McGrattan, K.
and Overholt, K.
(2008),
A Simple Model of Thermally-Induced Electrical Cable Failure, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.7472 (Accessed May 10, 2026)
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A Simple Model of Thermally-Induced Electrical Cable Failure
Published
Author(s)
, Kristopher Overholt
Abstract
A simple thermal model to predict the failure of electrical power, instrument, and control cables is described. The model is intended as a subroutine for deterministic fire models, and it is of comparable accuracy and simplicity to the activation algorithms for various other fire protection devices (e.g., sprinklers, heat and smoke detectors). Model predictions are compared to experimental measurements of instrumented cables in a variety of configurations. The experimental program, known as CAROLFIRE, was sponsored by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and conducted at Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Details of the experimental program are contained in a separate report.Citation
NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 7472
Report Number
7472
NIST Pub Series
Pub Type
NIST Pubs
Download Paper
Keywords
electrical cables, fire
Citation
Issues
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Created April 2, 2008, Updated November 10, 2018