Basec calls for common sense approach

The British Approvals Service for Cables (Basec) is calling for a clear and common sense approach to cable specification to ensure short term savings won't end up as costly long term mistakes as a global recession looms.

While the gut feeling is to tighten our belts, Basec is stressing the importance of following a proper cable specification process for all projects large and small.

Issues of non-approved cables are well documented and the rise in faulty cables has been a growing issue since 2006 when the price of copper and other materials tempted some manufacturers to use less copper or cheaper insulation material in the manufacturing process.

Cable standards specify the minimum conductivity required yet the practice of drawing down the diameter of the copper wire resulting in reduced conductivity became a major concern and still is today.

Examples of materials other than pure copper such as steel wire, copper-coated aluminium or badly recycled copper in cables are not unknown to Basec along with poor quality insulation and sheathing material.

Jeremy Hodge, chief executive of Basec said: "We want to ensure that quality doesn't become a sacrifice of the credit crunch. The key to trouble free cable installations is ensuring from specification through to installation cable choice remains consistent.

"These days more projects use advanced computational engineering approaches which require a strict adherence to specification but this isn't always the case.  We would recommend always choosing cable that not only meets the relevant British Standard but has been assessed independently to ensure a product's claims have been verified."

Basec's six-point ‘spec check' aims to provide clarity in this area:

1. Get the installation design right and if uncertain, contact your professional or trade body or inspectorate for advice.

2. Get the cable specification right. From the circuit specification, the cables should be specified by reference to the standard number and table / type and then by nominal size and the number of cores. Avoid only specifying brands or trademarks at this stage, to permit the greatest flexibility in procurement.

3. Communicate the specification. Use one of the standard specification packages or forms adopted by quantity surveyors and procurement specialists.

4. Check application of the specification. When changes are proposed make sure these are signed off by the designer.

 5. Check product on delivery.  This is important for both installer and client.  Is it what was specified? 

6. Final check. Commissioning tests and inspections are the last opportunity to enforce the specification. 

By detailed examination of manufacturers' production processes and controls, and rigorous testing, Basec aims to ensure cable products meet the appropriate national, European and international standards.