Cables for installation in buildings are covered by the new rules of CPR: 

• Power cables 
• Installationcable 
• Network cables 

 

The new standards

The previous standard IEC 60332-3 and all subcategories are replaced by EN 50575, which contains 7 subdevisions: 

• A_ca
• B1_ca
• B2_ca
• C_ca
• D_ca
• E_ca
• F_ca

 

The four classifications B2, C, D and E apply directly to electrical cables:

 

 

EN 50575 contains 4 fire classesfirectly applicable to cables. 

• B2 & C are the cables with the greatest resistance in case of fire
• These cables provide the greatest protection
• The cables are fire-tested in a bundle - like IEC 60332-3 for 20 min.
• According to current rules the cables are fire tested in independent laboratories
• Continuous monitoring by independent body

 

• D & E classified cables provide a more basic level of security
• Only one single cable is tested for 30 seconds. - Not in a bundle!
• Only self-monitoring
• Preferably PVC cables
• No requirement to smoke (s), droplets (d) and acidity (a)