News

Cables leader AEI Cables is highlighting the need for those in the electrical supply chain to gather crucial data required under the new Building Safety Act.

The Act – introduced in October 2023 – makes new requirements for ‘higher-risk buildings’ which are those deemed to be of at least 18 metres in height or at least seven storeys containing at least two residential units.

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

Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “This area of knowledge is becoming increasingly important. All of those in the supply chain including building managers, contractors, specifiers and installers need to understand the impact of this legislation and the issues surrounding it.

“We are advising our customers to capture the relevant data sooner rather than later for projects they are working on so that they can provide information on safety and quality required by the act.”

The data identified under the new Building Safety Act should be provided in digital format, known as The Golden Thread. This refers to any relevant package of information such as product specification, application records or datasheets.

It is the responsibility of the Principal Accountable Person to provide the right information and to have assessed all building safety risks and taken all reasonable steps to control them.

They should also provide a safety case report to the Building Safety Regulator on request and apply for a building assessment certificate when relevant.

The BSR oversees the safety and performance of all buildings, as well as having a special focus on high-rise buildings. It will promote competence and organisational capability within the sector for building control professionals and tradespeople.

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.

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 the AEI Cables website, tel 0191 410 3111 or email sales@aeicables.co.uk.