Draka makes cable type selection according to new NEN 8012 easier
Draka is pleased with the new NEN 8012:2023 that NEN published on 1 July. Thanks to the update, the standard is fully in line with the legal requirements of the Building Decree 2012. There is clarity for everyone about what fire-safe installations must comply with. Unfortunately, the flowchart from NEN 8012:2015 has been replaced by tables. This makes it less easy for consultants, installers and wholesalers to choose the right cable types. Unnecessary, Draka thinks. That is why we make it easier to select a fire-safe cable based on the most recent laws and regulations with a new CPR selection tool.
In recent years, the installation industry has been extensively informed about the CPR regulations in the Netherlands. In particular, the importance of taking consequential damage into account when selecting cables was an eye-opener for many. As a result, a large part of the Netherlands is now taking its responsibility in the delivery of fire-safe installations.
Building Decree falls short
Anyone who follows the minimum requirements of the Building Decree 2012 does not yet take consequential damage into account. That is why the additional use of NEN 8012:2023 is essential to arrive at a cable selection that does include the effects of smoke development, acidity of the combustion gases and burning falling particles (s, d a) when a fire occurs. Danië l de Jong, R&D Engineer at Draka: "NEN 8012 can be used as usual. One can now use all the requirements that were already used to in installation practice, including those that were not in the Building Decree, from one central source."
Taking consequential damage into account
NEN 8012:2023 consists of two parts. Part 1 contains the minimum legal requirements according to the Building Decree to make it possible to escape safely in the event of a fire. However, it does not yet look at toxic gases and burning, falling particles. This does happen in part 2. This part contains the regulations to limit any consequential damage caused by fire and (toxic) smoke. According to research, most people in a fire do not die from the fire itself, but from smoke. To take this into account, it is therefore important to follow the advice from part 2 when selecting cables, which does look at, among other things, the consequential damage of (toxic) smoke. According to Product Manager Wim de Boer, consequential damage is now getting the place it deserves. The consultant/installer will have to determine for each situation, in consultation with the owner, manager and/or end user of the building, which consequential damage is relevant to include in the choice of pipeline. That choice is subjective and sometimes difficult.
Clunky selection tables
Ultimately, everyone wants to select the right cables and deliver a fire-safe installation to limit the consequential damage for people, animals, the environment and the building. However, Draka expects that NEN 8012:2023 will be difficult for many to choose the right cable types with regard to fire behaviour in practice. With the new standard version, the step-by-step plan and the flowchart or risk analysis from NEN 8012:2015 will no longer apply. Instead, there are now two parts, each with its own selection table. As a result, consultants, installers and wholesalers will have to delve into the matter again in order to be sure of a fire-safe installation in the future.
Handy selection tool
If you make the wrong choice, fire-unsafe situations and damage claims can arise that we all want to avoid. To avoid confusion about which part should be applied and when, Draka has developed a handy selection tool. This allows each consultant and/or installer to determine the right cable types step by step and according to Draka's advice. In this way, Draka helps you on your way to selecting cable types as easily as possible. For additional questions you can always contact the Draka helpdesk.
Practical guide
Draka knows the cable types and their application possibilities as the best. Once again, it has set up a special website to make the amended standards accessible in an informative and interactive way, especially to consultants, installers and wholesalers. The draka-cpr.nl includes background information, FAQs with answers, video presentations and the selection tool to determine the correct fire class that is fully based on NEN 8012:2023. This makes choosing easier and the Netherlands more fireproof.