 | |  | | | The objectives of the ACI were outlined in a presentation by Michael Simms, President of the British Cables Association (BCA). | |
Collaborative pledge on safer cabling
 back
| 10 Mar 2010
An industry-wide initiative has been launched to investigate and address the issue of unsafe, non-approved and counterfeit cable in the UK marketplace.
The Approved Cables Initiative (ACI) launched its proactive and co-ordinated plan to an audience of electrical industry professionals, trade organisations, legislators, media and members of parliament, with the objective of communicating, educating and raising awareness of the issue.
The launch, held in Westminster, was hosted by the British Cables Association (BCA) with widespread support from industry trade bodies including the British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC), Electrical Distributors Association (EDA); Electrical Contractors Association (ECA); Electrical Safety Council, and the NICEIC Group Limited. The objectives, targets and imminent actions of the ACI were outlined in a presentation by Michael Simms, President of the British Cables Association (BCA).
The presentation outlined that the presence of unsafe, non-approved and counterfeit cables in the supply chain seriously undermines confidence in both the UK and European approval standards as well as causing life threatening risks to the public – over 27% of all electrical fires are attributed to electrical products or faulty wire and cables. Dangerous cables, often fraudulently marked or completely unmarked, are coming into the UK through ruthless importers who are not complying with their legal duties under UK regulations. This cable is then in our supply chain, sold on to installers and end users through wholesalers supplying cable and therefore breaking the law.
Fraudulent markings present a particular challenge, as it is often difficult to tell that a cable is not manufactured to the appropriate standard for its use merely by looking at it. So much so that many organisations throughout the supply chain are not even aware of the seriousness of the problem.
The ACI is urging the supply chain to routinely check cable markings and cable reels looking in particular for a manufacturer’s identification that they recognise, so if there is a problem it will help trace the cable back through the supply chain. For peace of mind, its recommendation is to insist on an independent third-party approved cable. If you sell, supply, or install unsafe cable, you contravene health and safety regulations, you could void insurances and could face serious criminal allegations which might result in a custodial sentence
With industry and regulator support, the ACI has pledged to educate the electrical supply chain – from manufacturer to end user through a comprehensive communication programme of seminars, marketing material and articles to national trade media. For suspect importers, manufacturers and distributors, the ACI claims it will be direct in its approach to investigate and publicise the results. The ACI is also implementing a coordinated approach to Government to enforce and develop legislation ensuring that only cables that fully comply with British, European or International standards and carry a third party certification can be manufactured for sale, offered for sale, distributed or installed in the UK.
The ACI says it will regularly test samples of cables suspected of being unsafe or non-approved, and if found to be unsafe details will be passed to the Police, Trading Standards and the Health and Safety Executive.
It is also the intention of ACI to name and shame any companies, wholesalers, distributors or installers who persistently use these dangerous, non-approved cables. However, the ACI would hope that by highlighting the issue to the industry these companies will voluntarily start to adopt safe and approved cables.
To find out how to become a supporter of the ACI or for more information visit www.aci.org.uk The ACI also welcomes any examples of suspect faulty, non-approved or counterfeit cables. These can be sent to ACI for testing and advice by contacting ACI at report@aci.org.uk or on 01908 267300 |
| |
