Established by the European Union, the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) is an important framework that ensures the safety, performance and compliance of electrical cables and other products used in buildings and infrastructure. It ensures the cables used in buildings are designed to limit fire hazards, safeguarding both human life and property.
Under the CPR system, cables fall into seven classes based on their reaction to fire performance. The B2 ranking is one of the highest classifications within the CPR framework, representing a low risk in the event of a fire. Cables that meet the B2 ranking offer better fire resistance and lower heat and smoke emission compared to other classes.
Classification Criteria
To ensure their compliance with CPR B2 standards, cables are tested for several parameters:
● Flame spread.
● Heat release.
● Smoke production.
● Acidic gas emission.
● Flaming droplets.
Cables that pass these tests earn the B2 classification, indicating they are a low contributor to fire — i.e., they help prevent the spread of flames and reduce the risk of building fires. In the event of a fire, these cables also offer more time for evacuation while minimizing the risk of dangerous smoke inhalation to occupants.
In addition, the CPR B2 ranking ensures that cables comply with European fire safety standards, which is a legal requirement for manufacturers and suppliers within the European Union.
MEGOLON® Compounds Meet the Toughest Flame Tests
An example of a material that meets the CPR B2 ranking when used in cable sheathing/jacketing is the MEGOLON® series. In addition to the highest CPR standard for electrical cables, these low smoke, halogen-free (LSHF) compounds are suitable for cables that must pass National Electrical Code (NEC) flame tests up to UL 1666 riser.
The riser test measures flame height and temperature. During testing, a 17-foot cable bundle is hung in a two-story vertical shaft, ignited and then burned for 30 minutes. To qualify for a riser rating, the bundle’s flame spread must not exceed 12 feet beyond the ignition point, and the temperature at the top of the vertical shaft can’t exceed 850 degrees Fahrenheit. To pass this test, the cable must meet both requirements.
To learn more about MEGOLON LSHF compounds, visit our product page.