Fire proof cable cleats manufactured in Yorkshire by Ellis have been installed throughout the new BP4 Tower at Canary Wharf, London.

The BP4 tower development at 25 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, is a 23 storey tower comprising of 530,000 sq. ft. of high quality commercial accommodation. The building is designed to achieve an “Excellent” BREEAM rating.

Designed specifically for installation with fire protection (FP) rated cables, the Phoenix cleats are made from 316L stainless steel and are both fire proof and corrosion resistant. They were specified by Hilson Moran through Ellis’ UK distributor, ETS Cable Components and installed by electrical contractor, Phoenix ME Limited.

Preventing The Loss Of Vital Services

“In order for FP rated cables to continue working in an emergency they need to remain intact and in place,” said Ellis’ UK sales director, Paul Nolan.

“If these cables aren’t properly restrained then the risks are clear – the loss of vital services and the likelihood of live cables falling and causing potentially lethal hazards.”

Fire Performance Tests

Working in conjunction with Exova Warringtonfire, BRE and ETS, Ellis initially developed its Phoenix range in 2011.Prior to launch the products underwent a wide range of tests, including exposure to fire, impact and water spray, all of which combined to ensure that the range offers fire protection to the same level as the cables it is installed to protect.

Phoenix Cable Cleat and Fire Performance Cable Test

“Any building should strive to ensure that the products used to protect the emergency systems are the best available, but when you consider BP4 is a 130-metre, 23-storey, 530,000 sq. ft. development in the heart of one of London’s key business districts then it’s fair to say that in this instance it was an absolute imperative,” continued Paul.

Changing Regulations

During 2013, Ellis called for a ban on the use of plastic products as the sole means of cable support in areas where fallen cables may put fire fighters’ lives at risk. This widely publicised call has resulted in a forthcoming change to building regulations.

“Everything we do, whether with Phoenix or our other products, is done with safety at the forefront of our minds,” added Paul. “Electrical cables are dangerous and need to be restrained in a manner that ensures they don’t become a danger to others.”

For more details on the range of Ellis Patents cable cleats available, including the fire rated Phoenix cleat, please contact our Sales Team.

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The Shard, also known as the Shard of Glass is a brand new skyscraper next to London Bridge. Construction work began in March 2009 and was completed in March 2012, opening to the public in February this year. Standing at an impressive 309.6 meters (1,016 ft), the Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe.

ETS were proud to help supply this iconic building and we take a look back at what products we supplied for the project.

We originally submitted samples and data sheets for approval in 2008. Working with both the main contractor and consultant to provide suitable products that would compliment the high quality engineering standards of the project design, as well as stand the test of time.

On this basis, the products short listed for approval were provided by CMP, Ellis Patents and Cembre. It was felt each of these manufacturers provided stringent enough product testing to ensure that cabling contractors would be able to deliver the highest quality installation.

The Shard was also awarded ‘Major Building Project of the Year’ (Over £50m) at the British Construction Industry (BCI) awards 2013.