Choice of Cables under new act is critical
The correct choice of
cabling under the new building safety regime is critical in protecting lives
and property, says AEI Cables.
The company is
highlighting the crucial part played by electrical safety systems including
cabling in the development of higher risk buildings under the new Building
Safety Act 2022 which is now in force.
For the construction
industry and electrical safety systems, it means an overhaul in existing
regulations with clear guidelines on the construction and management of higher
risk buildings.
Stuart Dover, general
manager of AEI Cables, said: “We cannot stress enough that the changes under
this legislation cover the whole supply chain including electrical safety
systems and cabling.
“Ensuring the correct selection
of cabling has been made will be a fundamental part of safety in the systems
installed into high-risk buildings. We are happy to provide guidance on these
issues as the wrong choice could compromise whole systems.
“This is an opportunity
for the electrical safety industry to work together wherever relevant through
the supply chains. If these systems fail because the cable is not able to
function properly then the consequences are apparent.”
The systems powered by electrical
cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in
firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety.
The new Building Safety Act 2022 has been developed as a new framework
for the design, construction and occupation of higher risk buildings. These
buildings are defined as being a minimum of 18 metres or seven storeys in
height and comprise of at least two domestic premises.
AEI Cables’ Firetec
Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B),
Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control.The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables,
three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival
times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.
All AEI Cables’ products
are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also
holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and
LUL and works to international standards around the world. For more information
see the AEI Cables website, tel 0191 410 3111 or
email sales@aeicables.co.uk.