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When it comes to safe, regulation-compliant installs, cable fixings are just as important as the cable itself. Whether you’re running SWA, T&E, or FP200, using the right fire rated cable clips ensures both safety and inspection-ready installs.
This guide walks through every aspect — from types, materials, and regulations to common mistakes and pro tips.
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What Are Fire Rated Cable Clips?
Fire rated clips are designed to hold cables in place during a fire, reducing risk to life by preventing cables from falling or creating trip hazards. These clips resist melting, collapsing, or failure when exposed to high temperatures.
Under BS 7671:2018 (Regulation 521.10.202), you must use fire-resistant fixings in escape routes and fire-critical areas. That means regular plastic trunking and cable clips are no longer acceptable in these zones.
Fire Rated Cable Clip Types and Their Uses
Choosing the right clip depends on the cable type and install environment. Here are the most commonly used options:
✅ Twin and Earth Cable Clips
Used for 6242Y flat cables and 6242B LSZH variants, these metal clips are ideal for residential runs along skirting, ceilings, or stairwells. Required in communal areas and escape routes.
✅ P-Clips
Fire-Rated P-Clips – Red, Black & White Options for FP and MICC Cables
Fire-rated P-clips (sometimes referred to as cable cleats) are essential for securing round-profile fire-resistant cables such as FP200 Gold, Firetec, FireSure, MICC (pyro), and other emergency wiring systems.
These fixings are compliant with BS 7671:2018+A2:2022, specifically clause 521.10.202, which mandates the use of non-combustible supports in escape routes and high-risk areas.
Key Features:
- Made from non-combustible copper or steel
- Finished with low smoke and fume (LSF) powder coating
- Available in red, black, and white for cable circuit identification
- Red – Fire alarm circuits
- ⚪ White – Emergency lighting
- ⚫ Black – Neutral or standard fire-rated power
Application Areas:
- Fire-rated cables such as FP200, Sirocco, Firetec, and MICC
- Surface installations in corridors, risers, stairwells, and ceilings
- Suitable for 1.0mm² to 4.0mm² round cable profiles depending on clip size
These clips ensure the cable remains securely fixed under fire conditions and do not contribute to flame spread or smoke emission. They are not stainless steel but typically constructed from powder-coated copper or mild steel, both of which meet the fire propagation and surface spread of flame requirements in BS 476 Part 6 & 7.
✅ Use only metallic P-clips in escape routes and high-risk areas — nylon or plastic alternatives are not compliant in these environments.
Important distinction: These fire-rated metal P-clips are not to be confused with rubber-lined P-clips used in automotive or mechanical applications. While rubber P-clips offer vibration protection, they do not meet fire safety standards and must not be used in escape routes or anywhere BS 7671 compliance is required.
✅ SWA Cable Cleats
SWA cable cleats are essential for securing steel wire armoured (SWA) cables in tough environments like garages, plant rooms, and industrial settings. Most commonly, these are solid plastic clamps designed to keep SWA fixed, spaced, and protected — especially under high load or short-circuit conditions.
The term “cleat” also applies more widely:
- D-Line fire-rated cleats are popular with EV installers and used for SWA, Hi-Tuff, and NYY-J cables — offering compliant fixing in fire-sensitive zones.
- Metal P-clips for FP and MICC cables are also referred to as “cleats” in some contexts.
⚠️ Always match the cleat type to the cable and setting: plastic for standard SWA, fire-rated for emergency circuits, and metal for escape routes.
✅ Clamp4Fire Fixings
Clamp4Fire clips are designed to make bundling multiple twin and earth cables quicker, neater, and more secure — whether or not fire resistance is required.
These fixings are widely used in real-world installs where several cables run together along walls, within risers, or through voids. They offer strong mechanical support and a tidy finish — with the added benefit of being fire-rated for compliance where needed.
- Supports 2-core and 3-core twin & earth, including LSZH (6242B)
- Cuts down on fixings and keeps bundles organised
- Fully compliant with BS 7671:2018+A2:2022, Reg. 521.10.202 when required
Use Clamp4Fire to keep cable runs safe, compliant, and efficient — especially where multiple circuits are routed together in tight spaces.
✅ External Cable Fixings
Metal clips designed for weather exposure. Use with EV charger cable or render-mounted trunking. Available in galvanised or stainless steel.
Where to Use Fire Rated Cable Clips in BS 7671 Zones
BS 7671:2018 (Amendment 2) requires fire-resistant fixings in:
- Escape routes (domestic & commercial)
- Riser voids
- Stairwells and corridors in flats
- Garages or attached outbuildings
- EV cable routes
- Any installation where cables might fall during fire
Even outside of these zones, fire-rated clips are increasingly used as best practice.
How to Use Fire Rated Cable Clips Safely and Correctly
- Select the right clip for cable size (don’t over-tighten)
- Spacing: 300mm horizontal, 400mm vertical
- Fix directly into solid structure: timber, block, brick, stud
- Avoid relying solely on trunking — plastic melts quickly in fire
- Use metal fixings in all escape and shared routes
Need clips for LSZH cables like 6242B? Check our twin and earth cable clips section for compatible options.
Best Materials for Fire Rated Cable Clips – Galvanised vs Stainless
Not all metal clips are created equal. Your choice between galvanised steel and stainless steel depends on the environment, budget, and life expectancy of the install.
| Environment | Galvanised Steel ✅ | Stainless Steel ✅ |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor use (residential/commercial) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Covered outdoors (under eaves/soffits) | ✅ Yes* | ✅ Preferred |
| Constant outdoor exposure (UV/rain) | ⚠️ Yes* | ✅ Recommended |
| Coastal/marine air | ❌ No | ✅ Required |
| Industrial/chemical zones | ❌ No | ✅ Required |
| High-humidity (bathrooms, basements) | ⚠️ Limited* | ✅ Ideal |
* According to Clickmetal and the Construction 2025 Industrial Strategy, galvanised steel is suitable for outdoor use in non-extreme conditions, offering up to 20–50 years of durability when shielded from salt air and standing moisture. Stainless steel remains the top choice in aggressive environments, but may not be necessary in sheltered or internal jobs.
