Fire-resistant cable splice
AssigneeSouthwire Company
InventorRandy D. Kummer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Fire resistant splices, kits, and methods for splicing fire resistant cables disclosed herein can maintain an operable connection and meet applicable fire codes to allow a 2 hour egress under extreme heat conditions. Splices disclosed herein can comprise an outer steel enclosure and an interior cable spliced within. Splices disclosed herein may comprise a layer of quartz material disposed immediately against a metal connector forming the electrical connection between conductors of each wire, and wrapped in a ceramifiable silicon rubber layer.
Claims20
A fire-resistant cable splice comprising:
- a first cable comprising a first metal conductor;
- a second cable comprising a second metal conductor;
- a connector forming an electrical connection between the first and second metal conductors;
- a quartz fabric consisting of quartz, wherein the quartz fabric is in contact with and surrounding the connector;
- and
- an insulation layer in contact with and surrounding the quartz fabric, wherein the insulation layer comprises a ceramifiable silicon rubber;
- wherein the fire-resistant cable splice remains operational up to temperatures of at least 1850° F.
A fire resistant cable splice kit comprising:
- a connector configured to secure a first metal conductor to a second metal conductor;
- a quartz fabric consisting of quartz fibers;
- a tape comprising a ceramifiable silicon rubber;
- and
- an enclosure.
A method for forming a fire-resistant connection between two fire resistant cables, the method comprising:
- inserting a first conductor and a second conductor into an enclosure;
- forming an electrical connection between the first and second conductors;
- surrounding the electrical connection with a quartz fabric consisting of quartz fibers;
- and
- applying a tape comprising a ceramifiable silicon rubber to the quartz fabric;
- wherein the tape surrounds the electrical connection;
- and
- closing the enclosure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.