Latest News
Approved cables initiative revealed to electrical supply industry
Today, the Approved Cables Initiative (ACI) launched its proactive and co-ordinated plan to investigate and address the issue of unsafe, non-approved and counterfeit cables in the UK marketplace.
Excess Stock
We currently have a number of items that we do not consider part of our ideal inventory. Please see our "Excess Store" link to view the items and feel free too seek.
BS 5308 SPECIFICATION WITHDRAWN
The British Standards Institute (BSI) has withdrawn the standard for instrumentation cable BS 5308:1986 Instrumentation cables parts 1 and 2.
BASEC issues warning notice
BASEC has issued a public warning notice about certain cables which have been sold into the UK market.
TRATOS Armaflex
Instrumentation, Power and Composite Interlocked Armoured Cables
TRATOS director to represent BCA on BASEC board
Neil Ancell, joint Managing Director of Tratos Ltd. has been appointed to represent the BCA – British Cables Association on the BASEC board.
TT Magazine
Tratos are pleased to announce the launch of their very own online publication Tt Magazine.
TRATOS HELPS PROTECT WIMBLEDON CENTRE COURT
Tratos Ltd., the UK distribution subsidiary of electrical cable manufacturer Tratos Cavi Spa. of Italy, is pleased to announce its Firesafe TW950 cable has been used extensively throughout Centre Court at Wimbledon as part of the voice evacuation and fire alarm system.
TRATOS are proud to introduce their very own cable wizard “Tommy Tratos”
TRATOS are proud to introduce their very own cable wizard “Tommy Tratos”, created by Sheffield’s world famous artist Pete Mckee. Tommy will be appearing on the TRATOS website and future catalogues to help guide you though news, products and technical advice.
Tratos produce 18km continuous lenght of subsea fibre
TRATOS recently supplied a 24 Optical Fibres cable suitable for subsea installation up to 200 meters in depth for the ADRIATIC LNG Terminal which required a continuous length of 18km.
Testing Times for the Cable Industry
The British Approvals Service for Cables is stepping up its scrutiny and testing of cables on the market in the UK, with the active support of the British Cables Association (BCA).
HV Extension
TRATOS Cavi have completed the building and commissioning of their 6 million euro extension at the Pieve Santo Stefano site in Arezzo, Italy.
International Firex
Tratos are exhibiting at the UK Fire industry’s leading event - International Firex. The event takes place this year at the NEC Birmingham 11-14 May. The Tratos stand is in Hall 3 stand A55.
Acquisition of North West Cable and Modular Wiring Systems Ltd
TRATOS Limited acquires North West Cables, a UK cable manufacturing company in Knowsley, Merseyside and their subsidiary Modular Wiring Systems Ltd, synonymous with creative innovation in both high and low level power distribution systems.
Testing Times for the Cable Industry.
3rd April 2009
The British Approvals Service for Cables is stepping up its scrutiny and testing of cables on the market in the UK, with the active support of the British Cables Association (BCA).
BASEC purchases a range of products from the open market to check conformity. End users also approach BASEC when they experience problems with cable they have purchased. On testing, many of these are found not to comply with British Standards, and some could be considered as dangerous.
As part of its rigorous procedures, BASEC conducts a full range of tests on manufacturers' products and regularly re-tests them to ensure that manufacturing processes remain robust and consistent.
The number of cases of non-compliant cable on the market in the UK is growing and there are examples of potentially dangerous products being uncovered.
Dr Jeremy Hodge, Chief Executive of BASEC, said: "Non-compliant cables may cause problems for installers during installation, or suffer reduced life expectancy. Worryingly, we are seeing more examples of cables which could be a danger to end users either through electrocution or fire."
He feels that contractors are not looking at the risks inherent in installing faulty cable to the people, premises or their own businesses. This issue remains a priority for BASEC who is bringing this to the attention of specifiers and key organisations in the cabling industry.
One recent example discovered by BASEC while 'mystery shopping' was a cable claiming to be a heat resistance flex, commonly used in lighting applications. On heat ageing both the insulation on the live core and the sheathing material became brittle. In use, this could result in a short circuit, fire or electrocution.
Another example brought to BASEC's attention is a "fire performance cable" claiming to comply with BS 5839-1 requirements. Testing revealed very poor fire performance, and conductors made of aluminium. BASEC is still dealing with the case.
Dr Hodge said: "This is a classic example where an unscrupulous manufacturer has deliberately made a cable looking like the real thing but without the required characteristics. This cable is dangerous and if installed it needs to be removed and replaced urgently.
"We are still tracking down the origin of this cable and don't know yet where it might have been installed, but it is on the worldwide market. Finding where such cables come from can be difficult, particularly as they often come from overseas."
Specifiers and end users are encouraged to always ask for BASEC approved cable to check for the "BASEC" marking, and to report any suspicious cable.
The British Cables Association (BCA) is the trade association for British Manufacturers and Associate Companies manufacturing insulated cables, wires and accessories. It represents its members on relevant major policy issues to promote the interests of UK cables and associated businesses throughout Europe and world-wide markets.
