Is this outer insulation smoke

[qcroanoke]

toxic when it is on fire?
It is a direct burial cable but I am curious...

http://www.paigewire.com/specs/P7183D.htm

 

[dfmischler]

The cable does not have a plenum rating, so it should not be installed in an air duct, etc.

To the best of my knowledge PE (polyethylene) does not emit toxic gases if it burns completely, but in a low oxygen environment it can produce CO (carbon monoxide), and if the temperatures are high enough you could get nitrogen oxides (e.g. NO, NO2). The insulation on the conductors is PVC (poly-vinyl chloride) and that is known to emit dioxins when burned.

 

[qcroanoke]

The cable does not have a plenum rating, so it should not be installed in an air duct, etc.

To the best of my knowledge PE (polyethylene) does not emit toxic gases if it burns completely, but in a low oxygen environment it can produce CO (carbon monoxide), and if the temperatures are high enough you could get nitrogen oxides (e.g. NO, NO2). The insulation on the conductors is PVC (poly-vinyl chloride) and that is known to emit dioxins when burned.

Thanks!