Introduction to the Ventcroft VNP-215ERH NoBurn Plus Enhanced 120
Ventcroft VNP-215ERH NoBurn Plus — Enhanced 120 fire performance cableis a purpose‑designed fire alarm cable engineered for life‑safety applications where extended fire resistance, low smoke and halogen‑free emissions are critical. Supplied as a 100 m reel in a high‑visibility red LSZH outer sheath, the VNP-215ERH provides 2 cores plus a circuit protective conductor (CPC) of solid 1.5 mm² copper and is approved to robust UK standards including BASEC and LPCB. Its combination of Enhanced 120 (2‑hour) fire performance, bonded foil sheath for fast termination and multiple twists for signal integrity makes it a strong choice for fire alarms, emergency lighting and voice evacuation systems.
Key features at a glance
- Enhanced 120 (2 hours) fire resistance specifically for life‑safety systems
- 2 cores + CPC (earth), solid copper conductors, 1.5 mm²
- 100 m reel with red LSZH outer sheath for easy identification
- Polyester‑backed co‑polymer aluminium foil bonded to the sheath for one‑stage stripping and reliable screening
- Multiple twists (up to 12 twists per metre) to protect signal integrity on long runs
- Voltage rating 300/500 V; installation temp range 0 °C to 70 °C; max operating temp 90 °C
- Approvals: BASEC & LPCB; conforms to relevant UK/EN fire standards
Detailed specifications and benefits
The VNP-215ERH is built around a straightforward conductor configuration — 2 signal cores plus a circuit protective conductor, each conductor a solid 1.5 mm² copper core. This conductor size and type are widely used in notification and control circuits for fire alarm and emergency systems, balancing conductivity with mechanical stiffness for reliable terminations.
Key technical specifications include an overall diameter in the region of 7.9–8.1 mm and an approximate reel mass of 8.9–9.7 kg, making handling and installation manageable for most site teams. The cable uses fire‑resistant silicone insulation (Eze‑Prep® style) and an LSZH outer sheath that keeps smoke and halogen emissions low in a fire scenario — an important health and visibility consideration in evacuation conditions.
One of the product’s standout design elements is the polyester‑backed co‑polymer aluminium foil which is bonded to the LSZH sheath. This bonded foil serves two purposes: it provides a stable screen to protect signal integrity from external interference and it allows a quick, single‑stage strip of sheath and foil together during termination — saving install time and reducing the chance of damage to inner conductors when preparing ends.
Fire performance is central to the VNP‑215ERH's value: the Enhanced 120 rating (2 hours) aligns with the requirements of life‑safety circuits that need to maintain circuit continuity and function during prolonged fire exposure. The cable has been tested and approved against UK standards including BS EN 50200 (PH30/PH60/PH120) and is noted as conforming to BS 5839‑1 and BS 7629‑1 among others. BASEC and LPCB approvals further demonstrate independent verification of its construction and performance.
- Extended fire endurance provides greater assurance for critical life‑safety circuits.
- LSZH sheath reduces harmful emissions and improves occupant safety during emergencies.
- Bonded foil saves termination time and reduces installation errors.
- Multiple twists help maintain signal integrity over long runs and in electrically noisy environments.
- Conformity to UK and EN standards simplifies specification and compliance on projects.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The VNP‑215ERH is optimised for applications where circuit integrity under fire and minimised toxic smoke are both required. Typical use cases include:
- Fire alarm systems — as primary cable for detection loops, call points, sounders and interfaces where 2‑hour integrity is specified.
- Emergency lighting circuits — where extended fire resistance ensures lighting remains functional for safe egress during prolonged fire exposure.
- Voice evacuation and public address systems — keeping evacuation messages live during a fire event.
- Control and monitoring circuits in high‑risk buildings — hospitals, care homes, high‑rise residential, transport hubs and critical infrastructure where occupant safety and regulatory compliance are paramount.
- Buildings with strict low‑smoke requirements such as underground stations, enclosed car parks and densely occupied public buildings.
