80 kilometres of Firetufplus cable installed at O2 arena 
(03/06/2008)
O2, which is owned and operated by AEG [Anschutz Entertainment Group], is being heralded as "Europe's finest indoor music and sports venue". Described by AEG as “a city-within-a-city”, the O2 arena is surrounded by an entertainment district that will open to all, night and day. This comprises a number of leisure attractions, including an 11-screen cinema, exhibition space, an indigo music club, restaurants, bars and cafés, all lining an avenue as wide and long as Bond Street.
Draka has played an important part in breathing new life into the old Millennium Dome in Greenwich. It has supplied 80 kilometres of its Firetufplus “enhanced” fire rated cable for the O2 arena’s sophisticated fire detection and alarm system that protects concert goers and sports fans. The cabling was used by Epsom-based Carmel Building Services to install over 900 smoke detectors, 50 call points and eight networked control panels throughout the venue.
With such a complex redevelopment of the 365-metre diameter, 50-metre high dome, and with visitor numbers to events running into their tens of thousands, quality was the deciding factor when it came to selecting the fire rated cabling. According to Carmel Building Services’ Ray Cavendish, Firetufplus was chosen “because of its proven performance and particularly because of its superior pliability, its robustness and flame retardancy”.
Firetufplus exceeds the requirements of BS 5839 Clause 26.2e, providing 60 minutes fire and mechanical protection, followed by 60 minutes of fire, mechanical impact and water protection. In common with all Draka’s Firetuf cables, its performance is verified by BASEC [British Approvals Service for Cables] and LPCB [Loss Prevention Certification Board] independent testing and approval.
It is an OHLS – Zero Halogen, Low Smoke – cable that meets the “enhanced” category of BS5839 – 1:2002. It is available in long lengths and has a twisted core construction to improve signal clarity. Other benefits that added to its attraction for the O2 arena contract included lower termination costs, ease of handling and installation, and the lack of any need for special tools or training.
Related categories: Cables, conduit and trunking Office and commercial Security, fire and safety
