Siemon, a leading global network infrastructure specialist, is well positioned as a Construction Products Regulation (CPR) innovator by being one of only a few manufacturers currently offering a wide range of CPR compliant cables across copper and fibre. Siemon’s range of copper cables have passed third-party testing and are fully compliant to Euroclass Eca, Dca, Cca and B2ca requirements. Furthermore, Siemon is pleased to announce that we have completed all required steps to attain system 1+ certification for our cables meeting Euroclass Cca and B2ca with valid Declaration of Performance (DoP) certificates made publicly available here. With governmental bodies in Europe taking particular interest in materials used for commercial and residential developments, Siemon’s approach to manufacturing high quality, compliant products ensures support on all current and potential future CPR regulation changes currently in discussion.
IEC 60332 flammability ratings are now replaced by seven different reactions to fire performance known as Euroclasses. These are A, B1, B2, C, D, E and F.
With CPR having been in existence for close to two decades, copper and fibre products were not included in the regulated materials. However, as of 1 July 2017 the regulation expanded to include copper and fibre materials used in the construction of a building, must display the ‘CE’ mark and have publicly available DoP documentation to attain full compliance. The published standard ‘EN 50575 Power, Control and communication cables’ for general applications in construction works subject to reaction to fire defines and outlines requirements for the Euroclasses. Any cable manufacturer wishing to sell fibre and copper communication cables into the EU is required to have their cables tested for CPR compliance with a notified body commissioned to certify test results.
With many manufacturers claiming full CPR compliance, Siemon warns that all end users must ensure that they request and receive current, valid third-party certification and relevant DoP documentation as per the requirements of the latest published CPR standards.
“Following the recent tragic events at Grenfell tower and the potential risk that other developments have been exposed to, it is important now more than ever that contractors, developers and designers are only using CPR compliant products” reiterates Steve Metherell, Global CPR Champion, Siemon.
“Major casualties from indoor fires are mainly caused by smoke and hazardous emissions. If not compliant, cables can be a catalyst for casualties. Our engineering and product development team have invested time rigorously testing our cables to ensure the safety and compliance for our customers. Siemon will continue to review and enhance our product ranges by adding more products to the range of class Cca and B2ca in the coming months”, he explains.
