Data centres are critical to modern infrastructure, hosting essential servers and network equipment that power global digital operations. Ensuring these facilities meet stringent safety standards is paramount, and one of the most crucial safety factors involves the correct use of CPR-rated cables.

CPR (Construction Products Regulation) defines the fire safety standards for all building materials, including cables, across Europe. Using compliant CPR-rated cables in data centres helps ensure fire risks are minimised, and equipment is protected. Here, we’ll explore the importance of these cables, describe their classifications, and explain how Cleveland Cable Company can support data centre operators across Europe with high-quality, fully compliant cables.

understanding CPR And its importance

The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) was implemented to standardise the performance of construction materials in the event of a fire, including cables used in permanent installations like data centres. The CPR grading system categorises cables based on their reaction to fire, considering factors like flame spread, smoke production, and the toxicity of the gases emitted.

Data centres are particularly vulnerable environments, with high concentrations of cables running through tight spaces. In the event of a fire, poor-quality cables could exacerbate the situation, rapidly spreading flames and emitting dense smoke. This could lead to catastrophic data loss, damage to expensive equipment, and endanger personnel.

The CPR classifications are designed to mitigate these risks. The key cable ratings, known as Euroclasses, range from Aca (best performance) to Fca (worst performance). For most data centres, cables from B2ca to Cca are recommended as they offer a higher degree of fire safety.

CPR Cable Classifications for Data Centres

Here’s a breakdown of the key CPR-rated cable classifications used in data centres:

1. B2ca – This is one of the highest safety ratings for cables. B2ca cables offer low flame spread and minimal heat release in the event of a fire. They also produce low levels of smoke, contributing to a safer evacuation and preventing damage to sensitive equipment. These cables are ideal for large data centres or those located in tall or densely populated buildings.
   
   
2. Cca – Cca-rated cables provide a good level of flame resistance and emit limited smoke and harmful gases. These cables are suitable for most data centre installations where fire performance is important, but the building does not have the same high-risk requirements as those demanding B2ca cables.
   
   
3. Dca – Dca-rated cables provide a lower level of fire resistance than Cca but still offer protection in environments where the fire risk is moderate. They are typically used in lower-occupancy data centres or where cables are run through areas with lower exposure risks.
   
   
4. Eca – Eca-rated cables offer basic fire resistance and are generally used for non-critical installations where fire risks are low. These cables may still be suitable for certain small-scale data centre operations or where cables are installed in areas away from sensitive equipment.
   
   

These classifications help data centre managers choose cables based on their facility’s specific fire risk profile. It’s essential to assess factors such as building height, room layout, occupancy, and fire evacuation routes when determining which CPR rating to use.

Why correct CPR-rated cables matter

In the event of a fire, cables can play a critical role in the containment or escalation of flames. Correctly rated cables can:

• Reduce flame spread: CPR-rated cables prevent the rapid escalation of flames through large spaces like data halls.
  
  
• Minimise smoke production: High-quality CPR-rated cables produce less smoke, which is essential for data centres where smoke can severely damage servers and other sensitive equipment.
  
  
• Lower toxic emissions: The gases emitted during a fire can be harmful to personnel and damaging to equipment. CPR-rated cables reduce the emission of dangerous substances.
  
  

How Cleveland Cable Company Can Help

As experts in the cable industry, Cleveland Cable Company understands the critical role CPR-rated cables play in ensuring the safety and compliance of data centres across Europe. Our extensive product range includes CPR-rated power and data cables that meet all required standards for fire resistance, ensuring the highest levels of safety and performance.

Testing and Quality Assurance

What sets Cleveland Cable Company apart is our commitment to quality. Every cable we supply is thoroughly tested at our new, cutting-edge Cable Testing Facility before it leaves our hub. This ensures every product meets the CPR classification standards for flame resistance, smoke emissions, and gas toxicity. We subject our cables to rigorous testing for reliability, ensuring they will perform as needed in the most demanding conditions.

Fleet and Distribution Across Europe

Our extensive fleet operates across Europe, delivering cables directly to data centres throughout the continent. Whether constructing a new data centre or upgrading existing infrastructure, Cleveland Cable Company can ensure you have the correct CPR-rated cables. We work closely with clients to assess their specific needs and deliver the highest quality products tailored to their environments.

Expert Guidance

At Cleveland Cable Company, we understand that choosing the right CPR-rated cable can be complex. Our team of experienced professionals is on hand to help. With over 40 years in the industry, Cleveland Cable Company has built a reputation for reliability and technical expertise, ensuring that all our customers are fully supported, from product selection to installation.

Ensuring compliance and safety across Europe

The use of correct CPR-rated cables is essential in any data centre to protect assets, ensure compliance with regulations, and guarantee the safety of personnel. At Cleveland Cable Company, we not only supply these essential cables but also ensure their quality through rigorous testing at our state-of-the-art facility. Our fleet delivers across Europe, providing data centres with the cables they need to meet operational and regulatory standards.

With our comprehensive service offering, Cleveland Cable Company ensures that your data centre is equipped with the best fire-resistant cables, tested to the highest standards, and delivered on time. Trust Cleveland Cable Company to safeguard your data centre with the correct CPR-rated cables and world-class service.

For more information about CPR compliance in Data Centres, contact our Global Data Centre Manager, Marcus Ridge, at mridge@clevelandcable.com or 07771 940666.
We’re here to help ensure the safety and compliance of your data centre projects.