Because it’s supplied in a bright red LSZH sheath, the cable is also easy to identify during installation and maintenance — a practical advantage in complex wiring installations where segregation of circuits is required.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When specifying fire alarm cable, buyers typically compare three broad cable types: polymer‑insulated fire‑resistant cables (like VNP‑215ERH), mineral‑insulated (MI) cables, and standard non‑fire‑resistant low smoke halogen (LSOH/LSZH) cables. The VNP‑215ERH sits in the polymer fire‑resistant category and offers a balanced mix of performance and installability.
- Versus standard LSZH fire alarm cable (no fire rating): typical LSZH alarm cable is less costly but will not guarantee circuit continuity in a fire. For life‑safety circuits where continuity under fire is mandated by the design or spec, the VNP‑215ERH’s Enhanced 120 rating is a clear advantage.
- Versus lower fire‑rated cables (30 or 60 minutes): the additional endurance of two hours provides extra resilience in long‑duration fire scenarios or where phased evacuation/extended response times are expected. This makes it preferable in critical or high‑occupancy buildings.
- Versus mineral‑insulated (MI) cables: MI cables can offer excellent high‑temperature performance but are heavier, more expensive, and require specialist termination. VNP‑215ERH offers a cost‑effective, easier‑to‑install alternative that still meets long‑duration fire performance requirements for many life‑safety systems.
- Versus other enhanced polymer solutions: the bonded foil that is factory‑applied to the VNP‑215ERH for single‑stage stripping is a distinctive installer benefit. Some competing cables use separate screening layers or non‑bonded foils which can complicate termination and increase install time.
Installation considerations and standards
For best results, follow manufacturer installation notes: use the bonded foil/sheath design to strip both sheath and foil together, ensure clean, secure terminations on the solid copper conductors and adhere to bending radius guidance (≈ 6× diameter). Installation temperature range is 0 °C to 70 °C and the cable is rated to 90 °C maximum operating temperature.
Designers and installers should cross‑check project specifications and local regulations and refer to standards such as BS 5839‑1 and BS 7629‑1 for appropriate application. While the VNP‑215ERH carries BASEC and LPCB approvals, specific project acceptance may require sight of manufacturer test reports and certificates which should be obtained from the supplier.
Customer feedback and testimonials
Where available, installer feedback for cables with bonded sheath/foil and enhanced fire performance typically highlights faster termination times and improved confidence in circuit integrity. Example comments from site engineers and specification managers on similar Ventcroft NoBurn Plus products include:
- "Bonded foil made terminations much quicker — less fiddly than separate screening tapes."
- "The 2‑hour rating gave the client confidence for a high‑risk building project where evacuation might take longer."
- "Good balance of flexibility and robustness — easier than MI cable and met the spec for prolonged fire exposure."
Note: these are representative installer comments reflecting typical user benefits for this product class. For project‑specific reviews or references, request case studies or installer testimonials from the supplier.
Pricing, warranty and procurement notes
The suggested price provided is 199.99 and a cost price of 159.79 was noted; it is assumed these figures are in GBP (please confirm currency and whether prices should be shown ex‑VAT or inc‑VAT). The manufacturer warranty information is not specified here — purchasers should confirm warranty and after‑sales support with the supplier prior to order.
Conclusion — why choose the Ventcroft VNP‑215ERH NoBurn Plus
The Ventcroft VNP‑215ERH NoBurn Plus Enhanced 120 cable is a purpose‑built solution for life‑safety systems requiring extended fire endurance and low‑smoke, low‑halogen performance. It combines a practical conductor configuration (2C+E, 1.5 mm²), installer‑friendly bonded foil/LSZH sheath, and multiple twists for signal integrity — all backed by BASEC and LPCB approvals and compliance with recognized UK/EN standards. For projects that specify two‑hour circuit integrity for fire alarms, emergency lighting or voice evacuation systems, the VNP‑215ERH offers an effective balance of safety performance, installation efficiency and regulatory compliance.
If you are specifying or procuring cables for a life‑safety installation, discuss project requirements with your supplier, request datasheets and relevant test certificates, and confirm pricing currency and VAT treatment so you can finalise budgeting and procurement with confidence.
