Construction Products Regulation
Structured Cable Products Inc (SCP) has the largest selection of cables for the CEDIA and Custom Installation Industry that are in compliance with the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) standard EN50575. Implementation of this standard began July 1st 2017. All SCP bulk cables stocked at our Europe warehouse are CPR compliant.
Decoding CPR
CPR requires that all copper and fiber cables permanently installed in buildings within the EU must be tested and certified for compliance with uniform classification and labeling for fire safety. CPR also designates minimum performance levels based on different installations, location types, and each EU member national requirements. Online you can find many different sources that explain the technical details for CPR and your specific country requirements. For our purposes, this section will focus on what you need to know about CPR as it relates to low-voltage cables.
The following links provide quick and easy access to additional information and resources pertaining to CPR.
CPR: What do I need to know?
SCP has created an easy to follow overview on CPR as it relates to low-voltage cables. At first glance, understanding CPR requirements can appear to be as difficult as learning a new language. We have tried to make it CPR easier to understand by focusing on what is important for our distributors, dealers, and installers. Read more about CPR / what is CPR ?
SCP Declaration of Performance ( DOP )
As required by CPR, a Declaration of Performance (DoP) is a certificate issued by the cable manufacturer referencing the notifying body’s Certification of Compliance. All SCP cable DoP is available on our website by Declaration of Performance – CPR
European Commission – Construction Products Regulation
European Commission Construction Products Regulation landing page: Construction Product Regulation
European Commission – National CPR Contact Points
Under the CPR, each EU member country sets their specific CPR regulations. To contact your country specific CPR requirements, please follow the below link to identify your national contact point for CPR: National CPR Contact Points
Who determines what Euroclass cable is required?
All EU member states and/or CE adopters are required to follow CPR. Each EU member state will decide which EuroClasses to adopt for their specific construction standards and regulations. Euroclasses B2ca, Cca, and Dca are considered low fire hazard cables and must meet EN 50399 Flame Spread testing in addition to EN 60332-1-2. Euroclass Eca need only meet EN 60332-1-2. Broad use of Euroclass Dca and Eca is expected for residential and standard commercial premises throughout the EU.
It is up to each EU member state to decide which classifications they will adopt for their local construction specifications so this regulation does not mean the same class of cable will be applicable across Europe.
Here are some examples of how the regulations are being applied across Europe: In France the minimum requirement is Class Dca. In Germany it will depend on the building type. So for example, high-rise buildings will be Class Cca with Class B2ca for fire escapes. Class Eca will only be permitted in isolated buildings with low usage & population. In Sweden, it will depend on whether fire suppression systems are in operation. In Holland Class Dca will be the minimum default where cables are installed in bundles and B2ca & Cca will apply where buildings have a high population or evacuation is difficult.
In the UK our understanding is that EuroClass Dca & Eca will only be permissible for residential and standard commercial property. Class Cca will be required for fire escape routes. This is referenced in BS EN 8492. (Telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling – Code of practice for fire performance and protection). This standard references BS6701 (Telecommunications equipment and telecommunications cabling – Specification for installation, operation and maintenance) which is being revised to reference the new CPR classifications and their application. In general, hospitals, schools and most public buildings will have higher EuroClass requirements. Brexit is unlikely to have an effect on CPR implementation.
CPR application is complex and requires that you know your country’s CPR regulations. Please refer to the European Commission for a list of member contacts for CPR.
How does CPR affect my private label cables?
Under normal circumstances, distributors will use the SCP Declarations of Performance (DoP) for all SCP branded cables sold in the EU. For SCP Distributors supplying bulk cable under their own brand name, using their own product descriptions / part numbers for sale within the EU, you must create your own DoPs in your name and post these on your website (or make available when requested). SCP will still be the manufacturer of record and will assist you with the creation of your DoP’s.
Additionally, SCP will assist you with the creation of the CE label that is affixed to the product packaging. We will help you manage the complete process for CPR compliance on your private label bulk cables.
How does CPR affect OEM and custom cables?
The CPR certification process is a complicated, expensive, and time consuming process. All cable for permanent installation within the EU must be compliant with CPR. SCP will assist you with the evaluation process for your OEM and Custom cable requests.
If your OEM cables will not be sold within the EU or if they are not for permanent installation within a building, CPR will not apply. CPR does not apply for interconnects such as HDMI and patch cables; nor for direct burial bulk cables.