A NEW building development in the heart of London’s financial district is being made fire safe thanks to cable cleats manufactured in Rillington.

Ellis, which manufacturers stainless-steel supports for cables, was contracted to supply its fire-proof Phoenix cleats for installation in the new BP4 Tower at Canary Wharf.

The cleats are designed to hold fire protection (FP)-rated cables in place during extreme temperatures.

They support a campaign, launched by Ellis last year, calling for plastic cable supports to be banned to eliminate the risk posed to firefighters’ lives by falling cables. This widely publicised call has resulted in a forthcoming change to building regulations.

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

“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.

“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 it was imperative.”

The Phoenix cleats were specified for the BP4 project by Hilson Moran through Ellis’ UK distributor, ETS Cable Components and installed by electrical contractor, Phoenix ME Limited.

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.

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