Support grows for approved Category 3 Control fire performance cables

AEI Cables has received added support in highlighting the importance of using only approved cabling in signal and control equipment for fire safety.

The industry is supporting the campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of not using approved cabling as specified under the revised version of the Code of Practice for Category 3 fire performance cables.

The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety.

Customers, the wider fire safety industry and professionals have welcomed the message including the professional fire safety membership body the Institution of Fire Prevention Officers (IFPO).

The Code references and clarifies the products and levels of performance required very clearly. We have received wide support for this information and the efforts we are making in the interests of safety for all concerned from the supply chain through to those responsible and the public using buildings in which these systems operate.

As the only supplier in the UK with independent approval from LPCB for BS8519 Category 3 Control fire performance cables with a fire survival time of up to 120 minutes, AEI Cables is issuing the warning as new legislation is introduced under the Fire Safety Bill.

The applications of Category 3 Control fire performance cables also applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, care homes, shopping malls and stadia.

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.

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.

For further information telephone +44 (0)191 410 3111 or email info@aeicables.co.uk