Standards and directives

The manufacture and use of cable trays are subject to strict and precise regulations. CABLOFIL^® gives an update on the applicable texts and ensures its products are compliant.

Difference between a directive and a standard
A directive defines the requirements related to the effect of the products on property and people, but it does not explain in direct terms how to comply: this is the function of standards.

DIRECTIVES

The following directives apply directly to cable trays:
- The Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC, referred to as the "LVD", previously 73/23/EEC
- The 93/68/EEC Directive, referred to as "CE Marking"

The "LVD" Directive
The Low Voltage Directive (LVD 2006/95/EC harmonises legislation from individual Member States and covers goods and capital goods to be used within the following voltage ranges:
- 50 to 1000 V for alternating current
- 75 to 1500 V for direct current

The "CE Marking" Directive
The 93/68/EEC Directive, known as the "CE Marking" Directive, modifies the Low Voltage Directive as far as procedures relating to assessment and conformity marking are concerned.

THE RoHS DIRECTIVE

The 2002/95/CE Directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), referred to as RoHS, aims to restrict the use of six hazardous substances (lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)). It cam into effect on the 1st of july, 2006. Altough cable trays are exempt from the scope of this directive, CABLOFIL products contain non of the substances targeted by this directive. The EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, repealed by the 2004/108/EC Directive The EMC Directive 2004/108/EC applies exclusively to active components (i.e. those carrying a current or subject to a voltage). Cable trays, which are by definition passive components, are therefore unaffected by this directive. When correctly connected to the earth network, the metallic cable trays plays a positive role in terms of an installation's EMC.

STANDARDS

The IEC 61 537 standard, "Cable tray systems and cable ladder systems for electrotechnical installations", defines the characteristics of cable trays.

The IEC 61 537 standard
This standard defines configurations for the mechanical tests to be performed on cable trays, brackets hangers and other accessories. It also specifies the requirements and methods for the electrical continuity tests which cable trays and couplers must meet.

All the mechanical and electrical performance levels of the CABLOFIL® range are tested according to the methods described by this standard.

CE MARKING

The IEC 61 537 standard for cable trays is the "product" standard which defines the requirements and tests for cable tray and cable ladder systems. As it is the only harmonised standard at a European level, it is the reference when marking CE on the products, as requested in the LVD.

Currently, all CABLOFIL cable trays and accessories comply with European standards. the products are therefore marked with the CE logo.

CERTIFICATIONS FOR CABLOFIL®