Mark Kimberley, Senior Product Manager at Gripple looks at legislation dictating the separation of Band I and II cables and how the company’s latest solutions can help installers ensure compliance.
As our world becomes increasingly digital, the amount of data cables required in new build projects is set to continue to rise.
It is therefore increasingly important to pay attention to the regulations around separating electrical and data cables, as specified in the segregation clause of the 18th Edition wiring regulations, BS EN 7671.
Band I and II cables
Separation of Band I low voltage cables and Band II high voltage cables is mandatory to stop electrical interference. This is to remove problems between power and data cables due to electrostatic or electromagnetic fields surrounding the installation.
Band I cables can include telecommunication, signalling, bell, control, and alarm circuits, whereas Band II covers electrical installations of all voltages, meaning 230V/400V supplies.
BS EN 7671 prohibits Band I and Band II from sharing the same cable enclosure unless every cable is insulated to the highest voltage cable present in the tray. The only exception to this is within the legislation of BS5838 which states that fire alarm cables need to be separated out from all the others and cannot be mixed.
Take the Fast Trak
There are products available that simplify the process, the Gripple Fast Trak segregated bracket recently hit the market as an alternative to threaded rod, channel and separation dividers and is completely adherent to the regulations, keeping data and electrical cables apart up to 300mm.
It can be daunting to switch to new methods and materials after many years of installing the same products, but with the emerging technology in the suspension and cable management industry, some alternatives can offer the same reliability and sense of stability but with increased versatility and safety, reduced costs and environmental effects.
The Fast Trak range is fire tested to F120 and includes accessories such as cable baskets, which simply clip onto the Fast Trak bracket. The range also incorporates conduit and trucking clamps, all benefiting from the simplicity of being attached to the bracket with a quarter turn fixing, making this an easy and tool-free process to help save time and money on-site.
Further recommendations
With electrical containment regulations differing around the world, we recommend researching the individual legislation applicable in each country. Alternatively, source universal products which are compliant across the board.
The entire Fast Trak range is BS7671-compatible and will adhere to legislation globally up to 300mm. This includes accessories such as the cable basket adapter which is also ergonomically designed with a release button to make adjustments easy and is faster to install than traditional suspension systems with a 55kg load capacity.
As with most legislation, after the BS7671 18th Edition was introduced in 2019, companies had to spend time and money on ensuring they were compliant and constructing safe and secure buildings.
With careful selection of products and suppliers it is possible to ensure complicity, while saving time and budget on smarter modern suspension solutions.
TO VIEW THE FAST TRAK PRODUCT INFO SHEET CLICK HERE
