In July 2017, the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) came into effect, establishing a set of harmonised European standards for the performance of construction products, including cables, to enhance safety and reliability in building environments. This regulation ensures that cables used as permanent fixtures in buildings meet strict safety criteria, particularly regarding their reaction to fire.

Cleveland Cable Company is committed to ensuring all our construction cables adhere to CPR standards. This blog provides an in-depth look at CPR, its implications for cable products, and how Cleveland Cable maintains compliance.

What is the Construction Products Regulation (CPR)?

The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) was introduced on July 1st, 2017, mandating that all non-fire performance cables used as permanent fixtures in buildings across the EU must be assessed for fire safety. The regulation applies to any construction product permanently incorporated into buildings, requiring them to meet uniform safety and performance standards. This regulation applies to cables used in building infrastructure, including power, control, and data cables, which are essential for everyday operations.

Why CPR Matters for Cables

The fundamental purpose of CPR is to ensure that cables do not pose undue risks in fire situations. Cables are tested against their flame propagation, smoke emission, flaming droplets, and acidity, which are crucial indicators of how they behave in the event of a fire. By setting these standards, CPR aims to improve the overall fire safety of buildings, reducing the risk of fire spread and enhancing the ability of occupants to evacuate safely.

How Are Cables Classified Under CPR?

Under CPR, cables are rigorously tested and classified based on several critical factors:

• Flame Propagation: How quickly a cable propagates flame.
• Smoke Emissions: The density and amount of smoke generated by the cable.
• Flaming Droplets and Particles: The potential of a cable to release flaming droplets, which could spread the fire further.
• Acidity: The release of acidic gases, which can hinder visibility and cause additional harm during a fire.

The results of these tests lead to cables being classified on a scale from A to F, with A being the highest level of fire resistance and F the lowest. Additional classifications relate to the cable’s smoke emission (s1, s2, s3), acidity (a1, a2, a3), and flaming droplets (d0, d1, d2).

Compliance at Cleveland Cable Company

Cleveland Cable Company ensures that all cables manufactured after July 1, 2017, meet CPR compliance where applicable. Here’s how we maintain adherence to the strict standards set by the CPR:

1. Testing to EN 50575 Standards: All our cables undergo rigorous fire testing at accredited laboratories, including BASEC and BRE (LPCB). These labs ensure that our cables meet or exceed the required safety standards.
2. Factory Surveillance: Cleveland Cable Company implements a factory surveillance program to guarantee consistent quality. This program includes twice-yearly inspections of our facilities to ensure adherence to production standards and continued compliance.
3. Type Testing: Our cables undergo type testing every three years, which may be extended to five years with consistent results. This ensures long-term reliability and adherence to safety protocols.
4. CE Marking: All CPR-compliant cables sold by Cleveland Cable Company carry the CE mark, ensuring they meet the appropriate fire safety classifications. This mark can be found on the cable itself or its packaging.
5. Declaration of Performance (DoP): Cleveland Cable Company retains all necessary documentation, including the Declaration of Performance, which is available upon request. This document guarantees that the product complies with CPR standards and provides full traceability.
   
   

Which Cables are Affected by CPR?

The CPR affects a wide range of cables, including:

• Medium Voltage Power Cable
• Low Voltage Power Cable
• Data and Fibre Cable
• Twin and Flat Cables
• Control Cables

These products are integral to building infrastructure, making compliance with CPR essential for ensuring building safety.

How to Verify CPR Compliance

Cleveland Cable Company makes it easy for our customers to verify CPR compliance. Every applicable cable is CE-marked, and the relevant CPR classification is displayed on the packaging. In addition, Cleveland Cable Company cut tickets replicate all the CE label details and provide even more comprehensive information about the product’s compliance.

Our team can also provide the Manufacturer’s Declaration of Performance (DoP) certificate upon request. This certificate verifies that the cable complies with CPR standards and provides full traceability to the manufacturer.

Your Responsibility as a Supplier or End User

As a supplier or end user, it is crucial to ensure that all cables you use or sell comply with CPR regulations. If you are ever in doubt, check the CE label on the packaging or contact our QA team. We are always available to verify compliance and provide documentation to ensure safety standards are met.

Conclusion

The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) is essential to ensuring fire safety in buildings. At Cleveland Cable Company, we are committed to providing cables that meet the highest safety standards under CPR. By adhering to these regulations, we ensure that our customers receive cables that perform reliably and enhance safety in the event of a fire.

For more information about CPR compliance or to request a DoP certificate for your cables, contact Cleveland Cable Company today. Our team is available at 01642 241 133 or via email at sales@clevelandcable.com. We’re here to help ensure the safety and compliance of your construction projects.