Manufacturer Case Study: CQR Security Limited - UKCA CPR testing and certification
For the last 30 years, CQR Security Limited has been dedicated to designing, producing and supplying high-quality security technology, as well as a range of specialist CPR Low Smoke Zero Halogen cable products (Euroclass C and D).
Renowned for their dual commitment to quality and innovation; CQR has been a consistent force within the security and fire technology markets for decades. Part of the OSL Group of businesses and their own collection of market-leading brands, CQR is further developing their business using the expertise and resources of the wider group.
As a proud member of Made in Britain, CQR operates from the Wirral in North-West England. However, while the company prides itself on their heritage and origins, they also export to over 60 countries through a specialist network of worldwide distributors. This scale of operations allows them to compete across the globe without compromising on their identity and strong brand reputation, built with decades of product manufacturing experience. By having BASEC CPR approval, CQR customers can rest assured that they are a reliable, trustworthy brand providing the highest standards of product.
The extensive CQR cable range is manufactured specifically for the low-voltage security market, with cable types consisting of: Belden, CCAM, Power and Data, Twisted Pair and Flame Retardant Cable (screened and unscreened from 2 to 12 cores).
Performance, safety and reliability are the cornerstones of the CQR identity, their emphasis on product quality and goal of exceeding customer expectations has established them as a brand to be relied on; essential in the security and fire industries.
CPR Regulation
Following a legislation change in the EU and the introduction of CPR regulation, CQR pursued mandatory third-party testing, partnering with BASEC as their UKCA and CPR (testing and certification body). Due to a long-standing relationship with BASEC, it was logical for CQR to choose them as their partner for this endeavour.
Whilst certification was at first a daunting process, BASEC was able to simplify the process through efficient planning, with the audit ensuring that the production control process, materials and end products met the quality and safety standards for CPR.
Benefits of BASEC System 1+ and 3 testing and certification
The key benefit of System 1+ is that CQR can operate across both the UK and Europe, which is a significant advantage. This means one set of testing for UKCA and CE marking for System 1+ production.
CQR feel that two or three different tests and audits with different organisations would be excessive, therefore by partnering with BASEC they don’t have to undergo a separate audit with UK and EU bodies, as BASEC provides one set of CPR system 1+ testing, FPC audits and tri-annual testing.
According to CQR, choosing system 1+ over 3 is a market-driven decision, as the market changes and new legislation is introduced, the need for system 1+ cables increases. Cable quality and safety conformity remain of the highest importance for the UK and EU markets, however BASEC can offer systems 3 for the UK market for UKCA.
Nigel van Woerdekom, Technical Manager at CQR, comments;
“Having BASEC as our chosen third party for CPR testing allows us to meet requirements to be compliant with UK and EU regulations through one set of testing, which is a great convenience for the business, while ensuring peace of mind to our customers that the cables have been stringently tested for safety and quality.”
BASEC Certification
For over 45 years, BASEC has been a global leader in the testing and certification of cables. We have recently invested heavily in new equipment to test all the requirements of CPR regarding cables, providing a complete service to manufacturers and traders. The new testing laboratory in Dubai will significantly increase test capacity for BASEC and support manufacturers to achieve a shorter time to market, whilst also adding to the robustness and capabilities of the existing BASEC testing and certification schemes.
