Electrical Safety Network

A significant quantity of sub-standard cable purporting to be CCA Cat 5e cable has been removed from an educational establishment in the Isle of Man following an investigation by the Approved Cables Initiative (ACI).

The ACI brought the issue of misselling data cable (Cat5e/Cat6) with Copper Clad Aluminium (CCA) to the attention of electrical contractors last year. Such cables are non-compliant with published national and international standards and although they don’t present a safety risk, the fact they do not perform properly will inevitably damage a contractor’s reputation.

Another round of electrical- and fire-safety performance testing, commissioned by the Communications Cable and Connectivity Association (CCCA) and conducted on cable brands that are largely unknown in North America, has yielded similar results to previous testing. Namely, five of six samples tested failed to meet the minimum National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code requirements for low flame spread and/or smoke generation for installation in commercial buildings, schools and multi-tenant residences.

How can you help prevent an electrical fire? Energy conservation! Start by saving electricity – turn off the power when you don’t need it anymore. Turn off those transformers, computer monitors, copiers and anything else you can when they are not in use or you leave the area. This stops the heat and saves money.

Another round of electrical- and fire-safety performance testing, commissioned by the Communications Cable and Connectivity Association (CCCA) and conducted on cable brands that are largely unknown in North America, has yielded similar results to previous testing. Namely, five of six samples tested failed to meet the minimum National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code requirements for low flame spread and/or smoke generation for installation in commercial buildings, schools and multi-tenant residences.

As the number of people becoming landlords soars, research from the Electrical Safety Council has found that misunderstandings between landlords and tenants over responsibilities for safety are exposing many people to life-threatening electrical dangers. The ESC is concerned that the rise in inexperienced landlords - many of whom are finding it easier to rent out their property than sell it - will further compromise safety. The consequences for not understanding obligations can be serious. If a landlord is found to be negligent over electrical safety it can lead to fines or even imprisonment. Our guidance for landlords outlines the simple steps you can take to ensure the electrical safety of your properties.