The European Commission is advancing significant regulatory changes to enhance fire safety in construction by formalizing the fire resistance classification of electrical cables. As buildings become more electrified with smart systems, EVs, and renewables, ensuring cables maintain functionality during fires is critical for life safety and property protection. This move, building on the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), introduces harmonized standards like EN 13501-3:2025, enabling CE marking for fire-resistant cables. In 2025, these developments promise a unified framework across the EU, reducing national discrepancies and boosting market confidence.

1. Introduction to the European Commission's Initiative

In a push for greater uniformity in fire safety, the European Commission is formalizing fire resistance classifications for cables under the CPR (EU) No 305/2011. Previously, while reaction-to-fire (e.g., EN 50575) was regulated, fire resistance— the ability to maintain circuit integrity under direct flame—lacked a harmonized test method, prohibiting full CE marking. Recent Delegated Acts and the updated EN 13501-3:2025 address this gap, allowing certification of AS+ (fire-resistant) cables. This initiative, accelerated by 2024 parliamentary actions, aims to standardize performance across 27 member states by mid-2025.

2. Background on Cable Fire Safety Regulations

Under CPR, cables used in permanent building installations must declare performance for essential characteristics, including reaction to fire since 2016 (Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/364). However, fire resistance was excluded due to absent European test methods, relying on national rules. This fragmented approach hindered trade and safety consistency. EN 50575:2014+A1:2016 governs reaction-to-fire (Euroclasses Aca to Fca), but resistance-to-fire—vital for emergency circuits like alarms—remained unregulated EU-wide. The Commission's 2024/3110 regulation empowers updates via performance classes, aligning with EN 13501 series for holistic fire classification.

3. The Delegated Act: A Key Milestone

On March 6, 2024, the European Parliament concluded a Delegated Act formalizing fire resistance for cables, addressing CPR Annex exclusions. If no objections arise, it takes effect in the second half of 2025, enabling official classification and certification. This act supplements Regulation (EU) 2024/3110, establishing classes without new assessment methods—leveraging existing harmonized specs. It paves the way for CE-marked fire-resistant cables, previously impossible, enhancing emergency system reliability in fires.

4. EN 13501-3:2025 – The New Classification Standard

Released August 15, 2025, BS EN 13501-3:2025 (harmonized EU-wide) classifies products using fire resistance test data for building service installations, including cables. It covers unprotected electric cables with intrinsic fire resistance and fire protective systems. The standard categorizes performance for ventilation ducts, dampers, and power/control/communication cables, ensuring they withstand flames while maintaining integrity. This fills the CPR gap, allowing DoPs (Declarations of Performance) for resistance-to-fire alongside reaction classes.

5. Euroclass System for Fire Resistance

The Euroclass system, per EN 13501-2 for elements and now EN 13501-3 for services, uses classes like REI (load-bearing, integrity, insulation) with time ratings (e.g., REI 60: 60 minutes). For cables, it integrates with reaction classes (Aca-Fca) from EN 50575, adding smoke (s1-s3), acidity (d0-d2), and droplets (a0-a3). Formalization mandates at least Eca for permanent installs, with higher classes (B2ca+) for high-risk buildings like hospitals.

6. Implications for Manufacturers and Installers

Manufacturers can now pursue full CE marking for fire-resistant cables, expanding market access but requiring investments in testing (e.g., bundle burning per IEC 60332). Installers benefit from clearer specs, reducing liability in renovations. National variations persist—e.g., stricter classes in France vs. Germany—but harmonization eases cross-border projects. By 2025, expect LSZH cables dominating for low toxicity.

7. Ensuring Compliance in 2025 and Beyond

1. Assess cables against EN 13501-3:2025 for resistance classes.
2. Obtain notified body verification for CE/DoP issuance.
3. Integrate with EN 50575 for full reaction-to-fire declarations.
4. Monitor Delegated Act implementation; stock pre-2025 non-compliant cables legally until depletion.
5. Train on updated CPR Annex X for emissions and dismantling.

8. Final Thoughts

The European Commission's formalization of fire resistance classification marks a pivotal step toward safer, more unified construction practices. With EN 13501-3:2025 and supportive Delegated Acts, cables will play a proactive role in fire containment, saving lives and assets. As the EU evolves its CPR framework, stakeholders must adapt swiftly to harness these advancements in a fire-resilient future.

For cables compliant with the latest European fire resistance standards, contact Henan Province Jianyun Cable Co., Ltd. for certified solutions and technical support.