New Fire Standard 8592:2016 Offers Greater Certainty for Specifiers and Installers

First British standard for single core unarmoured fire resistant cable introduced

The cable industry has welcomed the introduction of the new British Standard BS 8592:2016 Electric cables; thermosetting insulated, non-armoured, fire-resistant, single core, non-sheathed cable of rated voltage 450/750V. The new single core cable standard ensures these small sized cables, commonly used for final circuit wiring of critical systems such as fire alarms and emergency lighting, now have a specification.

These cables have been manufactured, distributed and widely used globally for many years but it has not had a full specification, which has resulted in some variability between cable manufacturers. The new standard clearly defines the design and performance specification giving specifiers, designers and installers greater certainty that the cable is fit for purpose.

Dr Jeremy Hodge, Chief Executive at the British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC) commented: “Previously, cable manufacturers made reference to other similar standards and to test methods to support their design and manufacturing processes, however the new standard negates any grey areas. BS 8592:2016 will begin to be referenced in system design standards and it will deter any unsuitable alternatives from being used.”

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