Getting ready for new Construction Products Regulation
Belden has introduced an online platform to provide education and information about the requirements of the EU’s Construction Products Regulation (CPR), which comes into force on 1st July 2016. From that date, construction products – including cabling for fixed installations – can only be used in European buildings or civil engineering works if they are tested and certified according to the new CPR rules.
Visitors to the site will be able to find out more details – and ask questions about the new rules, implemented by the European Commission (EC). In addition, Belden is preparing a CPR 'mini guide' to help everyone in the value chain understand CPR’s background, regulation details and its implications for their business.
According to Mari Jacobs, director research and development EMEA, CPR represents a major change in how construction products are sold in the EU: “The new rules ensure that distributors, consultants, systems integrators, installers and building owners now have reliable product information from different manufacturers in different countries. CPR provides one common language that manufacturers can use when talking about performance of their product. This same language will also have to be used by architects, engineers, contractors and member states when specifying requirements and selecting products.”
Jacobs adds: “Belden is working hard to get ready for the official CPR introduction in July. Our research and development, product management, production, quality and purchasing experts are working together to make sure Belden’s cables are tested and certified. Where needed, Belden will obtain third-party approvals, create the appropriate Declaration of Performance (DoP) and affix the CE Marking. We will also work with everyone in the value chain, from end-users and consultants to systems integrators and distributors.”