B3 Celebrates another Network Rail Approval
13 November 2009
Within the space of ten days, B3 Cable Solutions has triumphed by gaining two Network Rail product acceptances. The latest is for twisted pair copper trackside communications cables, and brings the number of B3 cables holding Network Rail acceptance to more than 100.
The approval to Network Rail specification NR/PS/TEL/00015 — part of an ongoing product acceptance strategy — reinforces B3's position as a world leader in the development and production of high-specification cable for mass transit markets.
"Having supplied hundreds of kilometres of this cable type for the West and East Coast Main Line signalling upgrades (when B3 was known as Belden), the previous acceptance expired at the end of the project," says Steve Ellis, B3's managing director. "However, we are delighted that full acceptance has been restored, enabling us to provide the rail industry with a much needed boost — flexible logistics arrangements, short lead-times and competitive pricing all go together to demonstrate our commitment to our rail customers."
The acceptance covers 0.63mm and 0.9mm conductors, in cable sizes from 2 pair to 100 pair, with external armoured and un-armoured jackets.
Halogen-free flame-retardant cables
The above-mentioned approval compliments B3's range of telecommunication cables, which was endorsed by Network Rail earlier in 2009, when product acceptance was granted for B3's CW1600 range of cables up to 320 pairs. This internal-grade limited fire-hazard multi-pair telephone cable is similar in application to CW1308 but with the addition of a halogen-free flame-retardant sheath.
Mainly used for internal applications within buildings where the need to protect people and equipment from smoke and fumes is paramount, CW1600 has the added advantage of an aluminium/polyester foil electrical screen and drain wire. A fire-retardant tape is included on all cables with more than 6 pairs, along with a 1.38mm-insulated earth wire.
