AEI Cables highlights compliance focus for Category 3 fire performance cables
Iain Hoey
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Compliance and cabling choices under the new regime
AEI Cables has said choosing the correct cabling under the new regulatory regime is critical for safety across the construction industry supply chain.
The company said it is receiving requests from customers for help staying within the legal framework of the Building Safety Act and its requirements as the new Building Safety Regulator starts to make enforcement for non-compliance.
Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “This is a difficult time for the construction supply industry and those addressing the new legislation including electrical cabling requirements.
“We believe in using the correct and most relevant cabling to meet specific needs for all reasons of safety.
“We are happy to answer queries with our technical help as it may save a lot of time and effort and help our customers and others keep within the legal limits of the act.”
Cable categories and stated survival times
AEI Cables is highlighting Category 3 fire performance cables where relevant, describing them as designed to withstand heat and flames for up to 120 minutes to protect equipment and provide emergency power to assist firefighters.
It said these cables support critical safety circuits in tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia.
The company also linked these cables to systems including smoke and heat extraction systems, stating they support firefighting and evacuation in life safety scenarios.
Category 1 fire performance cables are described as providing 30 minutes of defence against flames and being used for emergency lighting.
Category 2 cables are described as providing 60 minutes of fire protection and being commonly used for alarm systems.
Product approvals and certifications referenced
AEI Cables said its Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control.
It described BS8519 as a code of practice with six categories of cables, split into three power and three control categories covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.
AEI Cables also said its products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB, and that it holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL.