Inside India’s Journey Toward Fire-Safe Wiring and Cables

India is entering a new era of infrastructure growth – from metro rail networks and smart cities to hyperscale data centers and electrified transportation. As buildings, vehicles and communication systems become more complex, one element quietly holds everything together: wire and cable safety.

A single fire-related malfunction in wiring can shut down an entire building or transport system. Studies by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and BIS reveal that over 70% of electrical fire incidents in India originate from cable insulation failures or overheating. That’s why fire-safe cable materials are no longer optional – they are a national priority.

This shift has created a strong demand for specialized additives, and the companies leading the transition are those capable of engineering advanced HFFR (Halogen-Free Flame Retardant) systems. As a wire & cable HFFR additives manufacturer, SK Minerals & Additives Limited is deeply aligned with this safety-driven evolution.

Why India is Moving Toward HFFR Cables

Traditional PVC cables release corrosive gases like HCl when they burn, creating toxic smoke and damaging surrounding equipment. In contrast, HFFR cables are engineered for:

  • Low smoke density
  • Zero halogen gas emission
  • Reduced flame spread
  • Better thermal stability
  • Enhanced short-circuit resistance

A 2023 IEC review noted that HFFR materials reduce toxic gas output by up to 90% and smoke density by 40–60% compared to PVC-based cables. These advantages make HFFR compounds suitable for public spaces, transport systems, hospitals and sensitive technical environments.

The Science Behind HFFR Cable Compounds

HFFR formulations rely on non-halogenated materials such as phosphorus, nitrogen and mineral synergists. When exposed to heat, they create:

  1. A protective char layer
  2. Reduced heat release
  3. Non-toxic residue
  4. Minimal smoke emission

These systems align with stringent global standards such as:

  • IEC 60332(flame spread)
  • IEC 61034(smoke density)
  • IEC 60754(acid gas emission)
  • UL 94(flammability rating)

This regulatory environment significantly increases the importance of working with a reliable HFFR additive partner.

What Makes a Specialist HFFR Additives Manufacturer Stand Out

A true leader in this space must deliver:

  1. Material Expertise

Understanding polymer matrices such as EVA, PE, PP and TPE.

  1. Fire Performance Engineering

Designing formulations that balance flame retardancy, insulation, mechanical properties and processing behaviour.

  1. System Certifications

Warrants that materials help manufacturers meet UL, IEC and BIS standards.

  1. Consistency & Purity

Cable compounding requires additives with tight particle-size control and high thermal stability.

This is where SKMA differentiates itself.

SKMA’s HOFNIL® Additives for Wire & Cable Safety

As a trusted wire & cable HFFR additives manufacturer, SKMA offers dedicated flame-retardant solutions such as HOFNIL-37A and HOFNIL-38C, engineered for cable jackets, insulation compounds and LSZH applications.

Key benefits include:

  • Strong intumescent char formation
  • Excellent electrical insulation properties
  • Low smoke, low toxicity performance
  • High stability during extrusion
  • REACH & RoHS compliance
  • Consistent UL94 V-0 performance in suitable systems
  • Long-term ageing resistance

These advantages offer safer, cleaner and more durable cable systems across industries.

Where HFFR Cables Are Becoming Essential in India
  • Metro, railway & airport infrastructure
  • Power & distribution networks
  • Commercial & residential buildings
  • Industrial automation lines
  • Data centers & IT parks
  • Electric vehicles and charging systems

As India’s infrastructure becomes smarter and more electrified, the need for halogen-free, low-smoke wiring will only grow.

The Future is HFFR – And it’s Already Here

Fire-safe cables represent a shift toward responsible engineering. With the rise of LSZH standards and eco-safe materials, India is accelerating toward global-grade cable safety, and advanced additives make this transition possible.

As a committed wire & cable HFFR additives manufacturer, SK Minerals & Additives Limited is helping industries build a future where safety isn’t an afterthought – it’s engineered into every cable.