Cable Management


Why higher CPR-rated cables matter


CPR ratings are increasingly becoming an important factor in the cable market. Here, Qing Cables’ Lee Taylor explains why in a practical guide for UK electrical wholesalers.


I


n modern buildings, communication cabling is no longer simply an infrastructure concern.


Data, voice, security, access control, Wi-Fi, CCTV and building-management systems all depend on extensive networks of cables running through walls, ceilings, risers and service spaces. This creates an important fire-safety question: what happens to all those cables when a fire starts?


CPR - a background


The answer is increasingly shaped by the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), the reaction-to-fire classification system, and BS 6701:2016+A1:2017. Together, these have changed the way UK designers, contractors and building owners are thinking about the specification of communication cables. A cable’s primary purpose is to carry information. But in a fire, its sheath and insulation become part of the building’s combustible load. Poorly performing cables can contribute to flame spread and generate smoke and corrosive gases. In large installations, where thousands of metres of cable may occupy a single riser or ceiling void, the cumulative effect can be significant. This is where CPR classification becomes valuable. Rather than relying simply on descriptions such as “LSF” (which is still PVC) “low smoke”, “LSZH” or “flame retardant”, CPR provides a standardised way of declaring and comparing cable reaction-to-fire performance. Under EN 50575, cables intended for permanent installation in construction works are classified according to their reaction to fire. The classification system runs from B2ca, representing the highest cable performance, down to Fca, where no reaction-to-fire performance is determined. Additional classifications address smoke production (s), flaming droplets (d) and acidity (a).


This distinction is important because a cable being described as LSZH does not, by itself, designate its CPR Euroclass.


The UK’s key telecommunications standard is BS 6701:2016+A1:2017. The 2017 amendment was particularly significant because it introduced


specific fire-performance requirements for telecommunications cabling in response to the CPR framework. BSI identifies the amendment as having introduced requirements concerning the reaction-to-fire performance of telecommunications cables. “Telecommunication cables” is increasingly being understood to include all fixed communication / BMS cabling. For new installations, as well as refurbishment and extension projects, BS 6701 states that installation cables within the building’s external fire barriers should achieve, as a minimum: Cca- s1b,d2,a2


One of the most important points about CPR is that CPR classification and installation requirements are not quite the same thing. EN 50575 provides the mechanism for testing and declaring cable reaction-to-fire performance. It does not, by itself, decide which class must be installed in every type of building. The selection of appropriate performance levels is addressed through national requirements, standards and project specifications. This is why BS 6701 is so important to UK projects.


It effectively translates the available CPR classifications into practical requirements for telecommunications cabling.


For designers and specifiers, the question should therefore move from:


“Is this cable LSZH?” to: “What CPR classification is required for this application, and can the manufacturer demonstrate it?”


In summary


A practical guide for UK electrical wholesalers: 1. Be aware of CPR Ratings, especially those at the higher end of the scale. B2ca - [highest level] Cca Dca Eca


Fca - [no third party testing carried out] Ensure you look for these on enquiries from your customers, especially those that are destined for public buildings.


2. If you know the project is for a public building, and no CPR ratings have been communicated – prompt your customer to check. If the wrong


34 | electrical wholesaler November 2026 ewnews.co.uk


cable is installed, the time and costs to rectify the error can be significant, so you will be doing your client a favour by ensuring the correct CPR rated cable is quoted / installed.


3. Communicate these details clearly to your cable supplier at the enquiry stage – don’t assume that a cable will automatically be CPR Cca for example. Most cables are CPR Eca as standard, CPR Cca / B2ca will likely be a proprietary product, and likely to cost more than the standard version.


4. Don’t be confused between “CPR Cca” and “CCA conductor” cables.


5. All cables (with exception of Fire Cable) must be labelled with their CPR classification. If you are cutting cables in branch, it is YOUR responsibility to ensure that the CPR label is copied and attached to the cut length of cable you sell.


A printable CPR poster is available here for you to display in your branch:


https://tinyurl.com/CPR-Poster


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