ASSOCIATION NEWS
THE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION (ECA) SPEAKS TO IRELAND’S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF USING THIRD-PARTY ACCREDITED CONTROL CABLES, AND THE PROBLEMS WITH DUBIOUS CONTROL CABLE QUALITY…
A new certification scheme for control cables
C ontrol cables are versatile settings. They serve as flexible interconnections, facilitating the
YY, SY and CY derive from CENELEC naming conventions, where ‘Y’ represents unscreened, ‘S’ signifies steel wire braid, and ‘C’ indicates copper braid. The second character, ‘Y,’ often designates PVC sheathing, but low-smoke variants are also available. SY control cables are sometimes referred to as flexible, braided, flex or instrumentation control cables. Control cable types vary to suit different environments and mechanical stress levels. YY cables, unscreened and flexible, are ideal for light mechanical stress conditions. SY cables feature a galvanised steel wire braid, making them suitable for medium-to-high mechanical stress installations. CY cables, screened and flexible, resemble YY cables but incorporate a tinned copper braid for protection against external electromagnetic interference. Both PVC and low-smoke emission versions are available depending on application requirements, with low- smoke cables being crucial for safety- critical environments. However, under the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), YY, SY and CY control cables are not recommended for fixed installations. Using these cables in such scenarios requires careful consideration and
assessment to ensure safety standards are upheld. While some manufacturers claim compliance with BS EN 50525 series for flexible cables, differences in design can exist. For instance, SY cables cannot conform to BS EN 50525-2-11, a standard for PVC flexible cables without provisions for braided cables. Insulation and sheath thicknesses in YY, SY and CY cables may also differ from BS EN flexible cables, rendering it an inappropriate standard for these control cables. BASEC standard and certification BASEC, as a trusted authority in the cable industry, has introduced a certification scheme to enhance the quality and safety of control cable products. This scheme encompasses six BASEC specifications for both PVC and LSHF designs. It applies to cable products up to 300/500 V with a maximum conductor operating temperature of 70°C and references standards EN 50525-1 and EN 50565- 2 where applicable. BASEC’s rigorous certification, factory auditing, and testing procedures aim to improve the overall quality and safety of cable products, particularly in the underregulated control cable range. www.eca.co.uk
components widely employed across industrial and everyday
measurement, control, and regulation of equipment such as assembly lines and production systems. Additionally, control cables support the functionality of associated computer units and work processes. These cables bridge the gap when a direct connection to the controlled object isn’t feasible, occupying an intermediate position between communication and power cables. Currently, the absence of specific standards for control cables can be confusing for manufacturers, installers and users. In response, independent accredited certification body BASEC has initiated a certification scheme to promote consistent quality levels for control cable product ranges, catering to industry demands. This scheme covers YY, SY and CY control cables. YY, SY and CY control cables are some of the most commonly used cables for applications such as industrial automation, railway infrastructure and more, transmitting vital information about the location, status and operating condition of controlled components.
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