A new initiative to highlight the dangers of specifying or using sub-standard cables has been launched.

The Approved Cables Initiative (ACI) aims to investigate and address unsafe, non-approved and counterfeit cables which, it says, comprise up to 20% of cable products in the UK. The ACI will be taking “a determined approach” to educate the electrical industry on the dangers of using such cables.
 

Michael Simms of the British Cables Association speaking at the launch of the initiative earlier this month

“Unsafe, non-approved cables often have copper conductors that are undersize with low conductivity, non-fire-resistant sheathing, or insufficient or poor quality armouring”, said an ACI spokesperson. “Counterfeit cables can even have copper-coated steel or aluminium conductors in place of copper, therefore posing a serious risk of electric shock or fire if over loaded. Some carry no markings at all, but the majority are fraudulently marked showing standards and approvals to which they have no claim and are clearly intended to mislead the distributor, wholesaler and installer.”

The ACI is urging the supply chain to routinely check cable marking and cable reels, looking in particular for a manufacturer’s identification they recognise, and recommends using independent third party approved products.

The ACI says it will test samples of cables suspected of being unsafe and if confirmed, will publicise the fact and pass on details to police, trading standards and the Health and Safety Executive. It also intends to “name and shame” any wholesalers, distributors or installers who persistently use dangerous, non-approved cables.

The ACI is run by the British Cables Association and the British Approvals Service for Cables.