Cables and CE marking: what do you need to know?
Cables sold in the European Union and used in buildings must meet strict safety and quality requirements. To ensure this, the cable manufacturer must possess two important documents: a Declaration of Performance (DoP) and a Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
Although these originate from different legal frameworks, together they play an important role in proving that a cable complies with European Union requirements.
Declaration of Performance (DoP)
Mandatory for all construction cables subject to the CPR regulation.
A Declaration of Performance is required under the European Union Construction Products Regulation (CPR) for all cables permanently installed in buildings.
This includes, for example:
- power cables
- control and communication cables
- data cables
The main purpose of the DoP is to describe the reaction of a cable to fire and to ensure that the assessment is standardised across the entire European Union.
The DoP is a prerequisite for the use of the CE marking under the CPR.
Without a valid Declaration of Performance, a permanently installed construction cable may not bear the CE marking.
For a Declaration of Performance to be issued, the fire performance class of the cable must be determined on the basis of tests by an independent laboratory.
Read more about the Construction Products Regulation.
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
Required for cables regulated under the Low Voltage Directive.
Cables that do not fall under the CPR regulation must rely on a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) to use the CE marking.
This document is issued by the cable manufacturer or their authorised representative.
The DoC confirms that the product complies with:
- European Union technical requirements
- relevant standards
- the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive and other directives
DoC relies on the manufacturer's own verification and technical documentation.
What is the difference between DoP and DoC?
Although both documents are related to the CE marking and both play an important role in proving cable compliance, there is a significant difference between them:
| Declaration of Performance (DoP) | Declaration of Conformity (DoC) |
| Based on CPR construction standards | Based on the Low Voltage Directive |
| Mandatory for permanently installed construction cables | Mandatory for cables not covered by the CPR |
| Reaction to fire must be tested in an independent laboratory | Can be issued based on the manufacturer's own documentation |
| Prerequisite for using the CE marking under the CPR | Prerequisite for using the CE marking under electrical equipment directives |
How long must the documents be retained?
Both DoP and DoC documents lack a specific expiration date.
However, the manufacturer must retain them for at least 10 years so that monitoring or inspection can be carried out if necessary.
Summary
The CE marking is not just a logo on the cable packaging – it is the manufacturer's seal of approval that the product meets all European Union safety and quality requirements. Declarations of Performance and Conformity form the basis for this marking and ensure that construction cables as well as other electric cables are safe and compliant.