WOBO thanks IFSEC GLOBAL for the link to Stuart Dover’s paper on Cable Performance.

The importance of using only approved products which meets the latest regulations for fire safety cannot be emphasised enough as buildings become more complex using modern materials. Here, Stuart Dover, General Manager of AEI Cables, explains the significance of a new Code of Practice for Category 3 Control fire performance cables.

The signal and control equipment systems powered by Category 3 Control fire performance cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety.

Simply put, some of these systems will not survive in a fire if a sub-standard cable is installed.

To make the point, we draw attention to the new Code of Practice for Category 3 Control fire performance cables under BS 8519: 2020, which covers how to select and install fire-resistant power and control cable systems that, in the event of a fire, will maintain their circuit integrity for life safety and fire-fighting.

The new Code is intended to inform and guide designers, contractors, fire engineers, regulators and enforcers including building control bodies, fire authorities, Health and Safety inspectors and equipment suppliers and manufacturers.

The gives guidance and recommendations on the selection and installation of fire-resistant power and control cable systems that need to maintain their circuit integrity for life safety and fire-fighting.

It is primarily intended for use in buildings which, due to their size, height, form or use, require the installation of life safety and firefighting systems, e.g. sprinkler pumps, wet riser pumps, smoke control systems, firefighting and evacuation lifts or other systems as required by a fire engineering strategy.  Read more…

The importance of using approved Category 3 Control fire performance cables