What are CPR classes? HELUKABEL’s CPR-compliant cables

1.1 Definition of CPR certification

CPR certification provides a harmonized framework for assessing and declaring the fire performance of construction materials, particularly electrical cables permanently installed in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. CPR clearly defines how a cable behaves in the event of a fire in terms of flame spread, heat release, smoke production, and toxic gas emissions - all of which are critical factors affecting safe evacuation and the structural integrity of the building.

1.2 The importance of CPR standards for fire-resistant cables

With rapid urbanization, buildings are becoming taller, denser, and more complex, making fire safety a non-negotiable factor. One of the most effective regulations introduced in recent years to enhance construction safety is the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) - a European standard that classifies construction materials, including wires and cables, based on their reaction to fire.

When selecting the safest type of electrical cable in the event of a fire, two primary objectives must be prioritized:

• The first objective is to prevent ignition or, if that is not possible, to minimize flame propagation. Every component of the cable must be designed to meet this requirement, with self-extinguishing and flame-retardant properties playing a critical role.
• The second objective is to ensure maximum safety for people who may be trapped in a fire. This requires minimizing smoke generation as well as reducing the toxicity of gases released during combustion.

CPR certification provides a common technical language for assessing the fire performance of construction products. It establishes harmonized requirements for evaluating how electrical cables react to fire, using a unified classification system known as Euroclasses.

1.3 Where are CPR-compliant fire-resistant cables used?

Initially mandated within the European Union, CPR-certified fire-resistant cables are now increasingly specified in projects across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, as many international markets adopt or align with EU fire safety standards. From hospitals, schools, and airports to metro systems, office buildings, and high-rise residential complexes, CPR-certified cables are becoming the common standard in projects that demand both transparent performance classification and reliable safety.

The CPR applies to all fixed installations of fire-resistant power cables, control cables, and communication cables in both residential and industrial buildings - not only within the EU, but also in many export markets where CE-certified products are accepted or required.

>>See more: What are fire-resistant cables and their characteristics?

2.1 Classification of fire-resistant cables by CPR class

Under the CPR, fire-resistant cables are tested and classified from Class Aca (the highest performance) to Fca (the lowest performance). For public and commercial buildings, the most commonly accepted classes are B2ca, Cca, and Dca, depending on the level of risk and local regulatory requirements.

The table below summarizes the Euroclass system under CPR, including performance criteria, additional safety parameters, and conformity assessment requirements for each class.

2.2 Additional classification levels

In addition to the main Euroclass fire performance categories, CPR also specifies three supplementary classifications related to:

• Smoke opacity (s = smoke): Ranging from s1a, which corresponds to visibility above 80% (very little smoke, easy to see through), to s3, indicating very low visibility (dense smoke that severely hinders evacuation).
• Flaming droplets (d = droplets): Ranging from d0, meaning virtually no burning droplets are produced, to d2, which indicates a high number of persistent and continuous flaming droplets.
• Acidity – or the toxicity level – of smoke (a = acidity): Ranging from a1, for cables with very low fire hazard and minimal toxic emissions, to a3, which applies to standard-rated cables.

2.3 CPR testing requirements for electrical cables

To comply with the CPR and obtain CE marking, electrical cables must undergo a series of standardized fire performance tests. These tests determine how cables behave in fire conditions, ensuring safety in buildings and industrial installations.

Key CPR testing procedures:

• Heat of combustion (BS EN / ISO 1716): Measures the calorific value of each cable component. This test applies only to class Aca.
• Vertical flame spread (EN 60332-1-2): Evaluates flame propagation when exposed to vertical fire, required for classes B1ca, B2ca, Cca, Dca, Eca, and Fca.
• Fire performance test (EN 50399): Assesses heat release, flame spread, smoke production, and flaming droplets, applied to classes B1ca, B2ca, Cca, and Dca.
• Smoke density (EN 61034-2): Measures light transmittance during combustion to evaluate visibility in case of fire, required for classes B1ca, B2ca, Cca, and Dca (where applicable).
• Acid gas emission (BS EN 60754-2): Analyzes the acidity and electrical conductivity of gases emitted during burning, applied to classes B1ca, B2ca, Cca, and Dca.

These tests not only determine whether a cable ignites, but also analyze flame spread rate, smoke toxicity, as well as heat and fire emissions – factors that directly impact safe evacuation time during a fire.

The results ensure that only cables meeting the required fire performance levels are CPR-certified and CE-marked.

Fire-resistant cables certified under CPR, accompanied by a DoP and CE marking, are closely interconnected. While the DoP serves as a declaration of performance, the CE marking demonstrates compliance with CPR requirements based on that DoP. Their relationship can be explained as follows:

• CPR: CPR ensures the free circulation of construction products within the EU by applying harmonized standards. These standards define the technical requirements for each product category, including electrical cables.
• Declaration of Performance (DoP): When a product falls under the scope of a harmonized standard, the manufacturer must issue a DoP. This legal document confirms the essential characteristics of the product, such as fire resistance, mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and other key performance features.
• CE marking: Once the DoP has been issued, the manufacturer affixes the CE marking to the product. The CE symbol is a visible proof that the product complies with CPR and confirms that the DoP accurately reflects its performance.

When selecting electrical cables, it is essential to consider fire resistance and choose the appropriate classification according to regulations and the specific characteristics of the project:

• High-rise buildings, public facilities, densely populated areas: Use Aca, B1ca, or B2ca cables to ensure the highest level of fire safety. Among these, B2ca is particularly suitable for areas with very high fire risks such as hospitals, tunnels, subways, or high-rise buildings with a large number of residents.
• Airports, shopping centers, public facilities, escape routes: These areas still carry high fire risks, so Cca cables should be prioritized.
• Residential housing or standard commercial buildings: Cca cables usually meet fire safety requirements for this environment. For medium-risk locations such as large offices, warehouses, or shopping centers, Dca cables may be used.
• Areas with lower fire safety requirements: Dca or Eca cables can be selected. Eca is suitable for private homes, industrial workshops, or small shops with few people.
• Outdoor installations: For applications used exclusively outdoors, Fca cables are recommended as they are specifically designed for outdoor environments.

5.1 Fire-resistant control and signal cables

HELUKABEL offers a wide range of fire-resistant control and signal cables, certified to different CPR classifications, such as:

• CPR class Eca: JZ-500, JZ-600, JB-500, JB-750, JZ-600-Y-CY, F-CY-OZ/JZ
• CPR class Dca: JZ-500 HMH, JZ-600 HMH, JZ-500 HMH-C
• B2ca: JZ-520 HMH LS0H GREY, JZ-520 HMH-C LS0H GREY

5.2 CPR-compliant data cables

CPR class Eca: Tronic (LIYY), PAAR-TRONIC, Tronic-CY (LIY-CY), EDV-Pimf-CY

Dataflamm cables: Dataflamm (Eca/Fca), Dataflamm-C (Eca/Fca), Dataflamm-C-PAAR (Eca)