Benefits of Low Smoke Zero Halogen Cables

https://www.sunualszh.com/products/anti-cracking-lszh-sheath-compound.html

Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cables feature a specialized thermoplastic jacket, making them highly flame-resistant. The use of thermoplastic or thermosetting compounds ensures exceptional fire performance. These cables are commonly chosen for applications where both fire safety and operational reliability are essential. LSZH cables are particularly suitable for confined spaces where limited ventilation could pose a serious risk.

Similarly, Halogen-Free Flame-Retardant (HFFR) cables use specially formulated ethylene copolymer blends for jacketing, offering safety benefits comparable to LSZH. In this context, LSZH and HFFR materials can be considered equivalent in terms of fire safety performance.

‘Low smoke’ features

In densely populated urban areas, where tunnels and buildings are filled with extensive cable networks, fire can present a serious hazard. Research shows that in the early stages of a fire, smoke—not flames—is often the greatest threat. In spaces with limited ventilation, smoke can accumulate rapidly, creating dangerous conditions for anyone nearby. Even when ventilation systems are in place, thick smoke significantly reduces visibility, making it difficult to locate exits and escape routes.

Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cables are designed to address this risk. Their specialized jacketing material produces minimal or no smoke when exposed to fire. Made from thermoplastic compounds, LSZH cables emit little to no white smoke at high temperatures. Beyond their low-smoke performance, these cables provide excellent electrical and physical insulation while maintaining superior flame-retardant properties.

Zero Halogen Properties

Conventional cable jackets often contain halogens such as chlorine, bromine, or iodine. When these materials burn, they release toxic and corrosive gases that pose serious health risks, including suffocation. These gases can also react with water—such as firefighting water or moisture in the airways—to form corrosive acids, which can cause permanent damage to the lungs and throat and lead to long-term respiratory issues.

In contrast, Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cables contain no halogens in their jacketing. As a result, when exposed to fire, they emit far lower levels of harmful gases and chemicals. While some gases may still be released under high temperatures, they are non-toxic and do not form corrosive fumes. Additionally, LSZH cables are made from environmentally friendly materials, making them a safer choice for both people and the environment.