What is the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) for cables?
The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) assess the performance of construction products throughout the EU. With CPR for cables, Industry professionals, public authorities and consumers can compare the performance of products from different manufacturers in different countries.
CPR deals with the way a product is placed on the market – the methods of assessment and testing, how the performance of a product should be declared and the conformance system of assessment for construction products.
Why is CPR important for cables?
From 1st July 2017, all electric cables used for the supply of electricity and for control and communication purposes, which are intended for use in construction works and subject to performance requirements on reaction to fire, must meet European Standard EN 50575 which specifies reaction to fire performance requirements, as well as the test and assessment methods to be used.
When CPR took effect?
The 12-month transition period ended on 1st July 2017. After that date, only products which have a European Classification under the new standard (EN 50575:2014) are acceptable for sale in the EU.
Cables which do not have a European Classification cannot be legally sold in the European market.
What are the changes with CPR for cables?
| Before | From 1st July 2017 |
|---|---|
| Previously Construction Products Directive | Now Construction Products Regulation |
| No legal obligation | Legal obligation for cable manufacturers, distributors and importers when product placed on the market for sale |
| Previously no mandated testing | Mandatory testing by a Notified Body |
| CE Marking voluntary | CE Marking mandatory |
| Cable classified on flame spread only | 7 classifications of fire performance including heat release and flame spread. 3 additional classifications covering smoke production, acidity and flaming droplets |
| No mention of Dangerous Substances | Release of dangerous substances in normal operation now included |
| No AVCP requirement | Manufacturer needs to implement a relevant system of AVCP (Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance) certification |
Tratos cables CPR complaint
All Tratos cable subject to the CPR have been tested and meet the requirements of Class C or above (Most polymeric electrical cables will fall between classes B2 to E).
How does it affect you?
Manufacturers need to draw up a Declaration of Performance (DoP), in a standard format which must include:
- A unique ID for the specific product
- Intended uses
- Manufacturers information
- The AVCP (Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance) system applied
- A dated reference of the harmonised standard
- The Notified Body used
- The Declared Performance (or NPD if no performance is declared)
Importers and distributors must ensure product labelling or packaging carries the correct marking and accompanying information. When they supply product under their own brand or name they become subject to the same legal obligations as the manufacturer.
End users will be able to easily compare products from different manufacturers and different standards regardless of their country of origin. They should look for the CE mark and the DoP to check the Classification achieved.
How do I need to respond to ensure I am CPR ready?
You should check that the cables are correctly marked on the identification label and that they include CE marking in accordance with the CPR on cable packaging.
- Have you contacted your cable manufacturer/distributor/importer to check they are CPR ready?
- Have you asked your manufacturer/distributor/importer for a DoP for all of the electrical cables that are in your construction project?
- Have you checked your existing cable stocks to ensure that all product is CPR ready?
Workshops
Tratos is hosting workshops for those that wish to be educated on this regulation. The workshop will be run by our experts to provide you with the best possible industry guidelines and information about Construction Products Regulation. Tratos are hosting workshops in both London and Knowsley, for those unable to attend the workshops we can also arrange to visit our customers directly.
For more information please contact us on: peter.waterworth@tratosgroup.com
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Speak with the expert
Peter Waterworth
Technical & Development Director
Peter Waterworth will be available to answer any of your questions about Construction Products Regulation.
Please email Peter: peter.waterworth@tratosgroup.com
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