| Cable safety initiative by Prysmian has helped in maintaining EU standards and norms for cables |
Prysmian won the support of Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg and Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary Chris Huhne, in its drive to ensure cable systems purchased and installed throughout the UK are safe, fit-for-purpose and fully compliant with regulations as part of their association with the Approved Cables Initiative (ACI).
Both men visited Prysmian's Eastleigh cable manufacturing plant on 8th April as an early stop on their election campaign trail. They discussed the problem of sub-standard and counterfeit cables with Prysmian Director of Energy and Telecom Cables Michael Simms before moving onto a tour of the factory and talks with Prysmian workers.
Prysmian recognises the problem of non-approved cables and consequently is spearheading the ACI drive in the UK. The ACI will address the issue of unsafe, non-approved and counterfeit cables in the £2 billion UK marketplace.
Chris Huhne, who has been supporting Prysmian in this initiative since its conception over 12 months ago said: "Sub-standard and counterfeit cables pose a real threat to lives and livelihood. These cables look very similar to properly tested and manufactured cables, but can rapidly overheat, thereby posing a real fire risk. This excellent initiative will help increase awareness of the problem, and highlight the real need for people to ensure that cables made to EU safety standards are always used. The importation and use of counterfeit cables is a completely avoidable hazard, and one the Government need to help stamp out by supporting initiatives such as the ACI."