As one of UK’s major cable suppliers, Eland Cables has long been known for the quality and compliance of its products. Here they provide a brief reminder of the requirement for cables to be classified under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR).
Firstly, in case people aren’t familiar, what is CPR for cables?
CPR affects cables used for fixed installation in building and construction projects and classifies them according to how they react in the event of a fire. There’s not a set list of cables it affects – it depends on how they’re being used (but it does excludes fire performance cables as they are already designed to be fire resistant). The tests the cables are subjected to result in a classification of A to F.
So does every cable now need to be CPR classified?
If it was manufactured or imported into the EU on or after 1st July 2017 and it’s being used for a fixed installation project, then yes. If the cable is older than that (and many people will be holding ‘legacy’ stock) then that can continue to be used without a CPR reference, as long as the cable still meets the other required standards.
How can you tell if it’s got a CPR classification?
Every reel or length of cable that you buy should have a label on it. For CPR classified cables that label should include the CE mark (denoting it complies with the Low Voltage Directive) and the CPR information including the Class, the manufacturer’s details or those of the legally responsible party in the UK, and the Declaration of Performance (DoP) number linking it back to the testing report from the Notified Body or approved test facility that defined the classification.
So what do I need as the cable buyer?
There is currently no obligation to use a particular Class of cable in any project (it is at the site engineer’s discretion) so in essence, the label has all the information you should need to assure yourself of compliance; however, the DoP is held on file by the manufacturer or supplier for a period of ten years and is available if required.
Surely everyone wants the Class A cable?
You need to be practical – cables with thermoplastic or thermoset material sheathing (eg: PVC or LSZH) will burn under fire conditions and so won’t meet the high requirements of the Class A vertical flame test. In fact, we haven’t seen a cable that would meet Class B1 available for sale either. As a rule of thumb, the majority of PVC cables are Class Eca, with LSZH and Rubber Flex cables a Class Dca or Cca, although there are exceptions.
It sounds confusing.
Not really. CPR doesn’t change the cable technically; it’s designed to help you make purchasing decisions. There are currently no set requirements for CPR classifications in the 17th Edition of the Wiring Regulations for the UK & Ireland, and even the draft 18th Edition makes reference to CPR but doesn’t make certain classes mandatory. You still select the most appropriate cable for your application and if it’s for a fixed installation, CPR is an additional regulatory box to check.
Surely I can’t be alone in not feeling confident about CPR for cables?
No. Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and it’s why trusted suppliers are so key in helping you achieve compliance. It’s one of the reasons we took the time to prepare; investing heavily in new systems, new staff, and new QA and surveillance protocols, all so we knew we were fully compliant. We have always put quality and compliance at the heart of our operations and with the CPR Directive it is no different – it means our customers can rely on us, our products, and our services.
Our compliance team is available to assist customers with CPR queries – contact cpr@elandcables.com or speak to one of our sales team about your cable requirements.
Eland Cables
Tel: 020 7241 8787
Email: sales@elandcables.com
www.elandcables.com
The post CPR for Cables: A Reminder – by Jean-Sébastien Pelland of Eland Cables appeared first on UK Construction Online.
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