British Cables Association issue advice on Construction Products Regulation

The British Cables Association has issued a public announcement advising on the practical implications of bringing cables within the Construction Products Regulation (EU 305/2011) that came into force on 10th June 2016.

From this date, manufacturers of cables with requirements for Reaction to Fire, meaning flame spread/propagation, heat release, evolution of smoke and acidic/corrosive gases, and restriction on flaming droplets, may make a Declaration of Performance (DoP) for their product against the harmonised European Standard (hEN 50575) and apply CE marking under the CPR.

The Construction Products Association, the manufacturer is classed as the individual who puts the product on the market within the European Union. This may be applicable to the actual manufacturer, an importer or a distributor placing the product on the market under his own name but in all cases the responsibilities in respect of DoP and CE marking apply.

Official Journal of the European Community notes a second date of 1st July 2017, marking the end of the co-existence period. After this date, the manufacturer, importer or distributor is required to make a DoP and apply CE marking.

The Construction Products Association cite “Power, control and communication cables” as falling under the regulations, with a definition of a construction product given as:

“Any product or kit which is produced and placed on the market for incorporation in a permanent manner in construction works or parts thereof and the performance of which has an effect on the performance of the construction works with respect to the basic requirements for construction works”

The definition is applicable to a wide range of cables but not specify whether a particular cable type is included or excluded.

From the time of the DoA, manufacturers will ensure that those cables that a potentially relevant are put on the market with a Declaration of Performance. It will, however, be the responsibility of the user to decide if cables are to be installed in a permanent manner in the construction and therefore need to comply with the regulation.

There are seven fire reaction classes of cables raging from Aca through Fca. Detailed listings for these are available in the Official Journal of the European Community of the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/364 (ref L68/4 of 15 March 2016).

The member state is responsible for the use and designation of a particular class of cable within a construction works.

The UK government has yet to issue any requirements and has said it has no plans in the future to do so. The British Cabling Association say that for the UK, the selection of the particular class for a given installation will derive from the commissioning authority, for instance local council or hospital trust, or the building designer.

This means that an installer or contractor retains a general obligation to buy and use construction products that are ‘fit for purpose’ under whatever regulatory system is allowed.

The BS 7671 (the Wiring Regulations) will also see guidance updated in this respect.

Any queries to the suitability of particular cables to meet the necessary requirements under Construction Products Regulation should be be taken up with the manufacturer or the supplier. BCA will also offer advice for any general queries – http://bcauk.org/

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