EU Announces New Fire Safety Classification System for Electrical Cables Used in Construction
The EU has introduced a new fire safety classification system for electrical cables that are used on construction works. This follows the introduction of the Construction Product Regulation in July 2017.
- (1888PressRelease) December 15, 2017 - The European Union (EU) has introduced new fire safety classifications for electrical cables that are used in construction works. Construction works are defined as buildings and other civil engineering works that are subject to regulations regarding fire safety.
The new classifications, ‘Euroclasses’, are defined as Aca, B1ca, B2ca, Cca, Dca, Eca, and Fca – where Aca is the most flame retardant and Fca the least.
The assessment of cables is split into three systems:
• For Euroclasses Aca, B1ca, B2ca and Cca: System 1+, the assessment must be granted by a Notified Certification Body
• For Euroclasses Dca and Eca: System 3, the assessment must be granted by a Notified testing laboratory
• For Euroclass Fca: Assessment can be conducted by the manufacturer
The object of these regulations concerning electrical cables is to limit the generation and spread of smoke and fire. To assess the way cables react to fire, they are assessed using the methods in product standard EN50575:2014 + A1:2016.
The Construction Product Regulation (CPR) became law in all EU Member States on July 1, 2017. Under this legislation, every cable marketed in the European Economic Area (EEA) must be CE marked and needs to have a Declaration of Performance (DoP). CPR requires cables intended for use in supplying electricity and communications within buildings and other civil engineering works to be subject to performance requirements in relation to fire.
The DoP is a document drawn up by the manufacturer for every product covered by the CPR and associated regulatory guidelines. The DoP must:
• Identify the product
• State its intended use
• State its essential characteristics as given by its declared performance
The DoP must be available to the public, for example through a website, and must be available upon request in paper or electronic form.
Stakeholders should check their products comply with the latest European fire safety regulations.
SGS Electrical and Electronic Product Services
SGS’s global network of accredited testing laboratories and specialized teams of local experts offer a range of services to manufacturers and retailers in the electronics industry. They understand regulations and standards for every product and target market, and can help reduce risk, improve efficiency and ensure compliance.
SGS Belgium NV – Division SGS CEBEC has been Notified under the CPR (#NB 2658) as a Certification Body in System 1+ and is authorized to issue Certificates of Constancy of Performances, which will support the manufacturer’s Declaration of Performance (DoP).
For the realization of the tests, SGS CEBEC works in collaboration with Issep which is Notified testing laboratory under #NB 2659. Learn more about SGS’s Electrical and Electronic Product Services [www.sgs.com/en/consumer-goods-retail/electrical-and-electronics]
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Introduces New Fire Safety Classifications for Electrical Cables Used in Construction SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2017/11/safeguards-18017-new-fire-safety-classifications-for-introduced-for-electrical-cables]
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For further information contact:
Luigi ZANUTTO
Division SGS CEBEC
Product Line Manager Cables & Installation Equipment
Tel: +32.2.556.00.38
Email: crs.media ( @ ) sgs dot com
Website: www.sgs.com/ee
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 90,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,000 offices and laboratories around the world.
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