Aanpassing Bouwbesluit 2012 zorgt voor nieuwe eisen Brandeigenschappen kabels

The changes are also incorporated into the NEN 8012:2020, such as new smoke requirements for fire class Dca

Schiedam, November 2019 - In the Netherlands, fire classifications for cables applied in various functions of use are specified in the NEN 8012.  The announced amendment of the Bouwbesluit 2012 will result in prescribing different classifications than listed in the NEN 8012 in certain situations. The proposal for the amendment to the Bouwbesluit requires a minimum smoke classification of s2 instead of s3 where Dca is required.

In 2017, cables were added to the European Construction Products Regulation (CPR). This created the obligation for manufacturers and importers to classify cables for application in construction works on fire behavior in order to be allowed to market them in Europe. Only with the correct corresponding CE marking may cables for application in construction works be used. The standards committee has laid down these fire classifications in the NEN 8012:2015.

According to the rules of the European Union, each member state must include minimum requirements for the fire behavior of construction products in its legislation. To date, our government has not yet fulfilled this obligation. In order to meet this obligation, the Ministry of the Interior has made a proposal to include the fire behavior for cables in the Bouwbesluit 2012. Parliamentary questions about these changes delayed the implementation, but after answers from the minister, the proposal has been adopted and the Netherlands complies with the European regulations.

In the Netherlands, fire classifications for various situations are laid down in the NEN 8012. The announced amendment of the Bouwbesluit 2012 prescribes in certain situations different classifications than in the current NEN 8012:2015. This makes it necessary to amend NEN 8012:2015. In the new NEN 8012, therefore, both the statutory provisions of the amended Building Act will be included and the current contents of NEN 8012:2015 will be adapted so that it meets the minimum requirements of the Building Act.

Impact changes of the Bouwbesluit

The performance requirement regarding the fire and smoke behavior of cables will be implemented in the Bouwbesluit 2012, by expanding the control table 2.66 and adding article 2.69a. Columns will be added to the table containing the classification for cables per user function. A distinction will be made between extra protected escape routes, protected escape routes and other areas. A distinction will also be made whether cables are installed adjacent to the indoor air or the outdoor air. So per user function there are 6 different classifications. 

With the modified regulations the main classes Dca, Cca or B2ca will get an additional classification for smoke s1 or s2, so that they correspond to the classification of other building materials. The additional classes for acidity of the smoke and falling burning droplets are not yet included. For the NEN 8012:2015 this means that the minimum smoke classification of Dca must comply with s2 instead of s3. These are mainly situations adjacent to indoor air and where there is a requirement for smoke and fire ratings. In addition, there remain valid situations where cables with the smoke class s3 may still be used.  

Meaning of European smoke classes

When is this adjustment effective?

Meanwhile, the Minister has answered the parliamentary questions and the House has agreed to the proposed amendment. The amendment is expected to be valid from January 1, 2020. These changes will not be mandatory immediately, this will apply from the moment an application for a building permit as part of the environmental permit is received by the competent authority (see for this Bouwbesluit 2012, chapter 9). For issued building permits, the date of issue of the building permit is decisive, so for buildings under construction this does not apply.  

This results in a gradual transition. This differs from the introduction of the CPR, which had a fixed transition period of one year with a hard deadline. 

Nexans has already started adjusting its portfolio so that the introduction can proceed smoothly.