(57) An electric cable with limited fire survival characteristics comprises at least one insulated conductor insulated with silicone rubber or other organic insulant that leaves an insulating inorganic residue on thermal breakdown and optionally a bare earth wire. A screening layer is formed by a laminate comprising a centre layer of mineral fibre cloth having one face formed by a layer of metal foil and the the other by a layer of organic material infusible below 200°C, preferably regenerated cellulose or cured isophalate polyester film. An extruded sheath of flame-retardant polymeric material contacts, but does not adhere to, the infusible film layer of the laminate.
This separation of the screening layer from the sheath ensures that it can be cut back for termination with negligible risk of damage to the conductor insulation and minimal risk of damage to the essential metal layer of the screening laminate. After it has been so cut back, the projecting end of the laminate may be turned back over the cut end of the sheath to expose a metal layer that is sufficiently supported to make an effective screen connection by mechanical means.