Industry pioneer AEI Cables is issuing a reminder to the electrical cables supply chain to keep safety at the front of mind when it comes to Category 3 Control fire performance cables.
The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and enabling safe evacuation in the case of life safety. Category 3 Control fire performance cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases, and flame spread in the event of a real fire.
Control fire performance cables
Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “We’re advising those in the supply chain to check the guidance on Category 3 Control fire performance cables and ensure safety is the priority. The latest guidance was issued in 2020 but is still entirely relevant for these important cables."
“Indeed, these cables also help fire and rescue services to fight a fire and evacuate people in the event of an incident. By incorporating this guidance into the selection of cabling for these critical systems, those people using these striking new buildings can move about in the knowledge that they are safe.”
Code of Practice for Category 3 cables
New Code is intended to inform and guide designers, contractors, fire engineers, regulators
The 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 firefighting.
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. It is primarily intended for use in buildings which, due to their size, height, form or use, require the installation of life safety and fire-fighting systems, e.g. sprinkler pumps, wet riser pumps, smoke control systems, fire-fighting and evacuation lifts or other systems as required by a fire engineering strategy.
Recommendations of BS 9999 and BS 9991
Applications of Category 3 Control fire performance cables also apply to evacuation alarms
BS 8519:2020 makes reference to the recommendations of BS 9999 and BS 9991, with regard to the design and installation of the electrical distribution systems for life safety and fire-fighting equipment.
The applications of Category 3 Control fire performance cables also apply 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’ products
Using the very latest in technology and science, the Firetec Total Fire Solutions range offers Mineral Insulated Cabling (MIC), Firetec Enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from the AEI Cables distribution facility at Washington, Tyne and Wear.
All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organizations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world.
