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Stockley25244  
#1 Posted : 10 May 2021 10:50:50(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Stockley25244

The Electrical Regs BS7671 now state that Regulation 521.10.202 of the 18th Edition requires all cables to be adequately supported using non-combustible fixings to prevent premature collapse in the event of a fire.

My question is and can anyone help in this, 

  • Does the need for external fire proof fixings only apply to Multiple Dwelling Units (flats, nursing homes, business’ etc.) or does this include Single Dwelling Units & residential properties as well?

I would suggest Yes BS7671 covers all installs with a proviso that includes avoiding where necessary the need to cable above exit doors.

Although these would not be Fire doors such as would be found in Multiple Dwelling Units (flats, nursing homes, business’

Any views welcome  thankyou

paul.skyrme  
#2 Posted : 10 May 2021 15:37:14(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
paul.skyrme

Just remember, whilst named "Regulations", BS 7671 is not law and is merely a British Standard; it has no legal standing what so ever.

It does have a moderate endorsement from HSE in the front, but that is a little "wishy-washy".

That said, it is the best that we have. It is referenced in building regulations for compliance; scheme providers also mandate this compliance for their members as a minimum level of workmanship.

The requirement in the clause is NOT that all cables are supported using non-combustible fixings, nor is it, as suggested in your thread title, only required over doorways,

I have, I think, answered this question in this forum elsewhere recently.

The clause states:

"521.10.202 Wiring systems shall be supported such that they will not be liable to premature collapse in the event of a fire.

NOTE 1: Wiring systems hanging across access or egress routes may hinder evacuation and firefighting activities.

NOTE 2: Cables installed in or on steel cable containment systems are deemed to meet the requirements of this regulation.

NOTE 3: This regulation precludes, for example, the use of non-metallic cable clips or cable ties as the sole means of support where cables are clipped direct to exposed surfaces or suspended under cable tray, and the use of non-metallic cable trunking as the sole means of support of the cables therein.

NOTE 4: Suitably spaced steel or copper clips, saddles or ties are examples that will meet the requirements of this regulation."

It is also quite restrictive to read individual clauses of the standard in isolation—for example, the requirements in Part 1.

However, on to your next questions.

The requirement to prevent premature collapse extends to ALL premises and ALL cables.

Low and extra-low voltage, so 3ph, single ph, CCTV, network, TV aerial, security alarm, phone etc.

Note that the emergency lighting and fire alarm standards are over and above the requirements of BS 7671, so the first level of compliance is to 7671, then 5266/5839 on top of this, not instead of.  These standards have other requirements over and above those of 7671.

There is a big misconception in certain trade groups that BS 7671 ONLY applies to mains voltage wiring; this is completely wrong.

If correctly selected and erected, there is no issue with running wiring above external fire exit doors.

thanks 1 user thanked paul.skyrme for this useful post.
peter gotch on 11/05/2021(UTC)
paul.skyrme  
#3 Posted : 10 May 2021 15:46:11(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
paul.skyrme

OP, it was your previous post that I thought I had answered this query within.

18TH EDITION AND CABLE CLIPS (iosh.co.uk)

Messey  
#4 Posted : 12 May 2021 19:14:57(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Messey

I find Note 1 a little curious in that wiring hanging at any location - not just escape routes- will hinder firefighting operations 

NOTE 1: Wiring systems hanging across access or egress routes may hinder evacuation and firefighting activities.

Hanging cables can kill as well, so this BS is very welcome by the fire service community 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley_Towers_fire

paul.skyrme  
#5 Posted : 12 May 2021 21:04:53(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
paul.skyrme

Originally Posted by: Messey Go to Quoted Post

I find Note 1 a little curious in that wiring hanging at any location - not just escape routes- will hinder firefighting operations 

NOTE 1: Wiring systems hanging across access or egress routes may hinder evacuation and firefighting activities.

Hanging cables can kill as well, so this BS is very welcome by the fire service community 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley_Towers_fire

It is just a descriptive note, the requirement extends to all areas anyway.

LFB were happy with that clause, they sit on JPEL/64 representing the FRS.

Edited by user 12 May 2021 21:05:32(UTC)  | Reason: Typo

thanks 1 user thanked paul.skyrme for this useful post.
Messey on 14/05/2021(UTC)
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