Cables and reaction to fire: what the decree of 17 May 2024 changes for public buildings and high-rise buildings
Blog
Posted on 26.06.2025
Game-changing regulations for electricity and telecoms professionals
Fire safety in buildings, whether they are public buildings or high-rise buildings, relies on a number of technical elements, among which cables play an often underestimated but crucial role. For several years now, the European Union has been promoting standardisation through the CPR (Construction Products Regulation).The new order of 17 May 2024, published in the Journal Officiel (JORF n°0118 of 23 May 2024), reinforces this requirement by adapting French regulations. This legislative development marks a major turning point in the building, electricity, fibre optics and home automation sectors.
It will come into force on 23 May 2025, and will apply to all new or renovated public and private buildings with planning permission applications submitted after that date.
Why is the fire behaviour of cables so important?
In the event of a fire, cables can aggravate the situation by encouraging the spread of flames or by emitting toxic, opaque smoke, which can hamper the evacuation of people and the emergency services.The CPR classification provides a standardised assessment of the reaction to fire of cables. It is now a mandatory requirement for many types of building, with different levels required depending on the type of building, how often it is used and the specific risks involved.
Understanding the CPR classification of cables (EN 50575 and EN 13501-6)
EN 50575:2014+A1:2016 defines the performance requirements for cables installed in construction works. These cables must be tested and classified according to their contribution to fire, whether they are flame or fire spreaders and whether they give off heat.
These cables are also tested and classified according to their smoke emission, their production of flaming droplets and their acidity:
• Smoke emission : s1, s1a, s1b, s2, s3
• Inflamed droplets : d0, d1, d2
• Acidity : a1, a2, a3
A technical language for all players in the construction market
The CPR (Construction Products Regulation) classification is based on a common technical language that applies to all players in the construction market, ensuring a clear understanding and harmonisation of fire safety requirements.• This standardised system enables the authorities in the Member States to define the performance required of construction works according to their use and environment.
• Manufacturers, for their part, are obliged to declare the performance of their products according to precise and controlled criteria. Distributors play a key role in making compliant and correctly identified products available on the market.
• End users, whether architects, specifiers, project managers or installers, can use this information to select the cables best suited to the regulatory requirements and specific constraints of each building. This common framework promotes greater traceability, informed decision-making and enhanced safety in all construction projects.
Euroclasses and recommended uses
From 23 May 2025, the minimum CPR class for cables must be strictly complied with for public and private buildings (in orange in the table). Here is a summary table of the minimum CPR classes for each type of building:
What is a high-rise building?
A high-rise building is one in which the highest floor is more than 50 metres above ground level (for residential buildings) or more than 28 metres (for other buildings such as offices). Because of this height, evacuating people in the event of a fire is complex, which justifies stricter fire safety requirements, particularly for cables used for power, networks or communication.
What is an ERP (Etablissement recevant du public)?
Establishments open to the public (ERP) are buildings, premises or enclosures that are accessible to outsiders, whether invited or not. Entrance may be free, charged for, controlled or by invitation. This includes town halls, shops, schools, amusement parks and places of worship. For the purposes of applying fire safety regulations, public buildings are classified according to their type and category.Obligations for electricians, installers and specifiers
To comply with the new regulations, there are a number of points to bear in mind:• All cables rated Cca or above must be LSOH (Low Smoke, Zero Halogen), i.e. low-smoke and halogen-free.
• The CE / CPR mark must be visible on the cable sheath.
• Each cable must be accompanied by its Declaration of Performance (DoP), certified by a notified body.
Example of a compliant label :
From 23 May 2025, all projects submitted for planning permission will have to include the minimum CPR classes in their CCTP (Cahiers des Clauses Techniques Particulières). It is also advisable to check additional local requirements, such as technical instruction IT 246 or the decree of 14 March 2011 on fire protection.
TETRADIS: CPR-certified cables for your projects
Thanks to our certified partners, TETRADIS offers a complete range of electrical, fibre optic and telecom cables that comply with CPR requirements. Our products are designed to guarantee :• Excellent reaction to fire
• Low smoke emission
• Absence of acid gases
• Compliant traceability (CE, DoP, LSOH)
We have the right, tested, certified and compliant solution for commercial buildings, hospitals, collective housing, tunnels and data centres.
In conclusion: anticipation for better protection
The Order of 17 May 2024 imposes a qualitative leap forward in the fire safety of cables used in buildings. This is an opportunity for professionals to make the most of their expertise by adopting best practice now. By complying with the CPR requirements, you can guarantee the safety of people, the conformity of projects and the durability of installations. TETRADIS supports you at every stage: technical choice, compliance, documentation and regulatory support.
