Introduction to the Ventcroft NoBurn Platinum VFP-215ERH
Ventcroft VFP-215ERH — NoBurn "Platinum"is a purpose-built fire-performance cable supplied on a 100 m reel. Designed for life-safety applications, this 2-core 1.5 mm8 cable includes a full-size CPC (protective earth) and a high-visibility red LSZH outer sheath. With LPCB and BASEC certification and an installer-friendly bonded-sheath "Eze-Prep" construction, the VFP-215ERH aims to reduce installation time while maintaining the circuit integrity and low-smoke behaviour required in fire-alarm and emergency lighting systems.
Key features at a glance
- 2 cores + full-size CPC, 1.5 mm8 copper conductors.
- 100 m reel for convenient installation lengths.
- LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) outer sheath in red for emergency identification.
- Bonded-sheath "Eze-Prep" termination for fast stripping and reduced labour.
- Third-party certification: LPCB & BASEC; designed to meet common UK fire-performance tests.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Product code:VFP-215ERH
- Manufacturer:Ventcroft
- Reel length:100 m
- Cores:2 cores + full-size CPC (earth)
- Conductor area:1.5 mm8 per core (copper)
- Sheath:LSZH outer sheath
- Colour:Red (fire/emergency identification)
- External diameter: 8.1 mm (approx.)
- Voltage rating:Typically 500 V (between cores); 300 V (core to CPC)
- Current rating:Vendor guidance 19.5 A (refer to datasheet & installation regs for derating)
- Termination:Bonded-sheath "Eze-Prep" style for fast stripping
- Fire performance / approvals:LPCB & BASEC; designed to meet BS EN 50200, BS 5839-1, BS 6387, BS 7629-1 (check datasheet for declared PH/CWZ details)
- Country of origin:United Kingdom
- Typical use:Fire alarm and emergency lighting / life-safety circuits
- LSZH sheath:In the event of fire, LSZH materials emit significantly less toxic and corrosive gases and far less dense smoke than standard PVC sheaths. This reduces health risks for occupants and limits damage to sensitive electronics and infrastructure.
- Red identification:The red outer sheath makes circuits easier to identify during installation and maintenance — useful in complex risers and containment systems.
- Bonded-sheath "Eze-Prep":The bonded construction removes the need for multiple inner wraps or messy inner bedding removal, speeding termination and reducing the chance of installation errors.
- Third-party certification:LPCB and BASEC approvals give confidence that the cable has been independently assessed for its intended use in life-safety applications when installed according to regulations.
Use cases and scenarios where the VFP-215ERH excels
This cable is engineered for life-safety circuits that require both circuit integrity and low-smoke behaviour. Typical applications include:
- Fire alarm systems:Interconnecting detectors, call points, sounders and control panels where reliable operation during a fire is critical.
- Emergency lighting:Permanent and maintained emergency lighting circuits that must remain functional for a defined period during fire conditions.
- Escape route and stairwell installations:Areas where cable smoke emissions must be minimised to keep escape routes clear and breathable.
- High-occupancy buildings:Schools, hospitals, care homes, and public buildings where occupant safety and reduced toxic fumes are priorities.
- Retrofit and new-build commercial projects:Where contractors want to speed up cable termination while ensuring compliance with BS 5839-1 and BS 7671 requirements.
Installation, safety and regulatory considerations
Installers should follow the relevant British Standards and project specifications (BS 5839-1, BS 7671, and any project-specific requirements). Confirm the declared fire-performance class from the Ventcroft datasheet (PH30/PH60/PH120 or CWZ) before specifying for a protected circuit. Proper routing, segregation, and retaining of fire-rated cables are essential to achieve the expected circuit integrity in real fire scenarios. The product should be installed and terminated by a qualified electrician.
Comparisons with similar products
Traditional PVC sheathed cables are generally less expensive but produce dense, toxic and corrosive smoke when burned. LSZH cables such as the VFP-215ERH are designed to limit toxic emissions and reduce smoke opacity. For life-safety circuits in enclosed public spaces, LSZH is commonly preferred despite a modest price premium because it reduces risk to occupants and post-fire equipment damage.
Conventional fire cables often have multiple inner wraps and bedding that must be removed carefully during termination, increasing labour time and the potential for damage. The bonded-sheath "Eze-Prep" construction on the Ventcroft cable simplifies termination: the outer sheath strips cleanly and there are fewer internal layers to manage, which saves installer time and reduces jointing errors.
Depending on system design, multi-core fire cables can reduce the number of runs needed. However, for many fire-alarm circuits and emergency lighting loops the 2-core + CPC arrangement is ideal: it provides the essential live and neutral conductors plus a full-size earth, while keeping the cable profile compact and easier to route in containment. Where multi-core runs are required, consult project specs and consider the trade-offs in flexibility, cost and space.
Other manufacturers offer LSZH fire-performance cables with similar ratings; the differentiators are often termination features, declared PH/CWZ classes, and the specific certifications (LPCB, BASEC, etc.). Ventcrofts LPCB and BASEC accreditation and UK origin may be advantageous for UK projects seeking local support and documentation.
Value and pricing
The suggested retail price for the Ventcroft VFP-215ERH is {151.50} (vendor guidance) with a cost price of {127.20}. While slightly more expensive than generic non-LSZH or non-certified alternatives, the additional cost reflects third-party certification, LSZH materials and the labour-saving bonded sheath design. For projects where occupant safety, equipment protection and compliance are priorities, the added upfront cost is often justified by reduced risk and faster installation times.
Customer feedback and installer perspectives
There are limited publicised customer testimonials for this exact part number, but common installer feedback for cables with these attributes typically highlights:
- Reduced termination time thanks to bonded-sheath construction, leading to lower labour costs on site.
- Clear benefits of the red LSZH sheath for circuit identification and maintenance.
- Appreciation for third-party certification (LPCB & BASEC) which simplifies client approval and documentation during handover.
- Positive remarks about the cables flexibility and compact diameter that eases routing in containment and trunking.
If you require direct testimonials or case studies, ask suppliers or authorised Ventcroft distributors for references from similar installations.
Conclusion: Why choose Ventcroft VFP-215ERH?
The Ventcroft NoBurn Platinum VFP-215ERH 2-core 1.5 mm8 LSZH fire cable is a practical, compliance-focused choice for life-safety circuits. It combines low-smoke zero-halogen materials, recognised third-party certification (LPCB & BASEC), and an installer-friendly bonded-sheath design that reduces termination time and potential errors. Its red identification sheath, compact diameter and UK origin further support common UK building and fire-safety projects.
For engineers, contractors and procurement teams specifying fire-alarm and emergency lighting cabling, the VFP-215ERH delivers a balanced proposition: performance and certification where it matters, with features that reduce onsite labour and simplify compliance documentation. Always confirm the exact declared fire-performance class and project suitability from the Ventcroft datasheet before final specification, and ensure installation is carried out by qualified personnel in accordance with relevant British Standards.
