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Author: Michael Publish Time: 29-08-2025 Origin: Site
Cables in a structure go beyond mere electrical parts; they are actually integrated into the structure. For this reason, the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), covered by Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011, governs the use of power, control, and communication wires in buildings.
This regulation sets forth standardized safety and efficiency parameters for all construction products across the EU, including cables. Whether you're specifying, procuring, or installing cables in EU projects, knowing CPR isn't just helpful. It is vital, like oxygen, for breathing.
The CPR establishes a unified approach for the assessment and marketing of construction products in the EU. It supersedes the conventional Construction Products Directive 89/10/EEC, establishing obligatory regulation through formal legal structures.
Under CPR:
Manufacturers must declare the performance of their products using a standardized format.
Products must carry the CE mark.
The necessity of the declaration of performance (DoP) certification for each product type can be emphasized.
Independent testing and certification may be necessary, depending on the level of risk.
CPR embraces anything that is firmly affixed to the building — this means not only power, data, and fiber optic cables but anything that interferes with the building's performance, for example, in the case of fire.
The implementation of CPR is not merely about bureaucracy. On the other hand, it means to have safety and well-being and innovation in the construction industry. Its main goals include:
Flame propagation: Limit the flame spread and emissions of noxious fumes from building elements.
Stability: Recapture the stability of buildings in regard to disasters.
Energy Efficiency: Encourage construction plans that utilize energy conservation abilities.
Health & Environment: Decrease poisonous materials release or drainage.
Resource Efficiency: Foster intelligent design and refurbishing of used furniture.
A place for movement and safety: Ensure proper exit and accessibility facilities in public buildings.
The decisive aspect for cables is the fire reaction efficiency, which is their behavior in case of fire ignition.
CPR uses a series of standardized tests to evaluate how cables react in fire scenarios. These are not theoretical — they simulate real building fires and measure dangerous outputs like smoke, heat, and corrosive gases.
The key standards used in CPR cable testing include:
Standard | Purpose |
EN 50575 | Core regulation for cables subject to fire reaction requirements |
EN 50399 | Measures heat release and smoke production during flame spread |
EN 60332-1-2 | Tests vertical flame propagation (does fire travel up the cable?) |
EN 61034-2 | Quantifies smoke density — critical for visibility during evacuation |
EN 60754-2 | Assesses acidity of gases released — high acidity damages equipment and lungs |
EN ISO 1716 | Determines calorific value (how much energy the material releases when burned) |
These tests form the technical foundation of the Euroclass classification system, which rates cables from Aca (best) to Fca (worst).
The Euroclass system classifies cables based on their contribution to fire development. The rating appears as a combination like Cca s1b d0 a1, where:
Cca: Main fire performance class (Aca = non-combustible, Fca = flammable)
s1b: Smoke production level
d0: No flaming droplets
a1: Low acidity of emitted gases
Here’s what each classification means:
To ensure cables stay compliant over time, CPR defines Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP) systems. These determine how often and by whom a product must be tested.
For cables, the relevant AVCP systems are:
System | Who Tests? | Frequency | Applicability |
System 1+ | Notified Body (NB) | Initial + ongoing audits | Classes Aca to Cca |
System 3 | Notified Lab (NL) | Type testing only | Class Dca, Eca |
System 4 | Manufacturer | Self-certification | Not allowed for CPR cables |
️ Practical Tip: Higher-risk installations require System 1+, meaning third-party oversight. This increases cost but reduces project risk.
Only Notified Bodies (NBs) and Notified Laboratories (NLs) listed in the EU’s NANDO database can perform official CPR testing.
Find certified labs: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/nando
The DoP is a legal document issued by the manufacturer that declares how a product performs against CPR criteria.
It must include:
Manufacturer name and address
Product identification code
Intended use
Euroclass rating (e.g., Cca s1b d0 a1)
Applicable standards (EN 50575, etc.)
