Non-Compliant H05VV-F Flexible Cables – Atlas Kablo. Letter from Dr Jeremy Hodge, Chief Executive, BASEC

The purpose of this letter is to provide traders and users of cable with information and advice about non-compliant H05VV-F flexible cable in the marketplace made by Atlas Kablo.  This is a separate announcement to the one issued by BASEC on 14 June 2010 relating to Atlas Kablo building wiring and the suspension of their BASEC licence.

The responsible approval body for these cables, TSE (the Turkish HAR member), has notified BASEC that Atlas Kablo’s HAR scheme certification licence for H05VV-F flexible cables has been suspended and that a recall of affected product is underway.  Affected cable has excessive conductor resistance (insufficient copper).  Testing by TSE and BASEC has confirmed non-compliance.  BASEC advises that affected cable should not be sold or installed, and to seek advice if it has been installed.  No other HAR approved manufacturer is involved.

The cables affected by the suspension are H05VV-F type, PVC insulated and sheathed, in sizes ranging from 0.75 sqmm to 4.0 sqmm, and with 2 to 5 cores.  Affected cables are all marked with the manufacturer’s identification ‘Atlas Kablo’, a ‘2010’ manufacturing date and with the ‘TSE <HAR>’ approval mark.  Marking may be by embossing or printing and various sheath colours are involved.  Many cables are also marked with a British designation or standard, such as ‘3183Y’ and ‘BS 6500’.

We understand from TSE that Atlas Kablo is in the process of notifying their customers and has begun to make arrangements to recover cable through the supply chain.  Cable traders, wholesalers and contractors should check what cable they have in stock, quarantine affected cable and notify their supplier about recovery, or contact Atlas Kablo direct.

Where affected cable has been installed, purchasers or contractors should check that the necessary electrical installation verification tests have been performed by a suitably qualified/competent electrician and that the results are in all aspects satisfactory.  In the event of any performance concerns being raised, these should be further investigated by a suitably qualified/competent electrician or engineer to assess whether circuits are safe, or if protection needs enhancement or any cables replaced.

It is essential that this letter is passed on to appropriate contacts within your organisation and to relevant customers

Further information about this may be obtained from BASEC at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 01908 267300 or at http://www.basec.org.uk

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