WCA September 2011

Decision of 27 th October 2006 amending Decision 2000/147/EC implementing Council Directive 89/106/EC as regards the classification of the reaction-to-fire performance of construction products. It defines the test methods “FIPEC 20 Scen 2” and “FIPEC 20 Scen 1” given in the Commission Decision. The essential requirements of the Commission Decision are given in Figure 4 . Although the prEN50399 test equip- ment is based upon the pre-existing IEC60332-3 series, results from the two procedures are not comparable because the prEN50399 procedure is based upon a standardised “worse case” cable mounting as adopted in the Decision, whereas the IEC procedure

FEC max = 2.47 at 420 sec FEC = 0.3 at 7.5 sec FED max = 0.23 at 1200sec no FED = 0.3

Time (s)

❍ ❍ Figure 5 : Typical output of toxic gas production in an EN50399 test

many diverse cable types and the CPD only applies to their reaction to fire, resistance to fire and dangerous substances, with other safety parameters are covered under the LVD. A solution of a performance based standard that can be applied to any cable type and specifically covering aspects under the CPD is under consideration. The classification standard is an important administrative document that links test results to a classification and includes information on the tests to be carried out, the number of tests for classification, the assessment of results and the classification criteria. It has been agreed in principle by CEN and CENELEC that cables will be included as an amendment to the existing EN 13501-1 so that all products under the CPD are included in one document. The test method standard (EN 50399) has to ensure that the data necessary for classification can be obtained. The final draft standard is ready for formal vote in CENELEC. As part of the development of the test method, more than 20 laboratories have taken part in a proving round robin and repeatability and reproducibility were found to be comparable with other large scale tests such as the SBI. Considerable experience (more than 200 tests on cables representing generic constructions widely used in Europe) has also been obtained with the test method during the CEMAC II project which has brought together cable manufacturers, research and testing laboratories and research establishments in the implementation process in order to create the technical background. A specific objective of the CEMAC II project was to develop rules and procedures for extended application of test results (EXAP) that define which constructions should be tested in order to obtain classification for a defined family of cable constructions. The final report was expected before the end of 2009. Definitive documented rules for extended application (EXAP) are necessary in order to prevent a situation where every individual cable design has to be tested for classification. It is necessary to establish which cables need to be tested to gain approval for a product range through rules which enable tests on defined products within a family to be extrapolated to other similar constructions within the family.

is based upon an “as installed” cable mounting. Smoke production is measured in the dynamic prEN50399 test but the resolution is such that the test is not capable of measuring the low levels of smoke associated with state-of-the-art low smoke cables for metro applications and the like. The IEC(EN)61034-2 method is therefore included to assess the highest class. Acidity is assessed using the existing EN50267-2-3 method which is technically equivalent to IEC60754-2. With the publication of the Commission Decision, the question as to the availability of classified cables becomes relevant. Although all the test methods required are available, at least in draft form, there can be no cables CE marked under the CPD for their reaction to fire performance on the market until all the standards required to support such marking are available. In order to enable Notified Bodies to issue certification of product conformity, it is necessary to prepare European Harmonised Product Standards (ENs) and other supporting standards under Mandate of the European Commission. CENELEC has to develop and publish these standards and until the time of publication of these Mandated standards, it is not possible to officially issue any Certification for CE Marking under the CPD for reaction to fire performance of cables. The Mandate (M/443) (17) for cables concerning standardi- sation work for harmonised standards was given to CEN/ CENELEC in June 2009 with a scope covering power, control and communication, and optical fibre cables for use in buildings and other civil engineering works subject to regulation (all voltages included). For performance characteristics, the scope covers reaction to fire, resistance to fire and dangerous sub- stances. CENELEC had accepted the Mandate in principle and was expected to submit a detailed response with a work programme within 2009. The first phase of the work was focused on those documents needed to support marking for reaction to fire, but it is unlikely that these will be completed before late 2011. The Harmonised Product standard is the key to CE marking under the CPD but development of such a standard presents a difficult problem as there being

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