Specialist AEI Cables is highlighting the need for the highest levels of accreditation for the specification of control cables which provide signals to control the equipment associated with life safety and firefighting.
As the only supplier in the UK with independent approval for BS8519 Category 3 Control cables, the firefighting category, AEI Cables is issuing a notification as the electrical supply chain comes under increasing pressure to raise the standard of products and performance by providing independent product assurance.
The equipment served by these cables assists a safe evacuation in the case of life safety and enables the intervention of the fire services in the case of firefighting.
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. Typical applications may include smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems, smoke barriers, smoke control dampers and smoke fans, sprinkler pumps and wet riser pumps and the many other systems listed under the Code of Practice.
Graham Turner, national sales manager for AEI Cables, said “The performance of control cables in a real fire is essential to maintain signals and control of critical equipment. As a matter of safety and compliance, we are encouraging adherence to these standards without compromise.
“Whatever our role in the provision of fire safety cable systems, whether regulator, architect, engineer or installer, we all have a duty of care in specifying and installing the highest levels of performance available. This includes circuit integrity in fire, and the use of safe materials which lower the risk through the reduction of harmful smoke, toxic gases, and reduced flame spread. We should all strive to achieve the highest performances possible.
“The electrical supply chain has a duty to work together to achieve the highest standards especially in the wake of disasters such as Grenfell which are still so vivid in the public eye.
“There are many cases of cable failure where the products will simply not perform as specified and are not fit for the intended purpose. If in doubt, specifiers and installers should check with the supplier for advice.”
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.
Using the very latest in technology and science, the Firetec Total Fire Solutions range offers Mineral Insulated Cabling (MIC), Firetec Enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from the AEI Cables distribution facility at Washington, Tyne and Wear.
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.
