . Just like a standard junction box , these casings can be installed wherever required or convenient for the environment , without needing to make precise design plans in advance . In the case of the Spelsberg WKE , the enclosure can be quickly mounted in situ by two external lugs that can be rotated 90 degrees .
Inside the box , the terminal block can also be adjusted through three positions , including 0 , 45 and 90 degrees , and cables can be quickly and securely inserted with additional metric cable glands .
Enclosure specialisation Depending on the design of the building or installation , enclosure specification for fire protection can often gain from specialist support . This could range from advising on the right type of enclosure to meet the electrical connection needs of the installation , whether that ’ s a high-rise block of flats or an underground railway , as well as ensuring that the required safety compliance is met for the environment .
Achieving fire safety for electrical connections is essential for building managers , maintenance teams , and electrical installers . At the same time , project time pressures for rapid installation always remain . However , wall-mounted enclosures that meet E30-E90 fire and heat resistance , and also enable rapid installation and maintenance access , are an ideal solution to meet these challenges .
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Issue 72 PECM 65