Why does a CAT7 ethernet cable face a UK recall over fire ratings?

The cable and what it promised

The product is an internet LAN network cable. It carries the brand Oren Kablo and measures 7.5 millimetres in diameter. Two batch codes identify the affected stock: 3Cat7SFTPHB2caBL-40 and 3Cat7SFTPHB2caBL-20. Both originated in Turkey. The UK importer is Cloudswitched Limited.

The manufacturer’s Declaration of Performance states a reaction to fire classification of B2ca-s1a,d1,a1. That rating sits near the top of the European scale for construction products. It signals limited flame spread and very low smoke. It also promises no flaming droplets and low acidity. Builders and specifiers choose such cable when regulations demand a high level of fire safety in the fabric of a building.

What the tests actually found

Independent testing commissioned by the regulator produced a different result. The cable achieved only Dca-s2,d2,a1. The drop from B2ca to Dca moves the product three full classes down the Euroclass table. Smoke production shifts from s1a to s2. Flaming droplets move from d1 to d2. Acidity stays at a1. The gap means the cable burns more readily, emits more smoke and can drop burning material during a fire.

The notice does not say how many metres of the two batches reached customers. It also does not report any injuries or fires linked to the shortfall.

What the prohibition notice does

A Prohibition Notice was served on Cloudswitched Limited. The serial number is PN/ECF/071025. The order bars the importer from supplying the cable in Great Britain without OPSS consent. Supply covers offering, agreeing, exposing for supply and possessing for supply. The same notice requires a recall of the product from the UK market.

Cloudswitched Limited has published its own recall notice. It warns anyone who selected the cable relying on the B2ca-s1a,d1 claim that actual performance may not reach that class. The notice adds that the impact of the lower rating varies project by project and depends on factors unique to each building.

Installed cable stays in place

OPSS is not asking for the removal of cable that has already been installed in the fabric of a building. The regulator states that those responsible for managing risk in those buildings should consider the implications of the performance gap. No further guidance on how to assess that implication appears in the recall notice. The PSD notification number for the case is 2510-0089.