General about CPR
In 2015, a new European standard for fire classification of cables was published, the new standard is called EN50575, this new classification is part of the European Construction Products Regulation in English "Construction Products Regulation" thereof CPR.
CPR must be fully implemented on 1.7.2017 July XNUMX, which means that all previous national standards will no longer apply.
Which cables are covered by CPR?
All cables that must be used for fixed installation, e.g. Installation cables, data cables, mounting wires, rubber cables, etc. Fixed installation is the key word. An important detail is that fire cables are not covered by this new classification
The new classes
With the new one CPR classification, 7 new classes have emerged from which cables can be classified, the classes are divided from A to F, where A has the highest performance while F has the lowest. The 4 classes that will be interesting for the cable industry are B2, C, D & E.
Here on the Danish market, the requirements are that the cables are of standard Eca.
How should the new supplementary classes be read and understood.
In addition to the division into the 4 categories above (B2, C, D & E), the first three (B2, C & D) will also have a subsequent supplementary class. B2 indicate the performance, the subsequent supplementary class S can be (s1, s2 & s3) this description helps to describe smoke (smoke emission) s1 has the smallest smoke emission and so on. Additional class D can be (D0, D1, D2) and describes the droplets (particles released) additional class A can be (A1, A2, A3) which measures acidity (acidity/toxicity).
Fire test
There are different fire tests for the different classifications, including the fire test for B2 is the first and E the last.
Fire test for B2 classification:
A cable bundle is suspended vertically at a height of 3,5 m. At the bottom of the cable bundle is placed a propane burner that burns for 20 minutes. When the burner is turned off, the cable must self-extinguish, leaving the upper part of the cable intact.
By using cables that meet this test, you ensure against spreading to other areas via the cable network.
Fire test for E classification:
A 60 cm. long cable is placed in a vertical position in a closed room, after which a 1kW flame is lit and burns for 30 seconds. When the flame is extinguished, the cable must not continue to burn.
CE marked
When a manufacturer CE marks a product, he declares under his own responsibility that the product complies with all legal requirements for CE marking and he guarantees that the product in question may be sold throughout the European Economic Area. CE marking does not mean that the product has been produced within the EEA.
Technical fire test
Functionally safe according to IEC 60331-1 og 60331-2.
In this test, a flame is used 800° C. The cable must be able to withstand the full force of the flame without failure. The cable must remain functional during and after the test. The cable must be able to provide electricity for emergency circuits such as emergency lighting, lights, smoke alarms, acoustic alarms, water pumps, etc.
Fire retardant according to IEC 60332-3.
The cable bundle is suspended vertically at a height of 3,5 meters, after which it is exposed to fire from a propane burner for 20 minutes. After the 20 minutes, the cable must turn itself off and the upper part of the cable must be intact. This proves that the cable does not spread the flame.
Flame retardant according to IEC 60332-1.
60 cm cable is placed in a closed room and placed in a vertical position, after which the cable is exposed to a flame of 1 kW for 30 seconds. When the flame is extinguished, the cable must not continue to burn.
Low emission of corrosive gases according to IEC 60754.
1,0 g of insulation material from the cable is burnt, after which the released gases are chemically analysed, and the content of hydrochloric acid, pH value and conductivity are measured. The residual halogen content must be less than 0,5%.
Low smoke generation in case of fire according to IEC 61034.
1 meter of cable is burned in a cabinet with a volume of 27 m3. Smoke density is measured with a lamp that emits a constant brightness and photometer. The transmission coefficient must be greater than 60%.
