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ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BASEC
BASEC FORUM
n ow about BASEC ensure that systems are inherently reaching relevant standards. It is also possible for BASEC assessors to witness testing at manufacturersโ premises where suitable facilities are available. BASECโs assessors are highly skilled, experienced engineers and auditors who possess extensive in-depth commercial and industrial knowledge. They have a reputation for being highly professional and rigorous and are responsible for approving BASECโs highly respected certification. They need to be fully aware of the latest standards and test criteria and what they mean in the UK, across Europe and worldwide.
Only cable marked with the โBASECโ name is BASEC approved It is a common misunderstanding that a cable is compliant with standards or even BASEC approved just because the supplier claims that it has been produced to a particular standard. Cable marked with only a standard number should be treated with caution. It is probable that nobody independent of the manufacturer has examined that cable, and the claims made may be unreliable. Only cable marked with the โBASECโ name is BASEC approved, by demonstrating its compliance to the required standards.
The British Standards Institution (BSI) is the body which co-ordinates the writing of standards for cables and other electrical and electronic systems in the UK. Cable standards not only specify the dimensions and materials of a cable, they also require that a range of specific tests are undertaken to prove the construction and performance. Many nonapproved cables have not been subject to the required tests.
Whatโs the difference between BASEC and BSI? The British Standards Institution (BSI) is the body which co-ordinates the writing of standards for cables and other electrical and electronic systems in the UK. BASEC works closely with BSIโs cable committees in the development of standards. For example, it is responsible for drawing up a standard for a specific reason, say to ensure a cable meets certain fire performance criteria and how it needs to perform in the event of a real fire. Assessors from BASEC will then ensure that the cables which manufacturers would like to be approved as meeting that standard do, in fact, achieve the standardsโ criteria through testing the IFP product and the manufacturing process. INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION
10 good reasons for specifying BASEC approved cable 1. Comprehensive โ BASEC conducts tests and approvals to all specifications and standards in the electrical sector. 2. Fit-for-purpose โ quite simply, by specifying BASEC-approved cable you know it will be fit for purpose. Our auditors follow rigorous test and compliance protocols of the product and processes throughout the manufacturing cycle. 3. Safety โ certification ensures safety for the supplier, distributor and the end user, removing possible issues further down the line. BASEC approved cables are rigorously tested for shock, compression damage and insulation strength. They are better quality and carry a lower risk of receiving shock or a fire starting as a result of accidental damage during installation. 4. Quality โ BASEC approved cable is always manufactured under an approved quality management system to BASECโs Product Certification Requirements, ensuring continuity of high quality levels. Auditing and assessment can also lead to certification to international standards, ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environment) and OHSAS 18001 (Health and Safety). 5. Endorsement โ specifiers are always looking for third party approval of products and there is no higher level of approval than the BASEC mark. 6. Cost โ the difference in cost between cables that carry the BASEC mark and those that donโt may not be much, but it is a small price to pay for reassurance. 7. Marketing โ organisations may apply for a licence to display the BASEC mark on their products once BASEC has verified that the products fully comply with specification. We are also part of the Voltimum internet portal representing the European electrical industry, playing an active part in providing expert advice and comment. 8. Testing โ independent testing ensures compliance to specification and relevant standards and is used to help provide evidence-based reporting where required. 9. Monitoring โ through rigorous examination of manufacturing processes and controls โ and ongoing follow-up โ BASEC ensures that products meet appropriate national or international standards. 10. Communication โ as an independent body, BASEC communicates with the electrical supply industry on behalf of members through its website, bulletins, seminars, industry bodies and the media. We are always happy to answer technical enquiries and discuss any questions people have about cables.
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