French Regulation Change: Buildings Classified IGH / ERP
Fire Safety requirements for Buildings Classified IGH / ERP (France)
As of 17 May 2025, there is a change to the regulations in France for high rise (IGH) and public buildings (ERP), including a strengthening of the regulations around electrical cables. Classifications C1 and C2 have been replaced and instead now reference a more precise CPR classification. The changes are designed to improve fire safety in these buildings of multiple occupancy. This decree was issued in May 2024, updating previous regulations of 2011, giving people 12 months to plan for the changes.
What are the classifications?
B2ca s1a,d1,a1 replaces the old C1 classification
Cca s2,d2,a2 replaces the old C2 classification
What does this do in practice? A shift to Low Smoke cables.
The more precise classifications provide clarity on the fire performance of a cable. The improved performance in the event of fire will limit the spread of flames, reduce the smoke generated and, at the highest classification, eliminate toxic gases. This aids evacuation and facilitates the emergency response.
With much of the electrical wiring in France still sheathed in PVC, the shift to B2ca s1a, d1,a1 is a clear intention to shift to Low Smoke Zero Halogen cables instead, with the sub-classification of S1a mandating a minimum 80% light transmittance through the smoke (something only the highest performance LSZH materials can achieve).
What is classified as ERP?
ERP – Public Buildings – covers all buildings and premises where people are admitted (freely or otherwise). It includes hospitals, schools and universities, hotels, underground parking garages, cinemas, restaurants, shopping centres, theatres as well as other municipal buildings.
It applies whether it is a permanent structure or a temporary building (eg: a marquee). Of course, there will be vast differences in the size, purpose, risk and use of the buildings, so additional classifications including the number of staff and public onsite will also need to be considered. High Rise (IHG) Public buildings are subject to additional constraints, including on location (within a defined radius of a fire station) and must have fire access routes less than 30m away.
What is classified as IGH?
IGH – Immeubles Grande Hauter (aka High Rise Buildings) are separated according to residential or other usage. The regulations apply where a residential high-rise has the floor of it’s highest level at >50m above the ground; whilst for other buildings it applies at a height of >28m above ground.
Note:
This applies only to general electrical wiring in the affected buildings. Cables designed to deliver circuit integrity in the event of fire (fire performance cables) are currently omitted from the scope of the Construction Product Regulation. These fire integrity cables are generally sheathed in LSZH materials already.
