Real scale tests on cable tray fires to simulate actual end user's condition

Six real scale cable tray fire tests both in horizontal and vertical orientation to simulate actual end user's environments were carried out. The flame spread rates in different initial condition were investigated, and performance of both fireproof cable tray and fire penetration prevention material was examined also. Digital video camera was employed to record flame propagation and thermocouples were used for measurement of temperature. The results indicate that the peck temperature of cable tray fires in the tests is between 800 degrees C and 900 degrees C, cable tray fires in horizontal orientation is ventilation controlled combustion, and vertical orientation cable tray fires are much more severe than that of horizontal orientation. It's shown that the available fireproof cable tray can not protect cables inside under fire condition, while the performance of fire penetration prevention material is quite perfect.