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MAKE SURE THAT FLEXIBLE CONDUIT SYSTEM WILL DO THE JOB IT SAYS IT WILL‘Fit for purpose' is becoming one of those cliché terms that can be a convenient excuse to supply or fit inferior, lower quality products, writes Martyn Turner of Adaptaflex Ltd.
In relation to product selection, we need to ask ourselves, ‘Fit for what purpose?', otherwise the risks can become massive and, in today's increasingly litigious market conditions, very expensive!
With the increasing variety of flexible conduit systems on the market today, particularly non-metallic, leading manufacturer Adaptaflex is advising caution to specifiers and installers regarding product selection.
In the lower end of the market there has been a significant influx of inferior product, so much so that people should really question the integrity and the validity of such products.
Often, selection of flexible conduit systems can almost be as an after thought, with little regard for the quality of performance of the product. But be aware, it is not uncommon for inferior conduit to separate from its fittings, while there have even been examples of such conduit splitting, with significant ramifications relating to the lack of effective cable protection. In such circumstances, the product is clearly not ‘fit-for-purpose'.
There are other significant issues too that have to be considered. If a flexible conduit system is not ‘fit-for-purpose' on the very basis of product characteristics, would it be suitable for low smoke and fire applications? Or would it simply combust giving off highly toxic gases and producing dense smoke all with the capacity to kill in minutes?
These are simple questions that have to be addressed when specifying and using flexible conduit systems. The safe alternative is to go with leading manufacturers whose product data is readily available and published for ease of inspection. At Adaptaflex we spend significant amounts of time and money to ensure the systems we design and manufacture are ‘fit for a specific purpose' and will do exactly what we say they will. Anything less involves additional risk for the installer and customer.
If it states Low Fire Hazard that is what you will get. In our case, zero halogen and with our Super Low Fire Hazard systems, zero nitrogen. Testing for our low fire hazard systems is carried out at the independent Fire Research Institute and as a worldwide supplier of flexible conduit systems, Adaptaflex has an expanding portfolio of International approvals.
Introduction of the European Standard EN50086 specifying performance characteristics for conduit systems for electrical installations, has brought about significant changes, but only in the main to European manufacturers.
However, the problem is not limited to non-metallic systems alone. Even metallic systems are not without their copies although some are not as good as they should be. There are systems that have been known to uncoil during installation presenting a significant problem for the electrical contractors as they try to insert cables.
Instead, the system simply presents sharp metal edges, significant enough to present a hazard to the insulation of the cables whose integrity it was meant to protect.
The answer is down to specification and choice and of course everything that is required to ensure a safe, ‘fit-for-purpose' installation that you know you and your customers can depend upon.
11 April 2003
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