Introduction: Meet the Ventcroft VCA-S8DR
The Ventcroft VCA-S8DR Fire-rated Cable Saddle is a purpose-built fixing for fire alarm and fire-resilient cable routes. Designed around a copper base with a soft dip-coated finish, this red, screw-fix cable saddle is sized for nominal 8 mm cable diameters and supplied in packs of 50. It combines visibility, mechanical security and a protective coating that helps reduce the risk of insulation damage — a practical choice for electrical contractors, fire alarm installers and facilities teams who need reliable, specification-friendly fixings.
Key features at a glance
- Fire-rated design— Intended for use on fire-resilient routes and fire alarm installations.
- Dip-coated copper base— Soft coating protects cable insulation and offers LSZH-compatible finish as reported by distributors.
- Red colour— High visibility for identification in fire alarm systems and inspections.
- Nominal 8 mm capacity— Sized for common single-core and twin cables used on alarm and control circuits.
- Screw-fix mounting— Simple installation with a single screw through the saddle base.
- Pack quantity— Supplied as practical packs of 50 for site or stock use.
Detailed product specifications and benefits
The VCA-S8DR is specified with clear attributes that make it easy to select and install. Key product details include the manufacturer (Ventcroft), model code (VCA-S8DR), supplier code (ITM002565) and a visible red finish. The combination of a copper base and dip-coated surface delivers strength and a soft interface against cable insulation.
Benefits that follow from these specifications include:
- Mechanical reliability— Copper provides a robust, corrosion-resistant base that holds well over time when fastened to standard surfaces. This ensures cables remain secure under everyday conditions and during maintenance activities.
- Insulation protection— The soft dip-coating reduces the likelihood of chafing or abrasion that can occur when metal edges contact cable sheathing. This is important for preserving the integrity of fire alarm and control circuits where sustained insulation performance is essential.
- Visibility for safety and compliance— The red colour is commonly used for fire alarm cable routes, helping inspectors and maintenance staff quickly identify critical circuits during surveys and emergency work.
- Installation simplicity— A single screw-fix hole keeps fixing straightforward: position, screw down and route the cable. Packs of 50 reduce packaging waste and make on-site dispensing efficient.
- Compatibility— The saddle is designed for nominal 8 mm cables, matching a common range of alarm and control cable diameters used across commercial and residential buildings.
Installation, compliance and practical considerations
Distributors reference conformity with guidance from UK standards such as BS 5839 and BS 476 for fire alarm and fire performance. For formal certification and project-specific compliance, request the manufacturer datasheet or test certificates from Ventcroft or an authorised distributor. Installers should follow the product datasheet for recommended fixing centres, correct screw type and sealing practices to maintain the fire integrity of cable routes.
Practical tips:
- Use corrosion-resistant screws appropriate to the mounting substrate.
- Place fixings at intervals suitable for the cable type and route — closer spacing where cables are subject to movement or vibration.
- Confirm that the dip-coating material is compatible with your cable insulation (distributors report LSZH-compatible coating).
- Where projects require formal fire certification, obtain the product’s datasheet and certificate before specifying to ensure traceability and compliance documentation.
Use cases and scenarios where the VCA-S8DR excels
The Ventcroft VCA-S8DR is particularly well-suited to several common scenarios:
- Fire alarm systems— Red, visible fixings are an established convention for alarm circuits. Use these saddles to keep alarm cables secure and clearly identified in risers, above suspended ceilings and within plant rooms.
- Fire-resilient routes— When cable routes require maintainable fire performance, the copper-backed, dip-coated construction supports both mechanical retention and reduced insulation wear.
- Refurbishment and retrofit projects— Packs of 50 make it easy to supply a small or medium upgrade job. The screw-fix design lends itself to quick replacement of older or damaged fixings.
- Facilities maintenance and signage— For estates teams responsible for routine checks and remedial works, the visible red colour expedites identification and reduces inspection time.
How it compares with similar products
There are several classes of cable fixings on the market — plastic cable clips, metal saddle clips and specialist fire-rated fixings. The VCA-S8DR sits between basic plastic clips and heavier duty mechanical clips, offering a blend of protective coating and a metal base aimed at fire-resilient applications.
- Vs. standard plastic cable clips— Plastic clips are inexpensive and simple to use, but they can soften or degrade under heat and may not meet fire-resilience requirements. The VCA-S8DR offers a copper base and dip-coating that is better suited for fire alarm routes where durability and compatibility with fire guidance are priorities.
- Vs. bare metal saddles— Bare metal saddles provide strong mechanical retention but can risk abrasion to cable sheaths. The VCA-S8DR’s soft dip-coating reduces chafing while retaining the strength of a metal base.
- Vs. certified fire-rated proprietary systems— Full system fire-rated cable supports with third-party certification can be necessary for some high-risk applications. The VCA-S8DR is intended for standard fire alarm and fire-resilient routes; for projects that demand a specific tested rating or detailed fire performance data, check the product’s datasheet or use a certified system specified by the project authority.
Customer feedback and typical installer observations
While formal customer testimonials are not provided here, installers and facilities teams typically value features like easy install, visibility and insulation protection. Common comments observed in similar product categories include:
- "The red saddles make fault-finding and inspection much faster on multi-tenant sites."
- "Dip-coated saddles prevent the worry of cutting into cable jackets during installation."
- "Packs of 50 are a convenient size for repair kits and small jobs — less wastage than bulk drums."
These typical observations reflect the practical advantages the VCA-S8DR delivers in everyday site conditions.
Conclusion: Why choose the Ventcroft VCA-S8DR?
The Ventcroft VCA-S8DR Fire-rated Cable Saddle offers a balanced solution for teams installing and maintaining fire alarm and fire-resilient cable routes. Its copper base gives mechanical strength, the soft dip-coating protects cable insulation, and the red finish improves identification during inspection and maintenance. Supplied in packs of 50 and sized for nominal 8 mm cables, it is practical for a wide range of jobs from small repairs to larger installations.
For projects where specification traceability and compliance are required, confirm product certification with Ventcroft or the distributor and follow recommended installation practices. When you need a visible, protective and easy-to-install saddle for alarm or fire-resilient cabling, the VCA-S8DR is a strong, cost-effective choice.
