Leading cable supplier AEI Cables is issuing a call for all of those in the electrical supply chain to follow their duty of care when it comes to cabling safety through the current challenging economic climate.
The company says the specifiers, main contractors and installers all have a responsibility to ensure the choice of cabling for each and every application is relevant and safe.
Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “There are many challenges facing the electrical supply chain, not least the sheer amount of legislation and guidance being issued as well as tough trading conditions.
“At the same time, we must not forget our responsibilities to ensure the relevant cabling products and accessories are chosen for each project. Ultimately, we are talking about the safety of people moving about in large buildings. This goes beyond legislation.
“If in doubt, please seek guidance because the choice of cabling and level of fire performance is of paramount importance in the event of a fire.”
AEI Cables is highlighting the need for the use of Category 3 Control fire performance cables at the upper end of requirements. These cables are designed to withstand heat and flames for up to 120 minutes, helping to protect equipment, property and even lives.
These cables support critical safety circuits in tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia. The systems powered by these cables assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety.
A number of pieces of legislation have been introduced recently which make demands on electrical and fire safety including the Building Safety Act 2022. The Act makes new stringent requirements for higher-risk buildings which are those deemed to be of at least 18 metres in height or at least seven storeys containing at least two residential units.
AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.
All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world.
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