Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) Cable: Flexible, Chemical Resistant, and Fire Safe

In modern electrical installations, safety, environmental considerations, and performance are paramount. The Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cable is a critical component designed to meet these demands, ensuring reduced risk in sensitive environments.

Known for its fire resistance, low smoke emission, and halogen-free composition, LSZH cables are widely used in public spaces, transportation systems, and industrial settings. They provide superior protection, particularly in areas where safety and health risks are highest during a fire.

What Is an LSZH Cable?

An LSZH cable—also known as Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSOH) or Halogen-Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) cable—is specially designed to emit minimal smoke and no toxic halogens when exposed to fire.

Unlike traditional PVC cables, which emit harmful substances like hydrogen chloride gas, LSZH cables produce safer, less corrosive smoke, significantly reducing the potential for harm during a fire.

Why Use LSZH Cables?

Many industries have transitioned to LSZH cables to enhance safety and meet strict regulatory standards, particularly in environments where fire safety is a major concern.

The reduced smoke and absence of toxic halogens make these cables ideal for public buildings, hospitals, data centers, railways, and enclosed spaces where evacuations may be necessary in the event of a fire.

Key Features of LSZH Cables

1. Low Smoke Emission

When exposed to fire, LSZH cables produce a low level of smoke. This characteristic is crucial in enclosed spaces, as it significantly improves visibility for evacuation and minimizes smoke inhalation hazards.

In areas like hospitals, public transportation, and offices, these cables reduce the risk of injury or death from smoke inhalation.

2. Halogen-Free Composition

Traditional cables often contain halogens like chlorine or fluorine, which can release toxic gases when burned. LSZH cables are halogen-free, meaning they won’t emit harmful, corrosive gases during a fire.

This makes them safer for use in enclosed spaces such as hospitals, airports, and underground transportation systems.

3. Fire Retardant Properties

LSZH cables are flame retardant, meaning they are designed to resist the spread of fire. This is a key feature for applications in fire safety-sensitive environments, including railways, airports, and data centers.

The cables adhere to stringent fire safety standards such as IEC 60332-1, ensuring their ability to contain and mitigate fire hazards.

LSZH Cable Certifications and Standards

The performance and safety of LSZH cables are backed by rigorous testing and adherence to multiple international standards. These certifications guarantee the reliability and safety of the cables, making them a top choice in high-risk environments.

These certifications ensure that LSZH cables perform effectively under the most challenging circumstances, reducing risks associated with fire, smoke, and toxic gases.

LSZH Cable Applications

1. Public Spaces and Transportation Systems

In densely populated areas such as airports, subways, and train stations, fire safety is critical. The low smoke emission and halogen-free characteristics of LSZH cables make them the preferred choice for electrical installations in these environments.

These cables help prevent the spread of toxic gases and thick smoke, ensuring safer evacuation procedures.

2. Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities

In healthcare facilities, where patients’ health and safety are paramount, the use of LSZH cables is vital.

These cables emit minimal toxic fumes, ensuring a safer environment for patients, staff, and medical equipment. They are also used in critical infrastructure like power systems and data centers within hospitals, where uninterrupted and safe power transmission is essential.

3. Data Centers and Server Rooms

In modern data centers, maintaining uptime and protecting sensitive equipment is critical. LSZH cables are widely used in these environments because they produce minimal smoke and toxic gases in the event of a fire, protecting critical systems and reducing the risk of data loss.

Benefits of LSZH Cables in Industrial and Public Applications

1. Fire Safety

The fire retardant properties of LSZH cables make them ideal for applications where fire safety is crucial. Whether in public buildings, hospitals, or transportation systems, these cables help prevent the spread of fire while emitting less toxic smoke, allowing for safer evacuation and minimizing damage to equipment.

2. Reduced Toxicity and Environmental Impact

Unlike traditional cables that release harmful halogens when burned, LSZH cables are halogen-free, significantly reducing the risk of toxic gas emissions.

This makes them safer for both people and equipment, as the corrosive gases from halogens can damage electronic systems. In addition, LSZH cables are considered more environmentally friendly, reducing the release of hazardous substances into the atmosphere during both use and disposal.

3. Durability and Flexibility

The flexibility of LSZH cables makes them ideal for installations in tight spaces or where frequent movement is required, such as in cable trays or conduits. Their chemical resistance also makes them suitable for industrial settings where exposure to oils, chemicals, or other corrosive substances is common.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About LSZH Cables

1. What is an LSZH cable?

An LSZH cable is a Low Smoke Zero Halogen cable that is designed to emit minimal smoke and no harmful halogens when exposed to fire. It’s widely used in environments where fire safety is a critical concern.

2. Why use HFFR cable in hospitals and public spaces?

In hospitals and public spaces, the use of HFFR (Halogen-Free Flame Retardant) cables is vital to reduce the risk of toxic gas emissions and thick smoke, which can harm occupants and make evacuation more difficult.

3. What are the benefits of using LSZH cables in industrial settings?

In industrial settings, LSZH cables provide enhanced safety by reducing fire hazards, minimizing smoke and toxic gas emissions, and offering chemical resistance in harsh environments.

Note: This is just part of the standard parameters of our products. Please contact our Engineer if you need more. And the information contained within this webpage is for guidance only and is subject to change without notice or liability. All dimensions and specifications are nominal and are subject to normal manufacturing tolerances. All pictures shown are for illustration purposes only. The actual product may vary. All the information is provided in good faith and is believed to be correct at the time of publication.