What is a Mineral Insulated Cable (MICC)?
Imagine a cable that can survive a fire. Most cables use plastic for insulation. Plastic melts. It burns. It releases toxic smoke. This is a huge risk in buildings.
Mineral Insulated Cables, or MICC, are different. They do not use plastic for the main insulation. They use rock. Specifically, they use compressed magnesium oxide powder. This powder is an inorganic material. It does not burn. It does not melt.
Think of it like a metal pipe with a wire inside, surrounded by stone dust. Because it is made of metal and stone, fire cannot destroy it. It is the safest choice for fire alarms, emergency lights, and pumps. If a building catches fire, these cables keep working. They keep the lights on. They keep the pumps running.
In the market, you will see names like BTTZ, BTLY, and NG-A. These are all types of mineral insulated cables. But they are not the same. Some are hard like a rock. Some are flexible like a rope. Let’s break them down.
The Classic Choice: BTTZ Cable
BTTZ is the original mineral cable. It is known as a “rigid” cable. Why? Because it is very hard.
Structure
It has a solid copper conductor. It has a copper sheath. In the middle, there is solid magnesium oxide. It is 100% inorganic.
Pros
- Fire Proof:It is the best. It can survive temperatures over 1000°C.
- Durable:It is hard to damage.
- Grounding:The copper sheath acts as a ground wire.
Cons
- Hard to Bend:You cannot bend it easily by hand. You need special tools.
- Moisture:The magnesium oxide absorbs water. If the ends are not sealed, it fails.
- Length:It is hard to make in very long pieces without joints.
If you need the absolute best fire safety and do not mind the hard installation, BTTZ is the choice.
The Flexible Choice: BTLY (NG-A) Cable
BTLY is a newer type. It is often called “flexible” mineral cable. In China, it is also known as NG-A.
Structure
It uses a copper conductor. But instead of a solid copper tube, it uses an aluminum sheath. It also has a layer of mica tape and an outer jacket (usually PVC or LSZH).
Pros
- Easy to Install:It bends like a normal cable. You do not need heavy tools.
- Waterproof:The outer jacket protects it from water.
- Long Lengths:It comes in long rolls. No joints needed.
Cons
- Not “Non-Combustible”:Because it has an outer plastic jacket, it is not technically “non-combustible” (Class A) like BTTZ. The jacket will burn off in a fire, but the cable inside will survive.
- Complex Structure:It has more layers than BTTZ.
This is the most popular choice today. It balances safety with easy installation.
Comparison Table: BTTZ vs. BTLY
Here is a quick look at the differences.
| Feature | BTTZ (Rigid) | BTLY / NG-A (Flexible) |
| Core Insulation | Magnesium Oxide (Solid) | Mica Tape + Mineral Fill |
| Sheath | Copper | Aluminum |
| Outer Jacket | None (usually) | PVC or LSZH |
| Bending | Hard (Needs tools) | Easy (By hand) |
| Fire Rating | A1 (Non-combustible) | B1 or A2 (Flame Retardant) |
| Installation | Difficult | Easy |
| Water Resistance | Poor (needs sealing) | Good |
Why Choose Mineral Insulated Cables?
Why should you pay more for these cables?
- Safety First
In a fire, plastic cables die. MICC cables live. They can work for 3 hours in a fire of 950°C. This saves lives.
- No Toxic Smoke
When plastic burns, it creates black smoke. This smoke kills more people than the fire itself. MICC cables have no plastic inside. They produce zero smoke.
- Long Life
Copper and stone do not age. A BTTZ cable can last 100 years. It will outlive the building.
- High Temperature
They can work in 250°C environments continuously. Normal cables melt at 90°C.
Where to Use Them?
You see these cables in big buildings.
- Hospitals:For life support machines.
- Airports:For emergency lights.
- Subways:For fire alarms.
- Hotels:For evacuation routes.
- Chemical Plants:Because they do not spark (Explosion proof).
Technical Parameters
Here are the standard specs for our cables.
| Parameter | BTTZ | BTLY (NG-A) |
| Rated Voltage | 450/750V or 0.6/1kV | 0.6/1kV |
| Conductor | Solid Copper | Stranded Copper |
| Insulation | Magnesium Oxide | Mica Tape |
| Sheath Material | Copper | Aluminum |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +250°C | -40°C to +90°C (Normal) |
| Fire Standard | BS 6387 (C, W, Z) | BS 6387 (C, W, Z) |
| Min Bending Radius | 6D (Hard) | 12D (Easy) |
Get a Quote Today
Do not risk your project with bad cables. Fire safety is not a joke. Whether you need the rigid strength of BTTZ or the flexible ease of BTLY (NG-A), we have the stock.
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