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Fire Safety & Standards

What oxygen index should a safe house wire have?

Quick answer

Look for 29% or higher. A strong HFFR compound reaches 31% or above.

The oxygen index is the minimum oxygen concentration needed for the insulation to keep burning. Normal air is about 21% oxygen — so any material with an index above 21% cannot sustain a flame in open air once the ignition source is removed. It self-extinguishes.

The higher the number, the harder the wire is to keep alight. It is the single clearest indicator of flame-retardant performance, and any serious manufacturer publishes it.

For reference, APAR Anushakti Fire Protekt publishes an oxygen index of ≥ 31%.

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