Fire-resistant cable trays in Kazakhstan must comply with local technical regulations, use appropriate materials for environmental conditions, and incorporate fireproofing measures to ensure operational reliability during fire events.

Regulatory Compliance and Standards

In Kazakhstan, cable trays and associated accessories must meet the Technical Regulation of the Customs Union (TR CU 012/2011) and other EAC standards, ensuring safety and certification compliance for both indoor and outdoor installations . Contractors are responsible for confirming full compliance with all technical and certification requirements and must document any deviations during the tendering phase . Equipment should be suitable for ambient temperatures from -45°C to +40°C and designed for a minimum service life of 20 years .

Material Selection and Tray Types

• Indoor installations: Painted steel or galvanized trays are recommended.
• Outdoor installations: Hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel trays provide corrosion resistance.
• High humidity or corrosive environments: Aluminum alloy or fiberglass-reinforced plastic trays are preferred .
• Tray width and thickness should be selected based on the number and weight of cables, ensuring mechanical strength to prevent deformation under full load .
• Finishes available in Kazakhstan include hot-dip galvanized, deep galvanized, pre-galvanized, stainless steel, and powder-coated trays .

Fire-Resistant Cable Types

• Mica-tape cables: Each core is wrapped with mica-based tape, forming a ceramic insulation during fire, preventing short circuits. Examples include KUIN-SP FR, FRLS, FRHF .
• Mineral-insulated cables: High fire resistance with cores enclosed in compressed mineral insulation, suitable for critical circuits.
• Shielded fire-resistant cables: Include additional screening to prevent electromagnetic interference, important for fire alarms and communication systems .
• Fire-resistant cables must remain operational at temperatures up to 750°C for at least 180 minutes .

Installation Best Practices

• Route planning: Align cable trays with building structures, avoid unnecessary crossings, and maintain the shortest, straightest paths .
• Segregation: Separate power and signal cables to minimize electromagnetic interference .
• Thermal expansion: Account for expansion of metal support systems during fire to prevent cable failure .
• Fastening and support: Use appropriate brackets, clamps, and fixings to secure trays while allowing for thermal movement .
• Fire protection coatings: Products like FLAMMOTECT-A or DG-CR 0.7 can be applied to enhance fire resistance and protect against environmental factors such as UV, moisture, and chemicals .

Additional Considerations

• Ensure all materials and equipment are new and unused .
• Follow the “snake” laying principle for fire-resistant cables to accommodate thermal expansion .
• Regular inspection and maintenance are recommended to maintain fire safety and operational reliability. By adhering to these standards and best practices, fire-resistant cable tray installations in Kazakhstan can achieve maximum safety, durability, and compliance with local regulations.