ABB celebrates industry first 25 years of BSI Kitemark™ distinction

11-11-2021

• ABB Installation Products is the only cable protection manufacturer worldwide to earn certification through BSI Kitemark™ for cable management for 25 years 
• Setting the standard for 25 years, for operational performance and cable protection safety for industries including Food & Beverage, Medical, Data, Construction and Transport 
• Reducing system failure and safety risks 

Nearly every electrical installation around the world relies on electrical conduit and fittings to protect cabling that powers critical equipment, resources and processes. As businesses in all types of environments seek to improve safety and reliability with conduit systems that have relevant third-party approvals to cover the areas of intended use. This includes meeting performance specifications for fatigue life, operating temperature, non-flame propagation, corrosion, water ingress and other factors.

One of the most recognized symbols of quality and safety is the BSI Kitemark™. A quality mark owned and operated by the British Standards Institute (BSI), ABB was the first cable protection manufacturer worldwide to earn BSI Kitemark™ approval for its flexible conduit systems, under the brand names Adaptaflex® in 1996 and Kopex® in 2006.

"At face value there appears very little difference between conduit brands, but many businesses look to ABB for solutions that have achieved certification against BSI Kitemark™ for the last 25 years to help meet their safety, performance and operational challenges," said Meirion Buck, global head of Research and Development for ABB Installation Products. "Because an electrical system is only as reliable as the conduits and fittings protecting it, ABB is pleased to design cable protection systems that defend interior wires and cables in the most demanding applications and meet rigorous third-party standards."

Holly Rossington, Certification Team Leader for Gas and Electrical products at BSI Kitemark, said: "ABB’s longstanding certification against BSI Kitemark for Cable Management signifies the organization’s commitment to providing industries with products that have gone beyond normal requirements to achieve the highest standards available. This gives customers the assurance that products will perform in service. I congratulate ABB for achieving this mark of trust for the past 25 years."

A way contractors and distributors worldwide assess quality of an electrical conduit is to ensure it carries a third-party certification such as the BSI Kitemark™, indicating conformance to international conduit standards BS EN 61386 parts 1, 22 and 23. The BSI Kitemark™ audit process requires products to be selected randomly and tested annually to ensure continued compliance with the regulations. ABB conducts in-house testing at its industry leading laboratory in Coleshill, UK, completing performance requirements for flexible, rigid and pliable conduit within the current wiring regulations the standard covers.

ABB’s Adaptaflex flexible conduit system was introduced in 1972 and Kopex in 1958, along with compatible fittings, to protect critical power and data cabling from costly downtime and system failure. As part of the accreditation process, the BSI Kitemark™ audit includes ABB’s products and the Kecskemet and Coleshill manufacturing facilities. Additionally, Adaptaflex uses third-party testing to comply with many other technical and engineering requirements such as the London Underground fire regulations for rail and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approval for North American applications.

Part of its Electrification business area, ABB Installation Products Division, formerly Thomas & Betts, is a global leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of products used to manage the connection, protection and distribution of electrical power in industrial, construction and utility applications. With more than 200,000 products under more than 38 premium brand names, ABB Installation Products solutions can be found wherever electricity is used.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com. 

ABB’s Electrification Business Area is a global leader in electrical products and solutions, operating in more than 100 countries, with over 200 manufacturing sites. Our 50,000+ employees are dedicated to transforming how people live, connect and work by delivering safe, smart and sustainable electrification solutions. We are shaping the future trends of electrification, differentiating through technological and digital innovation while delivering an outstanding experience through operational excellence for our customers across utilities, industry, buildings, infrastructure and mobility. For more information visit https://go.abb/electrification.