Installations that reduce financial risk

Better fire safety is a financial investment. The right choice of cables can reduce damage, prevent operational losses and protect property in the event of a fire. 

Fires in buildings can lead to significant financial losses. Direct damage to buildings, destroyed infrastructure and loss of expensive equipment is only part of the problem. Equally important are the indirect costs and loss of revenue resulting from business interruption, lengthy rehabilitation processes and increased insurance costs.  

Impacting the financial consequences of fire 

Stricter building regulations require new buildings to meet higher fire safety standards. Both TEK17 and certifications such as BREEAM place more demands on safe and more sustainable material choices. The choice of materials and installations in new build and refurbishment projects can have a major impact on fire safety.  

Many fires start in electrical installations. The right choice of cables in buildings can - in combination with other measures - raise fire safety to a higher level. The safe choice is Low Fire Hazard cables for all types of buildings.  

Reduces the extent of damage 

Smoke and noxious gases emitted during a fire are one of the biggest causes of property damage. Smoke poisoning is also the leading cause of death in fires.  
 
Cables with PVC produce thick black smoke when they burn. This makes it difficult to find escape routes and makes it more difficult for the fire service to evacuate casualties. The smoke also settles in textiles and interiors. Corrosive gases that are formed can also attack metal structures, installations and the building's infrastructure.  

Low Fire Hazard cables produce thin white smoke when they burn. This makes evacuation easier. The lack of corrosive gases that destroy assets and property will also reduce the extent of damage.  

Better insurance terms 

The level of fire safety can also affect the insurance costs of the building.  

A high level of fire safety can result in better terms with insurance companies, while a building with a history of fires or a low level of safety may have higher insurance premiums or poorer terms.  

- Higher insurance costs can affect the profitability, budget planning and operations of both building owners and tenants. ‘Poor fire safety simply means less financial security, whether there is a fire or not,’ says Blomsnes. 

In some cases, insurance companies may also require special insurance, for example in hospitals, where a fire can have very serious consequences. 

As cables do not produce corrosive gases in the event of a fire, there are fewer toxic residues and waste that need to be sorted at source and decontaminated. This means lower costs for clean-up and rehabilitation, maintenance and repairs.  

Same price for Low Fire Hazard cables 

 - Investing in Low Fire Hazard cables is a long-term strategy. Not only does it reduce the risk of fire, but it also ensures the financial viability of the building,’ says Blomsnes. 

Low Fire Hazard cables used to be more expensive than PVC cables, but today there are good Low Fire Hazard alternatives at the same price. The investment therefore requires no more money on the table - and at the same time has far more advantages. 

- We need to get away from the idea that Low Fire Hazard cables are much more expensive. This is no longer the case. With increasing demand for Low Fire Hazard cables, prices have levelled out. What's more, both the materials and construction are much better than they were 10-15 years ago,’ says Aron Andersson, Product Manager at Nexans.   

‘By installing cables that provide better fire safety and less financial risk, you can save yourself from unwanted costly consequences later on.