When it comes to planning structured cabling in buildings, there are many specifications, regulations and guidelines that must be adhered to on both a regional and national level. One key consideration is the classification of the flame-retardant performance of cables with the goal to prevent severe fire incidents. By using the highest classification for all cable types that fulfils all requirements, the process will be simplified for building a communication network that is functional, safe and effective. 

The flame propagation test, on a single vertical cable, is required for all classifications from class Eca to B1ca according to CPR (The European Regulation for Construction Products). Thin fiber optic cables tend to move out of the flame, resulting in a different cable-flame behaviour. HUBER+SUHNER tested a number of variants in the fiber optic test laboratory to find the best solution for preventing the lateral cable movement and submitted its suggestions for a standardised procedure for thin cables to CENELEC, which defined and published an amendment to the vertical flame propagation test. 

HUBER+SUHNER has in-depth expertise to design and manufacture fiber optic cables and perform fire tests to ensure very good flame-retardant performance, especially for thin cables. See its broad portfolio of fiber optic cables here, with medium to highest classification according to CPR.