FAQs

Below are some Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.

If you have any other queries not covered here, please do not hesitate to contact us

What does BASEC do precisely?

Our key role is to provide benchmarks of quality and safety to ensure cable products meet relevant national, European and international standards. This means we put products and systems through exhaustive test procedures and re-visit manufacturers on a regular basis to ensure quality levels are maintained. We also provide assessment and certification schemes in quality, environmental and health and safety protocols which demonstrate that a company has achieved these specific criteria in these areas. In addition, BASEC offers auditing for Process Capability in cable making, Certificates of Assessed Design for innovative cable products and independent testing and reporting in the event of disputes.

Is BASEC a Government body?

BASEC is an independent organisation set up by a number of organisations in the electrical sector to provide an independent and impartial certification service to ensure national, European and international cable manufacturers and their products reach relevant standards. BASEC is independent of Government and receives no Government funding. BASEC was nominated by the UK Government as a Notified Body under the Low Voltage Directive until these were discontinued, which means that BASEC had certain statutory functions and duties. In addition, BASEC's founding documents require BASEC to act in the public interest.

What kind of products do you test?

BASEC tests electrical cables, data/signal cables and ancillary products. Through its teams of highly skilled engineers and auditors who possess extensive in-depth commercial and industrial experience, BASEC has a reputation for professional and rigorous assessment processes which ultimately lead to the issuing of BASEC's highly respected certification. Furthermore, BASEC provides system assessment and certification for Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental (ISO 14001) and Health and Safety Management Systems (IS) 45001). In addition, BASEC offers auditing for Process Capability in cable making, Certificates of Assessed Design for innovative cable products and independent testing and reporting in the event of disputes.

Who tests the cables?

BASEC employs its own and a number of other laboratories to conduct testing of cables, to ensure the products sent to us undergo fully independent test procedures using the latest equipment and technology. In support of this, the assessors make visits to clients and prospective clients' manufacturing plants to monitor the whole process. Only by checking processes first-hand can we ensure that systems are inherently reaching relevant standards. It is also possible for BASEC assessors to witness testing at manufacturers' premises where suitable facilities are available.

Who are the BASEC assessors?

They are highly skilled, experienced engineers and assessors who possess extensive in-depth commercial and industrial knowledge. They have a reputation for being highly professional and rigorous and are responsible for approving BASEC's highly respected certification. They must be fully aware of the latest standards and test criteria and what they mean in the UK, Europe and worldwide.

What is the difference between BASEC and BSI?

The British Standards Institution (BSI), is the body which co-ordinates the writing of standards for cables and other electrical and electronic systems in the UK. For example, their committees are responsible for drawing up a standard for a specific reason say to ensure a cable meets certain fire performance criteria and how it needs to perform in the event of a real fire. Assessors from BASEC will then ensure that the cables which manufacturers would like to be approved as meeting that standard does, in fact, achieve the standards' criteria through testing the product and the manufacturing process.

How do I go about seeking BASEC approval?

First of all, we ask you to provide us with some information. Find out more about the information required in the Step by Step guide here.

Alternatively, contact us at BASEC Group Limited (BASEC), Presley House, Presley Way, Crownhill, Milton Keynes MK8 0ES, England.
Telephone: + 44 (0)1908 267300.
Fax: + 44 (0)1908 267255.
E-mail mail@basec.org.uk

Once we have the initial information, we will provide a quotation for the work in seeking the relevant product certification or system approval. The work progresses in logical steps depending on which approval you are seeking, and we will advise you at each stage.

Can BASEC test cable products without following the full process to certification?

Yes, BASEC regularly tests cables as an independent service, either for a new product or to settle a dispute between two parties. BASEC also provides reports in support of the testing where required. There is no right to use the BASEC mark in this service.