Selecting correct types of cables and installing them precisely to their specification is the only way to ensure that all M&E jobs are done adequately. It is vitally important that those with M&E jobs are confident about the cable ratings provided by manufacturers, and that the cables supplied can do exactly what they are designed to do.

For example, fire performance cables for alarm systems are classified as either standard cable or enhanced cable. While standard cables are acceptable in most M&E jobs, enhanced cables are use in buildings over 30 metres high that are not protected by sprinklers, buildings where cables are required to operate longer due to phased evacuation, and buildings with critical signal paths to areas where people may remain for some time during a fire.

While new generations of enhanced fire performance cables keep emerging in the market, other innovative techniques help make Electrical & Mechanical Engineering jobs easier in terms of preparation, handling, installation and maintenance. For example, OHLS (Zero Halogen, Low Smoke) cables feature lightness and reduced diameter and are capable of delivering the ultimate in flame retardancy and consistent circuit integrity. Meanwhile, various types of fibre-optic and shielded cables are unaffected by electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is a particular requirement for M&E jobs in airport environments.

Finally, those with M&E jobs, from designers and manufacturers to specifiers and installers, need to select cables that comply with regulatory standards. Adequate installation of appropriate cables ensures that the cabling delivers its expected performance.