Together we can meet demand
The surge in demand seen by the cables industry for Category 3 Control
fire performance cables can be met with the supply chains working together, says
leading cable supplier AEI Cables.
The increase in requirements for these cables with the introduction of
tougher legislation has presented challenges for all concerned in the supply
and distribution of these products.
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.
Stuart Dover, general
manager of AEI Cables, said: “We have seen a rise in the demand for these
cables but working together with our distributors we are satisfying our
customer needs. Together, we can meet the increase in requirements which
ultimately make sense for the safety of people and property.
“We offer a comprehensive
range of Category 3 Control backed up with our technical support and guidance
for these specific uses.”
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.
AEI Cables has been
highlighting the importance of following the technical guidance for the selection
and installation of cables for Category 3 Control fire performance cables under
the revised British Standard BS8519: 2020 Code of Practice. These cables reduce
harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire.
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.