Cables, wiring and electrical installation material

• Regulation (EU) 2024/3110 — Construction Products for cables
• Directive 2014/35/EU — Low Voltage
• Directive 2011/65/EU — RoHS
• Regulation (EU) 2023/988 — GPSR

Who has to appoint one

Manufacturers outside the Union placing cables and installation accessories on the EU market. Cables for permanent installation in buildings are construction products requiring a declaration of performance with a reaction to fire class, which is separate from the electrical safety route.

Thresholds and exemptions

The construction products route applies to cables intended for permanent installation in construction works. Flexible cords and appliance cables follow the Low Voltage Directive instead.

What must appear on the label

CE marking with the declaration of performance reference and the Euroclass reaction to fire designation for installation cables, manufacturer and EU representative details, the cable type designation, cross-sectional area and voltage rating.

Marketplace fields

Wholesalers and electrical contractors require the declaration of performance and reject cables without the Euroclass marking, because building regulations specify minimum classes by application.

Documentation you must hold

Declaration of performance with the reaction to fire classification, technical documentation, factory production control records, notified body certificate for the system applicable to the class, and RoHS declarations.

Standards and testing

EN 50575 for power, control and communication cables with EN 13501-6 classification, covering heat release, flame spread, smoke production and flaming droplets, plus electrical testing under the applicable cable standard.

Language requirements

The declaration of performance and the installation information in the language required by the member state.

When it applies

Before placing on the market. National building regulations specify which Euroclass is required in which application.

How long records are kept

Ten years.

What happens if you do not comply

Prohibition of sale, refusal by building control, and liability in fire investigations. Cable fire performance became a focus of enforcement after high-profile building fires.

Who enforces it

Market surveillance authorities, building control and notified bodies.

Where the boundary lies

Two regimes on one product: reaction to fire as a construction product with a declaration of performance, and electrical safety under the Low Voltage Directive with a declaration of conformity. Both documents are required and they are frequently confused.

Questions we are asked

Do all cables need a Euroclass?

Cables for permanent installation in construction works do. Flexible cords and appliance leads follow the electrical route instead.

Which class do we need?

National building regulations specify the minimum class by building type and application, so it varies by member state.