LSZH Cable | Low Smoke Zero Halogen ...

The "Low Smoke" element of LSZH cables

According to Part B of The Building Regulations, a leading planning and building regulations resource for England and Wales:

"The primary danger associated with fire in its early stages is not flame but the smoke and noxious gases produced by the fire. They cause most of the casualties and may also obscure the way to escape routes and exits. Measures designed to provide safe means of escape must therefore provide appropriate arrangements to limit the rapid spread of smoke and fumes."

Burning PVC has been found in tests to reduce visibility in the surrounding area by as much as 50% within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, visibility can be reduced by as 90% making it unnecessarily challenging to escape the area.

By comparison, BS EN specifies a smoke density test, performed inside a chamber 3m x 3m x 3m. The test is often referred to as the 3 metre cube test. By monitoring the transmittance reduction of a white light beam running from one side of the chamber to the other at a set height, the build-up of smoke inside the chamber can be measured. For a cable to be classified as low smoke it will often have a minimum light transmittance of 60%. 

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The "Zero Halogen" element of LSZH cables

Burning PVC and other cable compounds produce a number of chemicals, including hydrogen chloride (HCl), which is highly toxic. Furthermore, when mixed with water, HCl forms hydrochloric acid; a substance which is both toxic and corrosive. In the case of PVC, as much as 30% of the emissions can be HCl.

BS EN stipulates that emissions of HCl by LSZH cables must not exceed 0.5%.

LSZH vs LSF cables

Whilst there is a common misconception that low smoke and fume (LSF) cables and LSZH cables are the same, this is not the case and any confusion between the two could be life-threatening in the event of a fire.

Unlike LSZH cables, LSF cables are manufactured using PVC compounds. If they are labelled as low smoke and fume cables it is due to the manufacturer modifying the compound with various additive in order to reduce (not eliminate) smoke and HCl emissions. However, where low smoke zero halogen cables are subject to strict standards, there are no standards governing LSF cables. As a result, LSF cables have been found to emit HCl levels in excess of 20% when burning.

As a leading rail & metro cable supplier, Eland Cables is well-positioned to understand the implications involved when selecting an LSZH cable for use in any other industry. Please contact our technical team to discuss your specific requirements and our comprehensive range of LSZH cables for all applications, including building & construction, oil & gas, and marine & offshore.

Why use LSZH cable&#;

With competitive price and timely delivery, SUNUA sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

LSZH (Low-Smoke Zero Halogen) cables are used in various applications where fire safety and the reduction of smoke and toxic fumes are critical. Here are some reasons why LSZH cables are preferred:

Fire Safety: LSZH cables are flame-retardant and designed to minimize the spread of fire. They have self-extinguishing properties, which means they can help prevent the fire from spreading further.
Reduced Smoke and Toxic Fumes: When exposed to heat or fire, LSZH cables emit significantly less smoke and toxic gases compared to other cables. This is important in environments where the smoke and fumes can pose a risk to public safety, such as industrial plants, public buildings, and vehicles.
Human and Environmental Safety: LSZH cables do not produce halogens during a fire. Halogens, such as chlorine and bromine, can be harmful to humans and the environment. By using LSZH cables, the risk of exposure to these harmful substances is minimized.
Indoor Applications: LSZH cables are intended for indoor use and are commonly used in public buildings like airports, bus stations, railway stations, shopping malls, hospitals, schools, and universities. They are also suitable for data centers and industrial buildings.
UV Resistance: LSZH cables are UV resistant, making them suitable for outdoor applications where exposure to sunlight is a concern.

Where do you use LSZH cables?

LSZH (Low-Smoke Zero Halogen) cables are used in various applications where fire safety and the reduction of smoke and toxic fumes are critical. These cables are designed to minimize the release of smoke and halogens when exposed to heat or fire. Here are some common applications where LSZH cables are used:

Public Buildings: LSZH cables are commonly used as power and control cables in public buildings such as airports, bus stations, railway stations, shopping malls, state buildings, hospitals, schools, and universities.
Data Centers: LSZH cables are suitable for use in data centers, where there are many cables and the risk of fire spreading quickly is high.
Industrial Buildings: LSZH cables are used in industrial buildings where fire safety is crucial. These cables help minimize the release of smoke and toxic fumes, reducing the risk to personnel and equipment.
Aircraft and Ships: LSZH cables are used in the aviation and marine industries, where fire safety is of utmost importance. These cables help prevent the spread of fire and minimize the release of smoke and toxic gases in confined spaces.
Construction: LSZH cables are suitable for use in any construction where it may be difficult to escape in the event of a fire. These cables help protect people and property by reducing the release of smoke and toxic fumes.
Other Settings: LSZH cables can be used in any setting where regular cables are used, but fire safety and the reduction of smoke and toxic fumes are concerns.

It&#;s important to note that LSZH cables have some differences compared to other types of cables:

LSZH vs. PVC Cable: LSZH cables produce no halogens and emit less smoke during a fire, making them less toxic for humans and the environment. In contrast, PVC cables release harmful black smoke and chemicals, including halogens, which can be more dangerous than the fire itself .

LSZH vs. LSF Cable: LSZH cables should not be confused with LSF (Low Smoke and Fume) cables. LSF cables are altered PVC cables that produce fewer harmful gases and smoke when burning, but they still emit gases and do not have the same low-smoke zero-halogen properties as LSZH cables.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website lszh compound for Building Wiring Cable.