Dr Jeremy Hodge, chief executive of the British Approvals Service for Cables (BASEC) has warned that worldwide changes to cable core colours are likely to have an impact on the Middle East cabling market.
From July 2007 Hong Kong will begin to implement a change in cable core colours to harmonise with those used in Europe. “This affects local manufacturers, many of whom are shipping products there,” stated Hodge. “There is a two-year transition period, but [the change] has started already so distributors must be aware – don’t be left with piles of old coloured cable.”
In 2004 the colours used in electrical cables was harmonised across European countries, with the IEE Wiring Regulations amended accordingly. “The change was made…to create a single European market for cables,” explained Hodge. Safety was considered an issue as companies and individuals operating across different countries in Europe previously used different colour coding systems.
Speaking ahead of the recent Middle East Electricity 2007 exhibition held in Dubai, Hodge stated that he believes the Middle East market will also see a change in cable core colours in future. “I imagine that as the market moves there will be more pressure on a price-basis to change,” predicted Hodge. “It would be nice to see a co-ordinated move,” he added.
Demand for cable within the Emirates currently remains predominantly with the red, yellow, blue and black cable core colours, although cables produced to the new colour-code system are now being requested for some projects.
“We do manufacture cables as per the new core colour when requested,” confirmed Jonathan Vail, general manager, technical, Ducab. Vail however does not see a total change in the cables being used in the immediate future: “To change the market would require a public awareness campaign and a co-ordinated effort between the regional authorities to reduce the cost of changeover and more importantly to reduce safety risks,” commented Vail.
“When the UK adopted the European colours it was phased in over a number of years with a publicity campaign co-ordinated with the industry professional association to ensure a smooth changeover,” he added.
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