• • • CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT • • •
Working together to meet the demand for Category 3 Control
Fire Performance Cables The rise in demand in the electrical supply chain for Category 3 Control fire performance cables can be met by suppliers working closely together, says Stuart Dover, General Manager of AEI Cables
T
he focus on greater levels of quality and safety of the components, which make our building safe for those people moving about in them, brings further challenges for the electrical supply chain. The subsequent surge in demand, seen by the cables industry for Category 3 Control fire performance cables, can create bottlenecks and supply issues. At the same time, the introduction of tougher legislation has presented issues for all concerned in the supply and distribution of these products. By working closely together, the supply chain can meet the demand to satisfy quality and legal requirements. We have seen a rise in the demand for these cables, but through working together with our distributors, we are satisfying our customer needs. By collaborating, we can meet the increase in requirements which ultimately helps to save lives and protect property. 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. The guidance for Category 3 Control fire
performance cables 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, shopping malls and stadia. There are a range of industry regulatory authorities who offer technical guidance on the cable characteristics, why they should be specified and the relevant installation procedures. We have seen the growth in the demand for these cables ever since the introduction of the revised British Standard BS8519: 2020 Code of Practice. These regulations were brought in to add a further level of safety in the supply of power to critical applications such as evacuation alarms for care homes and smoke and heat extraction systems in tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia. With the correct choice of cabling, people moving about in these buildings can rely on power supplies for firefighting should it be necessary. Building managers and owners can be assured that they have met all requirements to meet compliance of power supply in the event of a real fire.
AEI Cables has been highlighting the importance of the selection and installation of cables for Category 3 Control fire performance cables for some time. These cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire.
To ensure electrical systems are not compromised, including the components and installation methods, it is essential to subject them to joint testing and certification and ensure that the whole system complies with the relevant Codes. For those responsible under the revised Code, we would advise a check of the detailed guidance for Category 3 Control fire performance cables and what it means. The latest guidance was issued in 2020 but is still entirely relevant for these important cables.
The Code is intended to inform and guide designers, contractors, fire engineers, regulators and enforcers including building control bodies, fire authorities, health and safety inspectors and equipment suppliers and manufacturers. It is primarily intended for use in buildings which, due to their size, height, form or use, require the installation of life safety and fire- fighting systems, e.g. sprinkler pumps, wet riser pumps, smoke control systems, fire-fighting and evacuation lifts or other systems as required by a fire engineering strategy.
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 more information see
www.aeicables.co.uk, tel 0191 410 3111 or email
sales@aeicables.co.uk.
44 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • JUNE 2025
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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