Low Smoke Zero Halogen or LSZH is a common term you&#;ll come across when buying or working with cables.
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It&#;s not merely a definition of materials or characteristic of cable, but a highly important distinction, which could ultimately mean the difference between life and death.
LSZH cables are also sometimes referred to as ZHLH or simply halogen-free cables.
This definition of the cable basically helps determine the materials that go into the insulation and sheathing of the cable.
Any materials that are not classified as LSZH do not make the cut.
Countries and industries across the world have strict standards for cable materials, and LSZH is becoming increasingly popular because of the safety these cables offer.
Low Smoke Zero Halogen or LSZH cables are those that don&#;t contain any halogens in their material composition and don&#;t produce smoke in case of fire.
These cables produce a very limited amount of smoke and toxic gases, especially acid gases.
These cables are good for use indoors and in hazardous environments where the threat of fire and harmful gases may be high.
They are essentially fire-retardant cables, too, as they self-extinguish.
However, they are not completely fire-resistant, which means they can burn and bear damage if the fire from the source is continuous.
Low smoke and zero halogen are two separate elements.
So it&#;s important to understand them individually.
Low smoke pertains to the cable jacket producing limited smoke.
It doesn&#;t mean that it won&#;t burn or not produce any smoke at all.
It only means that the smoke wouldn&#;t be of dangerously high levels to become toxic, reduce visibility, and hamper rescue efforts.
This is entirely dependent on the jacketing material in the cable, as the sheath is the first layer to come in contact with fire.
In most cases, the flame isn&#;t as dangerous as the smoke and gas it produces.
In indoor settings, most casualties in fire may be caused because of the smoke because it creates respiratory difficulties, reduces the visibility of exit routes, and creates panic.
For instance, tests show that PVC (polyvinyl chloride) can reduce visibility by as much as 50 percent when burning. In half an hour, it can become as high as 90 percent.
This makes PVC high-smoke material; however, there are low-smoke versions of it with appropriate additives.
Many international standardization and certification bodies have specific tests and benchmarks to gauge the smoke emission of materials.
Cables must pass those tests to qualify as low smoke cables.
Zero halogen simply means that no component, primarily insulation and sheathing, should have any halogens in their composition.
Halogens consist of five elements, including Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), Iodine (I), Florine (F), and Astatine (At).
The reason why halogens are emitted from cables is that when the cable is on fire, these can produce toxic gases or liquids, such as highly acidic HCl.
The best example of a material that&#;s not zero halogens is PVC, as it contains Chlorine.
Tests show that PVC can produce as much as 30 percent HCl in case of a fire.
Some cables are labeled as LSF (low smoke and fume), which is different from LSZH.
It only covers part of the equation, as LSF cables might still have halogens in their materials.
For instance, PVC cables that are low smoke are LSF but not LSZH.
Those cables still pose the threat of halogen gases when burning.
Usually, LSF cables have additives to help make them low smoke and low halogen, but they are not zero halogens.
LSZH cables usually follow even stricter standards than LSF cables.
LSF cables can emit halogen acids far beyond the limits set for LSZH cables.
There are two kinds of LSZH materials essentially: thermoplastic LSZH and thermoset LSZH.
Thermoplastic LSZH materials can be molded by heating many times, whereas thermoset LSZH materials can only be molded once.
Hence, they are not recyclable.
While PVC is the most common thermoplastic, it&#;s not an LSZH, as it contains Chlorine.
On the other hand, ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR) and crosslinked propylene (XLPE) are LSZH.
These two materials are very common in cables along with PVC.
It&#;s worth noting that LSZH thermoset materials may not have as high resistance to flames as chlorinated thermosets.
This is one tradeoff when using LSZH cables, as their thermal range may be slightly lower than those with halogens.
That said, crosslinked materials such as XLPE have a much higher thermal range.
The LSZH material you choose comes down to other factors as well, such as voltage rating of the conductor, environmental conditions, and application-specific requirements.
However, the material must meet the set requirements and tests.
LSZH cables are used both indoors and outdoors, but mostly indoors where it&#;s usually hard for the smoke to escape.
Just by that requirement, the applications of such cables are many.
Here are some examples:
LSZH cables may be used in any place where the laws and regulations require cables to use LSZH materials.
Many countries and city governments, as well as safety boards, mandate that contractors and construction companies use such cables for all indoor wiring.
This is why LSZH is becoming a standard for indoor cable applications.
There are obvious advantages to using LSZH cables:
There isn&#;t any universal definition or standard when it comes to LSZH cables.
However, most international standardization bodies have tests and standards for cable manufacturers to comply with in order to certify their cables as LSZH.
Manufacturers must test the cables according to the test describes by those standards.
For instance, the standard BS prescribes a test for smoke density.
The test is performed in a 3 x 3 x 3 cubic meter chamber.
A white light is passed through the chamber at a particular height so as to measure how the smoke hinders the transmittance of light.
The test requires the minimum transmittance to be 60 percent.
Similarly, another British cable standard BS EN requires HCl emissions from the cable to be under 0.5 percent for it to quality as zero-halogen.
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has its own set of standards and tests for qualifying cables as LSZH.
Here are the three most frequently used standards in the cabling industry:
The IEC -1 test for flammability is similar to that of BS , which involves a 3 cubic meter chamber and light transmittance.
