How Halogen-Free Cables Are Transforming Building Safety
In France, the Sécurité civile reports that a residential fire occurs every two minutes. Smoke is one of the main risks during these incidents. It can seriously affect people’s ability to evacuate and survive: many victims inhale toxic gases before the flames reach them. When the plastic insulation and sheathing of electrical cables installed in walls, ceilings and raised floors burn, the risks associated with smoke can increase.
This is precisely the issue that the French legislator sought to address with the decree of May 17, 2024, which has been in force since May 23, 2025. From that date, construction, renovation or modification projects involving ERP and IGH buildings (see definition below) for which a building permit is requested must use cables that meet the Euroclasses required under French regulations.