The Approved Cables Initiative (ACI) is highlighting the issue of unsafe and substandard cable through a series of infographics.
Launching its Infographic campaign with a flexible cord focus, the ACI has already brought the issue, and several instances of dangerous cable, to the attention of the cable supply chain, industry and the public through several news alerts.
Earlier this year, market surveillance by the ACI revealed significant quantities of substandard pre-assembled industrial extension leads on sale in the UK.
The pre-assembled yellow units, sold as industrial extension leads designed for use in harsh environments (such as construction sites), have been found marked H05VV-F. These cables are ordinary duty flex and as such are not suitable for industrial use. A sheath of yellow or blue is commonly associated with arctic grade flexibles.
ACI’s Flexible Cord Infographic is a visual representation of key information and enables it to present complex information quickly and clearly.
Other cable categories will be under the spotlight in the coming months as the ACI continues to highlight the dangers associated with substandard cable product.
Those with information about a suspect cable or any cable concerns should contact the ACI and supply a five-metre cable sample to enable it to be tested.
If found to be unsafe, the ACI informs industry regulators and legislators (HSE, Trading Standards, MHCLG) so that the public, as well as industry, can be made aware and protected.
The ACI works with supply chain representative bodies including Electric Distributors Association (EDA); Electric Contractors Association (ECA); Electric Safety First; British Cables Association (BCA); Energy Networks Association (ENA); Certsure, SELECT and the Joint Industry Board (JIB).
