10.03.2008
Dr Jeremy Hodge, Chief Executive of BASEC has written to RECI to kindly offer assistance to Irish electrical contractors and wholesalers regarding the problem of sub-standard cables.
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| Dr Jeremy Hodge, BASEC |
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He writes:
“Sub-standard cables have become a serious issue in Britain where a similar requirement to use compliant products exists in the IEE Wiring Regulations. BASEC and other bodies are raising the profile of this issue and are running an initiative in the UK which we would be happy to open up to Irish users. BASEC provides product certification services to the Irish cable manufacturers and to overseas manufacturers manufacturing to Irish and European standards (as well as to British Standards, of course).
“Working closely with cablemakers and with the co-operation of the UK installation organisations and safety groups, we have launched an initiative on faulty cables. If installers have concerns about cable they have been sold, in particular its compliance with the relevant standards, BASEC will offer advice and will if necessary independently test the cable in question at no cost to the installer. Problems we have found with non-compliant cable include undersized conductors and faulty insulation. Of particular concern has been the fire performance of supposedly low-smoke and fume cable, which is becoming increasingly widely specified. If Irish installers come across cable which they have concerns about, as regards its compliance with standards, please ask them to get in touch with us.
“Here is a statement we have put out on the UK initiative: BASEC is highlighting the problem of sub-standard cable in the UK marketplace. Some manufacturers claim that their cable complies with British Standards but they provide no evidence of this. When independently tested some of their cable has been found not to comply with British Standards and hence the claim of compliance is false. In some cases the faults identified have potentially serious consequences for safety (electric shock, fire).
“BASEC invites end-users (electrical contractors, consultants, purchasers) and the cable trade (manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers) to contact BASEC if they have any concerns about cable on sale in the UK market. BASEC will independently test relevant cable samples at no cost to the enquirer to determine if the cable complies with British Standards, and will provide feedback and advice based on the findings.
“Enquirers are encouraged to contact BASEC by telephone or email in the first instance. The information BASEC requires to initiate the process is: the identity of the cable (type, size and manufacturer); the full marking on the cable; copies of label / reel markings; and a sample of at least 1.5 metres, sent to the BASEC offices. A longer sample would permit a broader range of tests to be conducted. Cable should not be specially removed from an existing installation — if the cable is already installed BASEC would be happy to visit the site. If a particular piece of cable has an observable fault or has failed, this is also useful for diagnosis.
“Should BASEC find serious faults with a cable such that BASEC would under normal circumstances issue a product recall to the manufacturer, BASEC will contact the manufacturer and suppliers (importers / distributors / wholesalers) with the findings. Dependent upon the response, BASEC may choose to make public details of the faulty cable and the parties responsible. This information will be made available to the trade media and professional organisations in the interests of public safety.
“In addition, if any of your installers has any problem with a BASEC approved and marked cable, we are always available to provide assistance and investigate if necessary, at no cost to the installer.
“If you would like any further details please do not hesitate to get in touch.”
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Related contacts
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Register of Electrical Contractors of Ireland,
Unit 9, KCR Industrial Estate,
Ravensdale Park,
Kimmage, Dublin 12.
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Source: RECI |
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