Final Resolutions for the EU Construction Products Directive (CPD) for Wire and Cable

摘要

After years of discussion and debate, a classification system for the reaction-to-fire performance of cables under the European Union Construction Products Directive (EU CPD) has been finalised. National Regulators from each EU member state will consider where and how to use the provisions of the new system for the regulation of cable fire safety performance. This presents a new opportunity to improve cable installations within buildings and other construction works in respect of fire safety. The main classification parameters for cable reaction-to-fire performance are flame spread (FS), peak and total heat release (PkHRR, THR), and a fire growth rate index (FIGRA). Additional performance declarations are included for smoke, flaming droplets, and "acidity". Of major significance to the fire safety of communication cable installations, the criteria for Class Bl are set to provide a level of performance that mitigates the potential fire hazard presented by high concentrations of local area network (LAN) cables within hidden building voids. This affords Regulators, Building Consultants, Architects, Insurers and IT system designers an opportunity to take effective risk management action to improve the safety of personnel, reduce fire damage, and minimise exposure to the potentially catastrophic effects and costs associated with business interruption. In total, six performance levels are defined for cables. Two dynamic integrated test methods from the FIPEC study are used to determine the main classification. These same dynamic tests, together with the static "3 metre cube" test are used for smoke declarations, and a static pH/conductivity test on materials is used for "acidity" performance. The classification system therefore has some complexities that must be clearly understood in the marketplace if Europe is to have effective and transparent regulations for cables.