AEI Cables has sent a message to those making decisions about fire safety cabling under the new Building Safety Act 2022 which becomes enforceable from October. From October 2023, buildings of at least 18 metres in height or with at least seven storeys containing at least two residential units will
Industry leader AEI Cables has been awarded the contract for the major expansion of a hospital in Hong Kong to supply fire performance and low voltage cables. Working in partnership with its long-term Hong Kong distributor Fordex Electric Company Limited, AEI Cables will supply its range of products for power,
Owners of high-risk buildings are being warned of the dangers of not using approved cabling under a new British Standard Code of Practice by cabling leader AEI Cables. The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe
Industry leader AEI Cables has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract to supply low voltage power and fire performance cables to the prestigious Sky City project at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). The supply of the cables for power, control and fire performance for the commercial and retail sector of
Leading supplier AEI Cables has further invested in service excellence for existing and new customers by moving into new UK headquarters. The company has moved into the new modern facilities including a distribution warehouse in Washington, Tyne & Wear, to ensure all service needs are met for its customers. Stuart
A major fire safety industry body has endorsed the message from specialist AEI Cables about the importance of using only approved cabling in signal and control equipment following the announcement of a revised version of the Code of Practice. AEI Cables has been highlighting the importance of the systems powered
Specialist AEI Cables has sent out a message to the supply chain highlighting the need to use only approved cabling in critical signal and control equipment following the announcement of a revised version of the Code of Practice covering these areas of performance. In an open letter to many customers,
Specialist supplier AEI Cables has welcomed the move by the Government to ensure sprinkler systems are mandatory in all new high-rise blocks over 11 metres tall when they come into force. The government announced an amendment to the statutory guidance to building safety regulations, known as Approved Document B, reducing
Specialist supplier AEI Cables has won support from a major industry body for its campaign highlighting the need for the highest quality of cabling for use in sprinkler systems. The Institution of Fire Prevention Officers (IFPO) is supporting the call for the need to ensure reliable continuous power for sprinkler
Leading supplier AEI Cables is highlighting the need for the highest quality of cabling for use in sprinkler systems increasingly being specified for use in new modern buildings. This follows a call from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Chartered
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
AEI Cables has sent a message to those making decisions about fire safety cabling under the new Building Safety Act 2022 which becomes enforceable from October. From October 2023, buildings of at least 18 metres in height or with at least seven storeys containing at least two residential units will be deemed ‘high risk buildings’ and must be registered with the newly established Building Safety Regulator. The registration must be made by the organisation or person who owns or has responsibility for the building referred to as the Principal Accountable Person. Principal Accountable Persons could include housing associations, property management companies or individual managers or asset owners. A Principal Accountable Person who fails to register an occupied higher-risk building without a ‘reasonable excuse’ will be liable to either a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years. Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “Those who are deemed to be the Principal Accountable Person should recognise their responsibilities. There can be no compromise when it comes to the selection of cables for fire safety and they should always meet the legal requirement. If in doubt, they should always check the relevant level of performance required. “Ultimately, we are talking about the threat to lives and property if the products installed in these tall buildings are not fit for purpose.” The Principal Accountable Person must have assessed all building safety risks and taken all reasonable steps to control them, give the safety case report to the Regulator on request and apply for a building assessment certificate. AEI Cables has also been communicating the dangers of not following the technical guidance for the selection and installation of cables for Category 3 Control fire performance cables under the revised British Standard BS8519: 2020. The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. Category 3 Control fire performance cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. AEI Cables is the only supplier in the UK with independent approval from LPCB for BS8519 Category 3 Control fire performance cables with a fire survival time of up to 120 minutes. Using the very latest in technology and science, the Firetec Total Fire Solutions range offers Mineral Insulated Cabling (MIC), Firetec Enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from the AEI Cables distribution facility at Washington, Tyne and Wear. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world. For more information see the AEI Cables website, tel 0191 410 3111 or email sales@aeicables.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Industry leader AEI Cables has been awarded the contract for the major expansion of a hospital in Hong Kong to supply fire performance and low voltage cables. Working in partnership with its long-term Hong Kong distributor Fordex Electric Company Limited, AEI Cables will supply its range of products for power, control and fire performance on the new extension of the United Christian Hospital project. Stuart Dover of AEI Cables, said: “There is a need for the highest levels of quality cabling in a building such as this where medical care relies on continuity of power supply and with such large numbers of people moving about, many of them vulnerable. We are proud to be chosen to supply the cables for such an iconic project.” Kevin Siu, Business Development Director of Fordex Electric Co, Ltd, said: “We are pleased to be awarded an important project like this and also proud to work alongside our partner AEI Cables. We are happy to have earned the trust and confidence from our client knowing Fordex Electric is here to fully support them throughout the project. I believe the UCH project will create opportunities for us to supply to similar projects of this scale in the Hong Kong market.” A new block to the hospital will provide specialist out-patient services, including psychiatric and day hospital, electro-diagnostic, multi-speciality day services, renal dialysis, diabetes, oncology and pathology. The design of the new block adopted a twin-tower approach to help with the function and flexibility of the building and to maintain major view corridors and breezeways at the upper levels, whilst enhancing the visual aesthetic of the design. A further wing will also provide endoscopy, peri-operative and in-patient services. Using the very latest in technology and science, AEI Cables’ Firetec Total Fire Solutions range offers enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from its distribution facility at Washington, Tyne and Wear. Applications for Firetec include residential and commercial buildings, shopping malls, airports and protected buildings ensuring that fire alarms, sprinkler systems, building monitoring and security systems can continue to operate in a fire. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world.
