Cable Management


addressing the safety of emergency responders, especially fi refi ghters operating in challenging conditions.


Prior to its introduction, fi re rated cables didn’t need to be secured and supported by fi re rated products such as cable cleats, which in one tragic case led to the death of fi re fi ghter, Jeff Wornham in 2005 – who passed away having become entangled in cables in the lobby of a fourteenth fl oor fl at in Stevenage.


Products that comply with the requirements of BS 5839 go beyond their previous role in simply helping to maintain electrical functionality during fi res; they now play an essential role in eff ectively securing fi re rated cables during fi res. Even for non-fi re critical cable installations, where the systems will not be required to function in a fi re, wiring and cables must still be adequately supported. It is critical to ensure wiring does not prematurely collapse before the public and fi refi ghting personnel evacuate the building. Therefore, when selecting cable cleats for fi re rated cable installations, the key performance considerations should be as follows: Cleats must safely support and restrain cables for means of escape, while maintaining circuit integrity


Cleats must safely support and restrain cables


for fi refi ghting purposes, while maintaining circuit integrity


Any composite materials used in manufacture are produced in Low Smoke and Fume (LSF) as standard


Any composite materials used in manufacture


are fl ame retardant and ideally rated V0 in accordance with UL94 as standard Where possible, London Underground (LUL) approved and certifi ed polymers are used, for some of the most stringent smoke toxicity and smoke emission requirements


It’s also vital to understand that all typical polymeric materials will melt and burn away in a fi re, which means standard liners will no longer be in position to help grip the cables during a fi re. Therefore, fully metallic fi re-rated cable cleats will likely be the best solution.


In response to market demands, CMP recently introduced a comprehensive range of fi re-rated cable cleats – Themis, Solace and Helios. All three


have been subjected to rigorous fi re testing to comply with EN 50200, BS 5839, BS 8491, and BS 8434.


The fi re-rated range, which is available in cast and fabricated 316L stainless steel, demonstrates resilience by withstanding temperatures of more than 1,000°C, while providing excellent corrosion resistance. Suitable for indoor, outdoor,


and corrosive environments, these cable cleats exemplify a commitment to ensuring both the integrity of fi re safety systems and the safety of emergency responders.


And the products’ capabilities don’t just stop


with fi re-resistance. Both Themis and Solace are designed with a unique twin arc internal design profi le, off ering extreme axial and lateral load retention.


In conclusion, what it boils down to is common sense during the specifi cation and installation process. In the same way that regular electrical cables won’t continue operating during a short circuit scenario if secured by underspecifi ed cable cleats, then fi re rated cables will only perform during a fi re if they are secured using properly fi re rated cable cleats.


By following that simple rule, electrical supplies will continue during fi re and lives of building users and emergency responders will not be put in unnecessary risk.


“The British Standard BS 5839, which today governs fi re detection and alarm systems in buildings, now stipulates that cable supports – including cable cleats – must endure fi re, maintain circuit integrity, endure the same temperature as the cable, and provide adequate support.”


ewnews.co.uk


June 2024 electrical wholesaler | 25


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44