AVCP system used
Notified Body number (if applicable)
Date and digital signature
You should always request the DoP before purchase. Without it, the cable cannot legally bear the CE mark or be used in EU construction.
The CE mark on a cable indicates it meets EU health, safety, and environmental requirements — but only if backed by a full DoP and correct testing.
A compliant CE label includes:
CE symbol
Notified Body number (e.g., “1234” for System 1+ products)
Reference to DoP (e.g., DoP-No.: DOP-CAT6-2024-C)
Euroclass classification (e.g., Cca s1b d0 a1)
Harmonized standard (EN 50575:2014+A1:2016)
Some manufacturers add extra info — like traceability codes or environmental statements — to improve transparency.
If any of these elements are missing, the marking is incomplete — and the cable may fail inspection.
Different buildings have different fire safety needs. National regulations define which Euroclasses are required in various settings.
Here’s a practical guide:
Building Type | Required Euroclass | Notes |
Hospitals, schools, daycare centers | B2ca or better (s1b d0 a1 recommended) | High occupancy, vulnerable users |
Office buildings (>400 m² or >22m tall) | Cca s1 d2 a1 minimum | Smoke and droplet control needed |
Hotels, restaurants, retail stores | Cca s1 d2 a1 or better | Public access, evacuation complexity |
Underground floors, parking garages | Cca s1 d2 a1 | Poor ventilation, higher risk |
Single-family homes (<7m, ≤2 floors) | Eca acceptable | Lower risk, simpler evacuation |
Rule of Thumb: The more low altitude, the higher building density, or the difficulty of escape, the stricter Euroclass code requirements are.
Q1: Can non-CPR cables usage in the EU be allowed?
Not. The cables that do not have CPR compliance can't be sold or installed for the construction site in the EU since 1st July 2017, regardless of the exception. Such conditions may include (e.g., temporary installations).
Q2: Is CE marking only sufficient for compliance purpose?
No. CE marking not only needs a signed DoP but also appropriate AVCP process. It's quite frequent that counterfeit or improperly signed CE marks are out there — just as important as checking the DoP and the NB number.
Q3: Is it the client's responsibility or that of the contractor in ensuring compliance?
Ultimately, the three parties — the specifier, contractor, and building owner — are all accountable. Possible use of illegal wires that can lead to failed inspections, fines, and liability in case of fire accidents.
Q4: How do I verify a DoP is real?
Check:
The manufacturer’s official website
The Notified Body number via NANDO
Cross-reference the DoP number with the product batch
Contact the manufacturer directly for confirmation
Q5: Are LSZH cables automatically CPR-compliant?
Not necessarily. While LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) cables often perform well, they still need full testing and classification. An untested LSZH cable has no legal CPR status.
Q6: What happens if I install non-compliant cables?
Risks include:
Project delays during inspection
Costly rework
Legal penalties
Voided insurance
Increased liability in fire incidents
To avoid compliance issues, follow this 6-step checklist:
Confirm the required Euroclass based on building type and national regulations.
Request the DoP from the supplier — review all fields for completeness.
Verify the Notified Body in the NANDO database.
Check the CE label on sample products — ensure all required info is present.
Audit the manufacturer’s traceability — lot numbers, production dates, etc.
Keep documentation for at least 10 years — required for audits and liability protection.
CPR is not just a regulatory hurdle — it’s a framework for safer buildings and smarter decisions.
By understanding Euroclasses, reading DoPs, and verifying CE marks, you protect your projects, your clients, and end users.
Remember:
✅ A CE mark without a DoP is meaningless.
✅ An LSZH cable isn’t automatically compliant.
✅ Local rules may exceed CPR minimums.
Make compliance part of your procurement DNA. The right cable doesn’t just transmit data — it helps save lives.
At Hangzhou Zion Communication Co., Ltd., we provide fully documented CPR-compliant cabling solutions with accessible DoPs, clear labeling, and technical support.
Visit us at www.zion-communication.com for product details and compliance resources.
Contact us for more information
michael@zion-communication.com
+86 13757188184
