New fire safety requirements for cables

By PR influence Published on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 17:34

Evolution introduces a simplified classification of cables into two Euroclasses, aimed at limiting the spread of fire and the toxicity of smoke.

Photo credits : PRYSMIAN

Summary for decision-makers

In France, fires represent a major threat, with over 250,000 interventions by firefighters in 2023 and a heavy human and financial toll. Faced with this risk, new regulations will mandate, from 2025, the use of more secure electrical cables in public access buildings (ERP) and high-rise buildings (IGH), in order to limit the spread of fire and the toxicity of smoke.

The reform, published in the Official Journal on May 23, 2024, establishes two Euroclasses for cables: Cca-s2,d2,a2 for most public access buildings and high-rise buildings, and B2ca-s1a,d1,a1 for underground stations. These measures aim to improve occupant safety, reduce the number of casualties, and limit annual economic losses exceeding €4 billion.

As a global leader in cables and systems for energy and telecommunications, Prysmian reaffirms its commitment to increasingly secure and efficient solutions. As the new RPC standard, which comes into force on May 23, approaches, we are continuing our mission of innovation to meet the industry's growing demands.

Prysmian reaffirms its commitment to ever safer and more efficient solutions

Fire safety: new regulations to save lives.

Every year, flames ravage thousands of buildings in France. In 2023, firefighters had to intervene 254 times, or one fire every two minutes. The figures are alarming: a quarter of these disasters are caused by faulty electrical installations, resulting in 200 deaths and 450 injuries per year, 10% of which are due to toxic fumes.
Faced with this danger, the Ministry of the Interior is taking strong measures: starting in 2025, new regulations will require more secure cables in public buildings (ERP) and high-rise buildings (IGH). The objective: to limit risks, protect occupants, and reduce the considerable human and financial costs, estimated at more than €4 billion per year.

The Ministry of the Interior and Overseas Territories published, in the Official Journal of May 23, 2024, a decree amending the fire safety regulations for public buildings and high-rise buildings. This change introduces a simplified classification of cables into two Euroclasses, aimed at
to limit the spread of fire and the toxicity of smoke.

Class Cca-s2,d2,a2 : applicable to the majority of ERP and IGH, guaranteeing better control of fire risk. [Class required before May 2025: Eca.]
Class B2ca-s1a,d1,a1 : required for underground stations and buried parts of mixed stations, providing enhanced protection.

Cca cables contribute 5 to 10 times less to the spread of fire than an Eca cable: limited speed and spread of smoke, fewer persistent droplets, moderate acidity of smoke.
As a result, intervention and evacuation conditions are improved; and the risk of secondary outbreaks, suffocation and corrosion of property is limited.

Prysmian, a player committed to increased security

By adapting today to regulatory requirements following regulatory changes and continuing its commitment to innovation and safety, Prysmian affirms its key role in building a future where performance, reliability, and sustainability are accessible to all. More than a supplier, Prysmian is a committed partner in building a safer and more sustainable future.

With its Afumex range (Cca-s1,d1,a1), already internationally recognized for its enhanced fire response, Prysmian has been anticipating this development for several years and continues to adapt its solutions to new regulatory requirements. Thanks to its expertise, the group supports professionals towards safer installations that comply with the strictest standards.

« With recognized expertise in the design of high-performance fire-resistant cables, Prysmian anticipates and supports regulatory developments to ensure ever safer and more innovative solutions. The new Cca-s2,d2,a2 requirement for public buildings and high-rise buildings represents a major step forward in improved fire protection. It allows us to offer our partners products that combine safety, reliability, and compliance with the challenges of tomorrow.. » underlines Franck Baron, General Manager France, Belgium & Africa at Prysmian.

Frequently Asked Questions for Decision Makers

What are the new fire safety regulations applicable to public access buildings (ERP) and high-rise buildings (IGH) in France in 2025?

From 2025, public access buildings (ERP) and high-rise buildings (IGH) will have to use cables conforming to Euroclasses Cca-s2,d2,a2 or B2ca-s1a,d1,a1, depending on the uses to limit the spread of fire and toxic fumes.

What are the advantages of Cca cables compared to Eca cables?

Cca cables contribute 5 to 10 times less to the spread of fire than Eca cables and generate less toxic fumes, which improves evacuation and limits risks to occupants.

What types of buildings are covered by class B2ca-s1a,d1,a1?

Class B2ca-s1a,d1,a1 is required for underground stations and buried parts of mixed stations to provide an enhanced level of fire protection.

Thematic glossary for decision-makers

Cca-s2,d2,a2 cable

Type of electrical cable required from 2025 for the majority of public access buildings and high-rise buildings in France, offering improved fire reaction and low emission of toxic fumes.