BEAMA Guidance on 18th Edition Wiring Regulations BS7671

In January 2019, the 18^th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations came into force to ensure fire resistant cable support. This was prompted by the Grenfell Tower tragedy and previous high rise building fires where firefighters lost their lives after becoming entangled in fallen cables. The new regulation relates directly to the performance of cable management systems to prevent premature collapse in the event of a fire and avert further tragedies.

The 18^th Edition, BS7671 (521 10 202), states that “wiring systems shall be supported such that they will not be liable to premature collapse in the event of a fire". Although an important amendment, the lack of clarity around it has created confusion for installers.

To help clarify the regulation, BEAMA (made up of leading UK cable management manufacturers), have worked in conjunction with other stakeholders such as the fire service, to develop additional guidance [Prevention of Premature Collapse Guide]. The aim of this document is to aid installers to select and erect wiring systems that prevent premature collapse due to the effects of heat caused by fire.

The recently published guide provides much more detail. It covers Wiring System Zones to enable specifiers, designers and installers to understand where requirements should be applied. It also includes Spacing information, detailing the requirements for cable cleats, clips and or ties, as well as trunking and conduit systems. Installation Requirements are set out too covering the likes of physical load information, additional cable installations and even guidance on plastic cable tie use.

However, BEAMA has acknowledged the absence of any fire rating tests for the performance of cable management systems currently, which leaves installers unsure of what to do when clients specify fire safety performance levels on installations. 

Therefore BEAMA members are currently working on test methods in order to rate cable management systems in relation to premature collapse. These take time to carry out and further documentation will be published once testing methods are concluded. In the meantime please refer to details within the Prevention of Premature Collapse document provided by BEAMA.

Hopefully this new guide will provide more clarity for contractors around the 18^th Edition regulations. At Kernow we’ve been asked many questions following the update back in 2019, particularly around the use of clips and ties. So if there is anything further we can help or support you with, please get in touch.  You can also visit our website for details of our 18^th Edition Compliant Product Range. 

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Get the Kernow-How on 18th Edition Regulations and Fire Rated Products.