Owners of high-risk buildings are being warned of the dangers of not using approved cabling under a new British Standard Code of Practice by cabling leader AEI Cables. The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. Installations and types of buildings which come under the new Code of Practice include evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes and emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia. Stuart Dover, General Manager of AEI Cables, said: “There isn’t a lot of widely available information on this issue. Building owners need to be aware of the dangers of not using approved cabling in these applications and ask their contractor what type of cable they are installing. “If these systems fail because the cable is not able to function properly the consequences could be critical. Lives and property are at stake here. Category 3 Control fire performance cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. “Our customers are seeing the peace of mind of installing approved cables which provide continuity of power for these systems, and we think building owners should be aware of the same information.” The wider fire safety industry and professionals have also welcomed the message including the professional fire safety membership body the Institution of Fire Prevention Officers (IFPO). AEI Cables is the only supplier in the UK with independent approval from LPCB for BS8519 Category 3 Control fire performance cables with a fire survival time of up to 120 minutes. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international
Industry leader AEI Cables has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract to supply low voltage power and fire performance cables to the prestigious Sky City project at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). The supply of the cables for power, control and fire performance for the commercial and retail sector of the site starts in September and will continue until early next year. AEI Cables will work in partnership with its long term Hong Kong distributor Fordex Electric Company Limited for the project located at Chek Lap Kok No.3. Stuart Dover of AEI Cables, said: “The need for cables which offer the highest levels of fire performance for an international airport of this kind cannot be underestimated with large numbers of people moving about. We are proud to be chosen to supply the cables for such an iconic world-class project.” A major integrated commercial development, Sky City forms a core part of the strategy to expand and transform HKIA into a major aviation hub. The complex will feature retail units, entertainment facilities, dining space, hotels and office towers across approximately 25 hectares of land at the north of the airport island. Using the very latest in technology and science, AEI Cables’ Firetec Total Fire Solutions range offers enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from its distribution facility at Washington, Tyne and Wear. Applications for Firetec include residential and commercial buildings, shopping malls, airports and protected buildings ensuring that fire alarms, sprinkler systems, building monitoring and security systems can continue to operate in a fire. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB covering design, manufacture and supply. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world.
Leading supplier AEI Cables has further invested in service excellence for existing and new customers by moving into new UK headquarters. The company has moved into the new modern facilities including a distribution warehouse in Washington, Tyne & Wear, to ensure all service needs are met for its customers. Stuart Dover, general manager for AEI Cables, said: “The investment means we can move products quickly across our networks in the UK for our customers wherever they are. “With the increasing demand for specialist products, we can provide stock and the technical support and expertise they require from one location.” All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world. Using the very latest in technology and science, the Firetec Total Fire Solutions range offers Mineral Insulated Cabling (MIC), Firetec Enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from the AEI Cables distribution facility. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control.The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.
A major fire safety industry body has endorsed the message from specialist AEI Cables about the importance of using only approved cabling in signal and control equipment following the announcement of a revised version of the Code of Practice. AEI Cables has been highlighting the importance of the systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – in assisting fire services in the case of firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. Now the professional fire safety membership body the Institution of Fire Prevention Officers (IFPO) is supporting the initiative. Martin Dunne of the IFPO said: “In terms of fire safety compliance, we support the message to the fire safety community to follow the detail of the new Code of Practice under BS8519. Anything which constructively helps to improve fire safety in our buildings is welcomed.” As the only supplier in the UK with independent approval from LPCB for BS8519 Category 3 Control fire performance cables with a fire survival time of up to 120 minutes, AEI Cables is warning of the dangers of using any other type of cable. Stuart Dover of AEI Cables, said: “AEI Cables would encourage installers to check with their suppliers that they are using only approved compliant cable for these installations. “We’re receiving a very positive response to our campaign to make the industry aware of the implications of the new Code of Practice. “We must emphasise that any inferior types of cable being used for these applications is dangerous and presents a risk. The standard clearly references and clarifies the products and levels of performance relevant for all parts of the supply chain from specifiers to contractors and installers.” The applications of Category 3 Control fire performance cables also applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, care homes, shopping malls and stadia. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control.The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world.
