R&M, the global Swiss developer and provider of cabling systems for high-quality network infrastructures based in Wetzikon, meets the requirements of the European Construction Products Regulation (CPR) ahead of time. Since spring 2017, R&M has been labeling installation cables with the new fire protection classification as defined in the CPR. From July 1, 2017, pre-terminated cabling systems will also receive the appropriate labeling.
The aim of the CPR is to better protect people in buildings from the effects of a fire in an emergency. This is why cables installed permanently in buildings must be tested and labeled to indicate their fire behavior from July 1, 2017. Data and communication cables – both copper and FO – are also particularly affected by the directive. Pre-assembled cabling links are also included if they are to remain in the building permanently due to their function, for example cables for consolidation points or trunk cables.
R&M adjusted and extended the cabling range to meet European and international safety, fire and health standards at an early stage. Therefore, R&M can now offer products for all fire protection classes.
With the CPR the European Union primarily makes the fire protection properties of products comparable. Each member state has to define the minimum fire class required for the different applications independently. Therefore, the requirements can differ significantly throughout Europe. Planners and installers will have to check local code before specifying the fire class. In the meantime, numerous organizations and interest groups have published recommendations of their own, that sometimes are significantly above the legal minimum requirement. Based on cost/benefit considerations R&M makes the following recommendations: