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Tratos wins contract for experimental fusion reactor
Cable manufacturer TRATOS CAVI SPA of Italy is pleased to announce that, as part of a group tender, it has won a four year contract worth €49 million to supply superconducting wire for the world ITER reactor and the Japanese JT60SA. The superconducting Cable-In-Conduit will be used in the construction of magnets for these projects.
BASEC suspend licence of Turkish manufacturer
Atlas Kablo Sanayi Ticaret Anonim Sirketi of Turkey has violated their BASEC product certification licence which has now been suspended by BASEC with immediate effect and until further notice.
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.
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BS 5308 SPECIFICATION WITHDRAWN
The British Standards Institute (BSI) has withdrawn the standard for instrumentation cable BS 5308:1986 Instrumentation cables parts 1 and 2.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.
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.
