What is Kite Safety Mark for Cables?

Kite Safety Mark for Cable

Why Kite Safety Mark is used by European standards?

The label BSI kitemark for any product assures that the product has been produced under a system of supervision, control, and testing and can only be used by manufacturers who have been granted the license under the scheme. It does not necessarily cover safety unless the appropriate British Standard specifies a safety requirement.

A cable manufacturer uses a kitemark for their product means its guarantees the product’s electrical, mechanical and thermal safety. It does not guarantee the product’s performance.

The Symbol of the BSI kite and safety marks

The Kitemark is originally known as the British Standard Mark.  The BSI has created two important marks of safety, the BSI kite mark and the BSI safety mark, which are shown in Fig.

Goods manufactured to the exacting specifications

laid down by the British Standards Institution (BSI) are suitable for the purpose for which they were made. There seems to be a British Standard for practically everything made today, and compliance with the relevant British Standard is, in most cases, voluntary.

However, when specifying or installing equipment, the electrical designer or contractor needs to be sure that the materials are suitable for their purpose and offer a degree of safety, and should only use equipment that carries the appropriate British Standards number.

The Value of Kitemark

When a cable uses kitemark on it, sees cables extensively tested against British, European, and international standards in a UKAS-accredited laboratory. The BSI Cable Batch Verification Kitemark has been achieved by that company.

Globally recognized, BSI Kitemark is a symbol that demands respect. Over 82% of UK adults recognize both the Kitemark and understand what it stands for:

1. Safety: 93% believe a Kitemark product is safer;
2. Quality: 91% say the Kitemark gives the reassurance of quality;
3. Trust: 88% have more trust in Kitemark products;
4. Reputation: 88% believe a Kitemark product comes from a reputable company.

History of Kitemark

The first-ever Kitemark registered back in 1903 was to set a standard for tramway rails, and after its implementation, reportedly saved the industry £1 million!

Security of Kitemark

The name 'Kitemark' came from the kite-based shape of the mark's design once drawn up. The mark comprises three letters, a 'B' on its back, with an 'S' placed inside a 'V' underneath. These represent the words 'B for British', ' S for Standard', and 'V for Verification'.

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