Backed by:
- BS 7671:2018 Reg. 522.8.5 – Fixings must withstand their environment
- Clickmetal (2024) – “Galvanised steel is a durable, low-maintenance choice for outdoor use when not directly exposed to corrosive conditions”
- UK Green Building Council – Stainless steel is preferred for long-term, high-risk, or healthcare-grade construction.
Lifespan Summary:
| Metal | Expected Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Galvanised Steel | 25–50 years* | Low |
| Stainless Steel | 50+ years** | Very low |
*Varies with coating thickness and exposure to salts/pollutants
**Stainless retains integrity even in marine and chemical-rich conditions
Explore our full range of galvanised cable clips or upgrade to stainless steel cable clips for full protection.
❓ Fire Rated Cable Clips Installer FAQs – What to Know & Avoid
Section 1: Basics & Compliance (BS 7671)
Fire rated cable clips are fixings designed to hold electrical cables securely in place during a fire. They’re made of metal or fire-resistant materials and prevent cables from falling or blocking escape routes.
Yes. Regulation 521.10.202 of BS 7671 (18th Edition) mandates fire-resistant fixings in escape routes and fire-prone areas to prevent premature cable collapse during fire.
Yes — but not as the sole method of support in escape routes or fire-risk areas. Under BS 7671:2018 (Amendment 2), Regulation 521.10.202 clearly states that cables must be supported by fire-resistant fixings in places where premature collapse could pose a risk during evacuation (e.g. stairwells, corridors, risers).
Yes, especially in flats, HMOs, or any shared access routes like stairwells and corridors.
All fixed wiring including PVC (6242Y), LSZH (6242B), FP200 Gold, armoured (SWA), and data cabling must be properly secured in regulated areas.
Installation & Best Practice
In any location deemed an escape route — staircases, risers, corridors, communal halls — and anywhere risk assessment requires fire resilience.
Typically 300mm horizontal and 400mm vertical spacing. Always check the cable and clip manufacturer’s datasheet.
Yes, if you’re fixing into brick, concrete, or masonry, you should use appropriate wall plugs with your fixings.
Yes, as long as they are fixed into a solid substrate. Avoid only using plasterboard.
Only if the clip is designed for it. Products like Clamp4 Fire are made to safely secure multiple cables and still meet fire regulations. Standard fire clips should hold one cable only.
Regulations & Compliance
- What is Reg 521.10.202?
- Do I need clips for EV cable?
- How do fire clips help escape safety?
- Are fire clips required for FP200?
- Can one clip hold multiple cables?
⚙️ Surfaces & Conditions
Yes, galvanised steel clips can be used outdoors. The zinc coating protects the steel from corrosion, making them suitable for most UK weather conditions. However, in marine or highly corrosive environments, stainless steel is recommended for longer durability.*
Use stainless steel clips in areas exposed to moisture, salt, or chemicals — such as coastal locations, commercial kitchens, or industrial sites. Stainless steel is more resistant to rust and does not rely on a sacrificial coating like galvanised steel.
P-clips are single-hole, looped metal clips often rubber-lined for vibration protection — used in automotive or industrial cabling. Cleats are heavier-duty cable fixings that secure cables firmly in place, often in fire-rated or structural installations.
Yes, but you must use the correct fixings. For render or masonry, wall plugs and suitable screws or hammer-in fixings should be used. Drilling with an SDS drill may be required for stone.
Section 3: Clip Types & Cable Compatibility
No. Only clips tested or rated for fire performance are compliant. Standard metal fixings may not meet BS 7671 standards.
Use flat metal clips matched to the cable diameter — 1.0mm², 1.5mm², 2.5mm², or 4.0mm²
Yes. Use cleats or stainless P-clips sized to the cable’s outer diameter for SWA or round cables like FP200 Gold.
Yes — in sheltered or dry external areas. For coastal or persistently damp areas, stainless steel is preferred due to better corrosion resistance.
Yes. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and ideal for high-humidity, coastal, or industrial installations.
- What size clip for 6242Y vs 6242B?
- What clips are best for MICC or FP200 Gold?
- Are cleats okay for T&E?
- Do clip sizes change for LSZH cable?
- What about grouped cable fixings?
Buying & Choosing
- Where can I buy fire-rated clips?
- Do they come in packs?
- Can I paint cable clips?
- Do clips include screws or nails?
- Do I need tool-free clips for speed?
All answers are above. Still unsure? Speak with our trade desk or browse our fire rated cable clips category for advice.
✅ Summary – Safe, Smart Fixings Start Here
Whether you’re clipping PVC or LSZH twin and earth cables (like 6242Y or 6242B) in a stairwell, running SWA along brickwork, or routing FP200 Gold through a riser — fire rated cable clips are the only compliant, reliable solution for securing cables in fire-risk and escape-route environments.
Explore:
- Twin and earth cable clips
- SWA cable cleats
- P-clips for round cable
- Galvanised cable fixings
- Stainless steel cable fixings
- External cable fixings
- Fire rated cable clips (all types)
Stay safe, stay compliant — and choose clips that do more than hold cable. Choose ones that protect lives and pass inspections first time.
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Fire Rated Cable Clips – Full Compliance & Installer Guide