Specialist AEI Cables has sent out a message to the supply chain highlighting the need to use only approved cabling in critical signal and control equipment following the announcement of a revised version of the Code of Practice covering these areas of performance. In an open letter to many customers, industry bodies and organisations, the supplier is underlining how the systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – are so critical in assisting fire services in the case of firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. As the only supplier in the UK with independent approval from LPCB for BS8519 Category 3 Control fire performance cables with a fire survival time of up to 120 minutes, AEI Cables is warning of the dangers of using any other type of cable. Graham Turner of AEI Cables, said: “We feel strongly about this issue as a matter of safety and compliance. Using inferior types of cable for these applications is dangerous and posing a major risk. We’re getting a very positive response from customers who appreciate the information on an issue of such importance. “Some of these systems will simply not survive in a fire if a sub-standard cable is installed. Category 3 Control fire performance cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. “Indeed, these cables also help fire and rescue services fighting a fire and evacuating people so we shouldn’t underestimate their importance.” The standard clearly references and clarifies the products and levels of performance that should be used for all parts of the supply chain from specifiers to contractors and installers. The applications of Category 3 Control fire performance cables also applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings including tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, care homes, shopping malls and stadia. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.
Specialist supplier AEI Cables has welcomed the move by the Government to ensure sprinkler systems are mandatory in all new high-rise blocks over 11 metres tall when they come into force. The government announced an amendment to the statutory guidance to building safety regulations, known as Approved Document B, reducing the requirement for sprinkler systems from the current 30 metres to 11 metres. Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “We believe sprinkler systems at this level will make a real difference to the safety of lives and property – as long as provision is made for the installation of approved cabling for these purposes. “We look forward to working with the industry to make sure this can work in practice.” The Fire Safety Bill, which was introduced to Parliament in April, will also empower fire and rescue services to take enforcement action and hold building owners to account if they do not comply with the law. The Institution of Fire Prevention Officers (IFPO) is supporting the call by AEI Cables to ensure that reliable continuous power is provided for sprinkler systems. The tried and tested generation of AEI Cables’ fire performance cabling ensure critical fire-safety circuits can continue to operate in the event of a fire from 30 minutes up to 120 minutes and often support systems which provide intelligence for the fire and rescue services. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling is the only cable to be independently approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B) Category 3 Control for firefighting systems including sprinkler pumps, fire suppression water mist systems, water spray systems, wet riser pumps, wet riser valve and equipment monitoring under the Code of Practice. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world.
Specialist supplier AEI Cables has won support from a major industry body for its campaign highlighting the need for the highest quality of cabling for use in sprinkler systems. The Institution of Fire Prevention Officers (IFPO) is supporting the call for the need to ensure reliable continuous power for sprinkler systems. New blocks of flats of six storeys or higher could require sprinkler systems under new Government plans being considered in the wake of various fire disasters. Martin Dunne of the IFPO said: “We support the move towards increased use of sprinklers especially in tower blocks and the use of quality products including cables which ensure they will continue to operate in the event of a real fire. “The recent advances in fire alarm technology will continue to give an early warning of a fire in its initial stages giving everyone the opportunity to use valuable time to evacuate the building. However, we must always remember that even the best super designed fire alarm system will not extinguish a fire. “A sprinkler system always goes one step further as well as detecting a fire and raising the alarm it will also extinguish the fire to protect the structure by suppressing the fire developing further to protect the escape routes from the building even when unoccupied.” Under current guidelines, sprinkler systems are required for buildings of 30 metres – approximately 10 floors – or higher, but ministers are proposing to decrease this to 18 metres, approximately six floors and an announcement is expected soon. The IFPO is a professional fire safety membership body promoting the advancement of fire safety education which encourages the appraisal, evaluation, research and study in the field of fire safety. It represents the interests of members on bodies and committees dealing with statutory controls, regulations, standards and codes of practice and maintains an approved Competency Council Register of Fire Risk Assessors. The tried and tested generation of AEI Cables’ fire performance cabling ensure critical fire-safety circuits can continue to operate in the event of a fire from 30 minutes up to 120 minutes and often support systems which provide intelligence for the fire and rescue services. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling is the only cable to be independently approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B) Category 3 Control for firefighting systems including sprinkler pumps, fire suppression water mist systems, water spray systems, wet riser pumps, wet riser valve and equipment monitoring under the Code of Practice.
Leading supplier AEI Cables is highlighting the need for the highest quality of cabling for use in sprinkler systems increasingly being specified for use in new modern buildings. This follows a call from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) to make the installation of sprinklers mandatory in all residential buildings, hotels, hospitals, schools and care homes taller than 11 metres. The same organisations have also called for sprinklers to be retrofitted where possible. Graham Turner, of AEI Cables, said the issue of providing continuous power to sprinkler systems is a key component of improving fire safety in buildings nationwide. He added: “Buildings such as tower blocks, hospitals, schools, shopping malls, airports and those areas with large numbers of people moving about need cabling which will continue to operate in a fire and provide power for the highest fire protection of 120 minutes. “This ensure fire and rescue services can safely evacuate people and that sprinklers will continue to operate in the event of a fire.” The Hackitt Review into the Grenfell disaster sets out a series of proposals to make tower blocks safer to live in but stops short of recommending a mandatory requirement for sprinklers to be fitted. The new generation AEI Cables’ fire performance cabling ensures critical fire-safety circuits can continue to operate in the event of a fire from 30 minutes up to 120 minutes. Using the very latest in technology and science, the Firetec Total Fire Solutions range from AEI Cables offers enhanced fire performance cabling, accessories and technical support from one source. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB covering design, manufacture and supply. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world.