The IEC -1 test involves burning the cable for 60 minutes and collecting any halogen acid produced.
It should not exceed 5 mg/g.
The second part, IEC -2, measures conductivity and pH.
The pH value should not be less than 4.3 and the conductivity value should not exceed 10 uS/mm.
LSZH cables also comply with the European Union (EU) Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive.
Other standardization bodies around the world may have similar tests for cables to qualify as LSZH.
The cables are not officially LSZH unless they meet the standards set by one of these bodies.
LSZH cable plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of infrastructure and human life.
While they are not immune to fire, they can reduce the danger.
Low smoke and no risk of acidic gases and fluids make these cables a safer option for indoor cabling.
There are strict standards for such cables, especially on marine shipboard, that must be fulfilled for the cable to be labeled LSZH.
The cable manufacturers must comply with those specific standards for the market they are serving.
As for the cable type and materials, that depends on the application they are for.
5 Things to Look for When Choosing Low Smoke Zero Halogen Cable
low smoke zero halogen cable (LSZH) is fantastic regarding safety and the environment. These heat-proof wire cables are designed to minimize smoke and toxic gas when exposed to heat or flames. That means they're perfect for places like buildings, tunnels, and airplanes where smoke inhalation can be hazardous. LSZH cables also have zero halogen content, so they don't contain those nasty halogen-based compounds that can harm the environment. After knowing the fascination of LSZH cables, how can we find the perfect low smoke zero halogen cable?
Five Things You Should Consider When Choosing the Perfect Low smoke zero halogen Cable
Let
'
s take a l
ook at these top five points for the perfect low
-
smoke zero-
halogen cable.
Process Performance
Do you want a low-smoke zero-halogen cable that's a breeze to install? It should be easy to handle, flexible enough to pass through tight spaces, and tough enough to resist wear and tear. No one wants a cable that falls apart or gives him a headache during installation.
Electrical Performance
Don't forget about the electrical stuff! Ensure the low smoke zero halogen cable you choose meets your application&#;s voltage rating, current-carrying capacity, and impedance requirements and prevents you from any power hiccups or performance issues down the line.
Mechanical Performance
A perfect low smoke zero halogen cable should be tough. With good tensile strength and crush, and impact resistance, it can handle all the bending, twisting, and pulling without a sweat.
Here's where LSZH cables shine. They're designed to resist flames and prevent the spread of fire. Thus, when choosing LSZH cables, you must ensure they have excellent flame-retardant properties, looking for cables that meet important fire safety standards like IEC .
Environmental Performance
LSZH cables are eco-friendly superheroes. They don't contain those nasty halogen-based compounds that harm the environment and have a lower carbon footprint than regular cables. If you're an Earth-conscious consumer, choose a low-smoke-zero halogen cable from a manufacturer committed to sustainability.
Finding a reliable supplier of top-notch LSZH cables
In order to get top-notch LSZH cables, it's important to find a reliable supplier. Keep these factors in mind when you're evaluating potential suppliers.
Quality
Look for suppliers who are all about quality. If you want cables that meet industry standards and specifications, ensure the supplier has robust quality control processes.
Experience
Experience matters! Go for suppliers who have been in the low smoke zero halogen cable game for a while. They'll know the ins and outs of cable material manufacturing and understand the requirements for different applications.
Certifications
Check if the supplier holds relevant certifications and complies with international standards. Certifications like ISO and ISO show that they're committed to excellence and environmental responsibility.
Customization
When you need low smoke zero halogen cable with a personal touch, suppliers who offer customization options can give you tailor-made cables for your specific needs.
Pricing
Price is an important factor. But when comparing prices from different suppliers, don&#;t forget quality and performance are equally important. Try to keep a perfect balance between price and quality!
Customer Service
Choose a supplier that's responsive, reliable, and provides great support. A smooth and hassle-free experience from purchase to after-sales service is key.
Sunua's Got What You Need!
When it comes to LSZH cables, Sunua has reached a new level. They're all about quality and innovation and have the credentials to prove it. With years of experience under their belt, Sunua is a trusted supplier of high-performance LSZH cables. Here's what sets them apart:
- Quality: Sunua goes the extra mile to ensure their LSZH cables meet the highest standards. You can count on their cables to be top-notch.
- Expertise: With their knowledgeable team, Sunua knows LSZH cable manufacturing inside out. They're the pros you want on your side.
- Certifications: Sunua holds all the right certifications, like ISO and ISO . That means they're serious about quality management and protecting the environment.
- Customization: Sunua knows that one size doesn't fit all. They offer customization options to give LSZH cables that fit your requirements.
- Competitive Pricing: Sunua knows you don't want to break the bank. They offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality. It's a win-win.
- Customer Service: Sunua believes in putting customers first. They're responsive, reliable, and provide exceptional customer service from start to finish.
Final Thoughts!
When you're in the market for LSZH cables, keep these five points in mind. Look for cables with great process, electrical, and mechanical performance and excellent flame retardant and environmental properties. And remember to choose a reliable supplier like Sunua, who can deliver top-quality LSZH cables that meet your needs. They have the expertise, certifications, customization options, competitive pricing, and customer service to make you a happy customer.
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