CPR is short for the Construction Products Regulation (EU 305/2011), which is part of the European Union legislative framework supporting free movement of goods across the borders in the EU region
The CPR identifies a number of basic requirements that shall be met by products used in construction works (e.g. buildings, but also roads, bridges, etc.), some of which are “mechanical resistance and stability” (to avoid collapse etc.), “safety in case of fire” (impact on spread of fire, smoke generation, etc.), and “hygiene, health and the environment” (emission of dangerous substances, toxic gasses, etc.).
CPR for assessment of cables
We are a notified body under the CPR for assessment of cables. That is, we will be able to offer the required, independent testing and assessment of the reaction to fire performance of cables. It should be noted that cables in this context cover data communication cables (including optical fibre cables), as well as electrical power cables and control cables.
The basic reference standard for cables and their performance with respect to fire under the CPR is:
- EN 50575:2014 (incl. A1:2016) Power, control and communication cables – Cables for general applications in construction works subject to reaction to fire requirements.
This standard specifies reaction to fire requirements, including test and assessment methods, and addresses also requirements for release of dangerous substances (cf. one of the essential characteristics of the CPR). Further it specifies requirements for type testing, factory production control (FPC), and which system shall be used for Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP). EN 50575 defines a number of reaction to fire classes Aca, B1ca, B2ca, Cca, Dca, Eca, and Fca for which the applicable test methods are as presented in below table.
We are accredited to perform testing of reaction to fire performance of cables according to EN 50575, EN 13501-6 and EN 60332-1-2. We provide testing according to the following standards:
- EN 50399
- EN 60332-1-2
- EN 61034-2
- EN 60754-2
Lars Lindskov Pedersen
Test methods for reaction to fire classes
| Fire class | EN ISO 1716 | EN 50399 a | EN 60332-1-2 | EN 61034-2 c | EN 60754-2 c |
| Aca | X | – | – | – | – |
| B1ca | – | X b | X | X | X |
| B2ca | – | X | X | X | X |
| Cca | – | X | X | X | X |
| Dca | – | X | X | X | X |
| Eca | – | – | X | – | – |
| Fca | No performance determined | ||||
| a) EN 50399 is a test method for bunched cables under fire conditions, similar, but not identical, to the IEC 60332-3-series. It has additional requirements for testing of heat release and smoke production during the test. b) Special conditions of test apply in EN 50399 to Class B1ca. c) Additional classification tests. | |||||
The results
The results from these tests may – under given conditions – be used as basis for the required notified body test report.
We would be very happy to work closely with you on this important and critical topic. Please contact us for more information.
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