How CharCoat Firestop Systems Helped Saudi Electricity Company Secure Critical Power Infrastructure
Project Summary
- Client: Saudi Electricity Company (SEC)
- Project Location: Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Industry: Energy – Power Transmission & Distribution
- Application Type: Passive Fire Protection – Cable Coating & Firestop Panels
- Systems Used: CharCoat CC, FP & IS
- Fire Rating: Up to 3 hours (1100°C)
- EPC: Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
- Applicator: Rigzone General Contracting LLC
- Completion: June 1, 2025
- Certifications: IEC 60331-11 / 60331-21, ASTM E1725, UL723, ISO5660, BS6853
Introduction
Power substations are among the most critical components of a nation’s electrical infrastructure. When fire safety is compromised—especially in hydrocarbon environments—the impact can be catastrophic. At the Tabuk Substation, SEC needed a proven solution that ensured electrical continuity even under extreme fire conditions.
CharCoat delivered robust protection with its advanced fireproof cable coating and panel systems designed specifically for high-risk substations.
The Challenge
The Tabuk substation required:
- A fire protection system for existing and new cable networks
- Hydrocarbon-rated fireproofing compliant with IEC and ASTM standards
- Compatibility with single cables, trays, and complex penetrations
- 90–180 minute circuit integrity in extreme conditions
- Minimal operational disruption during installation
Any failure could lead to power outages, infrastructure damage, and safety risks across the region.
Why SEC Chose CharCoat
After evaluating multiple options, SEC selected
CharCoat CC, FP, and IS systems due to:
- IEC 60331-11 and ASTM E1725 certified performance
- Water-based, QUV-approved coating for indoor/outdoor applications
- Rapid, cost-effective installation
- No derating of electrical cables
- Proven long-term performance in hydrocarbon environments
Project Execution
EPC: Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
L&T’s global expertise in power transmission engineering ensured seamless design, installation, testing, and commissioning.
Applicator: Rigzone General Contracting LLC
- Managed logistics and application of CharCoat systems
- Delivered a fully compliant and timely installation
- Certified under ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & ISO 45001
Product Highlights
CharCoat CC – Intumescent Cable Coating
- IEC & UL Approved
- Waterborne, fire-resistant latex coating
- Maintains circuit integrity for 90 minutes at 1100°C
- Easy application on grouped/single cables
- UV-resistant and suitable for outdoor use
Application Specs
| Parameter |
Value |
| DFT (Dry Film Thickness) |
1.6 mm |
| WFT (Wet Film Thickness) |
3.0 mm |
| Adhesion Base Coat |
0.5 mm |
| Final Coating |
2.5 mm (multi-pass) |
CharCoat FP & IS – Firestop Panels & Sealants
- Designed for high-risk cable penetrations
- Provides 3-hour fire containment
- Re-entry capable, mechanically strong
- Low smoke, non-toxic, compliant with ISO5660 & BS6853
Testing & Certification
- IEC 60331-11 / 60331-21 – Circuit integrity
- ASTM E1725 – Fire resistance
- UL 723 – Flame spread
- ISO 5660 – Smoke/toxicity
- BS476 Parts 6 & 7 – Surface flame spread
Client Feedback
“CharCoat’s technical expertise and reliable performance made them the ideal choice for a mission-critical substation project.” —
Project Director, SEC
“Easy to apply, fully compliant, and performed exactly as specified.” —
Site Manager, Rigzone
Why This Project Matters
- Sets a new benchmark for substation fire protection in the Middle East
- Demonstrates the value of certified, engineered fireproofing systems
- Highlights the growing importance of passive fire protection in utility networks
CharCoat firestop systems are engineered to deliver long-term safety for substations, petrochemical plants, tunnels, and smart factories.
Contact Us
📧
Email: mail@charcoat.com
🌐
Website: www.charcoat.com
📞
Phone: +1 604 941 1001 (Global) | +966 5413 25525 (Saudi Arabia)
