CPR (Construction Product Regulation), the European regulation for the construction materials

In 2016, the European Union introduced the CPR (Construction Product Regulation), a regulation related to the reaction to fire of materials used in construction. Electrical cables, an extremely important part of an electrical installation project, are regulated by this European standard and are classified according to their characteristics.

WHAT IS CPR: CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT REGULATION?

Construction Product Regulation (CPR) is a regulation issued by the European Union with the purpose of regulating the limits of fire resistance and dangerous substances in the materials used in construction.

This regulation applies to all products intended to be incorporated, permanently, in construction. It includes not only buildings but also civil engineering works. As far as cables are concerned, the legislation applies to power, telecommunications, data and control cables.

The purpose of CPR is to ensure that all cables used in permanent installations throughout the European Union are assessed, classified and approved under a single criterion.

SIX NEW CLASSES: A, B, C, D, E AND F

CPR includes six new classes, designated from A to F. A implies that the product is non-combustible and F where the fire performance characteristics can not be determined. In this new classification B, C, D and E classes will be mainly used for cables.

Furthermore, there are additional criteria that establish requirements on the amount of smoke produced, the fall of droplets and flamed particles during combustion, and acid content or toxicity of smoke produced.

C= class   |  Ca= cables  |  s= smoke | d= droplets | a= acidity

For more information, view this video.

CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT REGULATION APPLICATION

The official application of CPR (Construction Product Regulation) comes into force on 1st July 2016. There is a transitional period of one year, during which the entire supply chain must adapt its stock to the new regulations. As of 1st July 2017, all newly installed cables had to comply with Construction Product Regulation regulation.

To check that the cables are correctly identified, look for the identification label on the sheath, and that the supplier has the corresponding DoP (Declaration of Performance) for the cable. The CE marking on the product declares compliance with all applicable directives.

The DOP (Declaration of Performance) is a document issued by the manufacturer in which all relevant information is recorded: the manufacturer, cable identification, evaluation system used, applicable standard, CPR certification body and performance of the product. This standardized DoP can easily compare products with each other, choosing the right cable for each type of installation.

The CE marking on the product declares that all applicable directives are met.

When you choose Top Cable products, you are guaranteed that you are acquiring cables which fully comply with the requirements established in the new CPR regulations.

Each country can legislate on basic works requirements and the applicable classification, form and different level.

For more information about CPR application criteria in each country, please ask at the Top Cable commercial team.