IDH Gains BASEC Approval
A clever solution which makes the installation of electrical cables behind even the thinnest of partition walls less of a gamble has received coveted BASEC approval.
Irish Driver-Harris’ (IDH) Guardian™ range is a new fixed cable concept specifically developed for building service installations and is now approved to BS 8436 and to IS 273 by the British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC).
Recent changes in building design and construction practices have seen a rise in the use of shallow mounting in partition walls. The new 17th edition Wiring Regulations (BS7671:2008 clause 522.6 for cables concealed in a wall or partition at a depth of less than 50mm) and Ireland’s ET101 National Rules for electrical installations have recognised these changes and now allow the use of metal screened, such as Guardian™, where cable cannot be buried 50mm or more within such walls.
Commenting on the approval, Dr Jeremy Hodge, Chief Executive of BASEC said:” IDH’s Guardian is a clever solution for protecting cables in walls. As with all our approved products Guardian has been fully laboratory tested to the latest requirements and will continue to undergo BASEC surveillance as part of our ongoing assessment process.”
Whereas previously cable trunking and conduit would have offered the necessary cable protection, the need for a more practical solution led IDH to develop Guardian™ to manage this key issue for electrical service engineers.
The result was a range of low smoke halogen free, mechanically protected cables which provides a pliable, robust solution and manages the problem of impact and nail penetration where cable is installed behind walls, above ceilings and under floors.
IDH’s Guardian™ can withstand a short circuit fault current such as if a nail or screw should accidently penetrate the cable and a live phase conductor. In this instance it will successfully operate a 40A Type B circuit breaker instantaneously.
The product also offers reduced electrical interference – which makes it a popular solution for hospitals and data sensitive areas - through the use of an aluminium screen which also assists in giving the cable a good level of impact resistance.
Frank Driver, managing director Irish Driver-Harris said:” Gaining BASEC approval for our Guardian range is an important milestone. As a BASEC approved business for more than twenty years we understand the importance our customers place upon knowing that IDH products and quality systems have been through the highest possible approval process.“
Jeremy Hodge said: ”As a cable product certification body it is our job to ensure products sent for approval undergo fully independent test procedures using the latest equipment and technology. We provide products certification for cable manufacturers and we employ the very best laboratories to conduct tests to all specifications and standards.
“We carefully guard our reputation for providing professional and rigorous assessments which is why our certification is highly respected throughout the World.”
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