Flame-retardant (FR) materials can prevent the spread of fire or show adequate resistance to fire.

They must be slow to catch fire when exposed to heat, and must self-extinguish when removed from the heat source.

They must also be free from asbestos and from halogens such as fluorine, chlorine or bromine.

FR plastics are used in cable technology for insulation, and generally for circuit boards and other electronic components.