CE marking for fire performance cable supplied to European markets becomes mandatory next year
The British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC), the international leader in test and certification services for energy, data and signal cables and ancillary products, will be advising cable manufacturers and distributors supplying cable products to European markets on the forthcoming launch of CPR for cables, at the Middle East Electricity Exhibition (MEEE) to be held in Dubai from 1-3 March.
The launch of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), which will be implemented in July 2016, has implications for all cable manufacturers who export into the European Union. CPR introduces new testing and certification requirements and also new CE marking requirements. The final mandatory date to establish CE marking of power, control and communications cables under EN 50575 is 1 July 2017 – this is a 12 month transition period from the launch date.
BASEC is expecting an increased demand from Middle East based cable manufacturers seeking to conform to the regulations, for the fire testing of cables in accordance with the CPR.
“Manufacturers should be aware that CPR is a regulatory system and will need to be implemented separately from any voluntary cable product approvals or testing,” said Dr Jeremy Hodge, chief executive at BASEC. “In addition, end users in the Middle East region may find the classification system useful for their own applications.”
BASEC has recently been awarded extended ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for its cable fire testing capabilities, demonstrating its commitment to the industry by investing in high quality personnel and equipment.
Dr Hodge said: “Accreditation of the EN 50399 test, building on our existing accreditations to EN 61034, EN 60754 and EN 60332-1-2, will allow manufacturers and suppliers to start confidently with their preparations for the introduction of CPR for cables, with accredited tests. We are already using our facilities for regular BASEC cable approvals testing, and also for accredited testing for a range of customers in specialist areas such as marine, rail, fibre optic, and communications cables.”
In the United Arab Emirates, BASEC holds pre-qualification status as an independent testing laboratory for low voltage cables by the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) and for more than a decade, BASEC representatives have been working in the Middle East serving reputable cable manufacturers who hold BASEC certification for their products. BASEC continues to develop strong links with key local regulators, utilities and industry groups who seek to drive forward quality, service, and safety standards in this globally connected region.
“We are looking forward to meeting with delegates at MEEE and offering advice on how to prepare for CPR going live,” said Jeremy.
Further information may be obtained by emailing BASEC at technical@basec.org.uk, visit www.basec.org.uk or follow BASEC on Twitter @BASECCables for regular updates.
For more information, go to www.basec.org.uk
