In building and construction, cable selection is a key aspect of overall fire safety. The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) provides a harmonised European framework to assess and classify the fire performance of cables based on measurable criteria.
This ensures that cable selection is based on performance in real fire scenarios, rather than on individual material characteristics.
Why Choose PVC Cables?
PVC cables offer a balanced combination of performance, safety and cost-efficiency:
Best Cost/Performance Ratio
Fire Safety
Circular Economy
Fire Safety and CPR Compliance
The CPR defines harmonised test methods and classification criteria for cables used in construction. These are based on key parameters such as:
- heat release rate
- flame spread
- smoke production
- flaming droplets
PVC cable systems are designed to meet these requirements and can achieve a wide range of CPR classifications depending on their formulation and intended use.
Cable Classification Under EN 13501-6
Electric cables are classified from Aca to Fca based on their reaction-to-fire performance.
PVC cables can achieve multiple classes, including:
- B2ca – high fire performance with limited heat release and flame spread
- Cca – good performance for a wide range of applications
- Dca – suitable for applications with lower fire risk
Additional classifications define:
- s (smoke production)
- d (flaming droplets)
- a (acidity)
This performance-based system ensures that cables are selected according to the requirements of each application.
Performance in Case of Fire
PVC is inherently resistant to ignition due to its chlorine content. In fire scenarios, PVC cables are characterised by:
- resistance to ignition
- limited flame spread
- no flaming droplets
- moderate heat release
These properties contribute to limiting fire development and supporting safe evacuation.
Relevant Standards
- EN 50575
- EN 50399
- EN 60332-1-2
- EN 61034-2
- EN 60754-1
- EN 60754-2
- CLC/TS 50576