Increased UK demand for Category 3 Control fire performance cables
Iain Hoey
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Tougher UK legislation linked to rising cable demand
AEI Cables has reported an increase in demand for Category 3 Control fire performance cables following recent changes to legislation in the United Kingdom.
According to the company, meeting this demand requires effective coordination between manufacturers and distributors.
AEI Cables explained that these cables are critical for powering safety systems such as smoke and heat extraction, which support firefighting operations and occupant evacuation.
AEI Cables calls for industry-wide coordination
Stuart Dover, general manager at AEI Cables, said: “We have seen a rise in the demand for these cables but working together with our distributors we are satisfying our customer needs.
“Together, we can meet the increase in requirements which ultimately make sense for the safety of people and property.
“We offer a comprehensive range of Category 3 Control backed up with our technical support and guidance for these specific uses.”
The company noted that guidance applies to systems including evacuation alarms for disabled residents in care homes, emergency voice communications and voice alarm systems across a range of public and commercial buildings.
These include high-rise buildings, office facilities, hospitals, shopping centres and stadiums.
Standards compliance emphasised under BS8519
AEI Cables stated that it has been promoting the revised Code of Practice under British Standard BS8519:2020 for the selection and installation of Category 3 Control fire performance cables.
It said the revised guidance is designed to reduce the release of harmful smoke, toxic gases and the spread of flame during a fire.
The company noted that its Firetec Enhanced cables are approved and certified by LPCB for both Category 2 and Category 3 Control under BS8519 Annex B.
BS8519 outlines six categories of fire-resistant cables, with three relating to power cables and three to control cables.
Each of the six categories corresponds to a survival time of either 30, 60 or 120 minutes.
AEI Cables supplies certified products to UK and international standards
AEI Cables confirmed that its products are approved by independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB.
The company also holds approvals from the Ministry of Defence, Network Rail, Lloyd’s Register and London Underground.
It added that it manufactures in line with international specifications for supply globally.
Increased UK demand for Category 3 Control fire performance cables: Summary
AEI Cables has reported increased demand for Category 3 Control fire performance cables in the UK.
The company attributed the rise to tougher legislation related to life safety systems.
It stated that collaboration between manufacturers and distributors is essential to meet customer requirements.
AEI Cables said the cables are used in critical systems such as smoke extraction and emergency alarms.
General manager Stuart Dover said the company is meeting this demand in partnership with its distributors.
The company highlighted that BS8519:2020 provides the relevant Code of Practice.
Firetec Enhanced cabling is certified by LPCB for Category 2 and Category 3 Control applications.
BS8519 includes six cable categories based on power or control use and survival time.
AEI Cables products are independently certified by BASEC and LPCB.
It also holds UK-based approvals from bodies including Network Rail and London Underground.
AEI Cables manufactures to international standards for global supply.
