Tray configuration factors on cable flame spread

Abstract

Fire propagation in cable trays is a critical concern in the design and safety of nuclear power plants (NPP), as it can facilitate the spread of fire between different enclosures or affect cables necessary to a safety shutdown procedure. While international programs such as CHRISTIFIRE and PRISME have contributed to our understanding through various experimental campaigns, the complexity of the phenomena and the multitude of boundary conditions affecting cable tray scenarios necessitate further experimental analysis. The objective of the study was to provide insights into the configuration factors influencing fire spread in cable trays. Through a series of controlled laboratory experiments, a set of cable tray configurations were analysed. Our results revealed critical issues influencing fire propagation and indicated like the number of cables per trays and the number of trays.