With low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) cables becoming more and more popular, we are often asked about their cost compared to other types of cables and wires. Here is some information on these cables’ benefits as well as their cost.
Are LSZH Cables More Expensive?
Compared to PVC cables and other similar cable and wire types, LSZH cables are generally more expensive. However, with the slightly elevated cost comes an increase in safety and built in protection. If you consider the benefits to human health and protecting expensive equipment, the cost can be considered as added insurance for your facility. When you are considering cable options for a facility that deals with sensitive information, important equipment, or heat-generating computers, such as hospitals, data centers, or military installations, the added cost of LSZH is well worth the safety benefits.
Understanding LSZH Cables and Wires
LSZH stands for low smoke zero halogen, and this type of cable and wire emits very low amounts of smoke and emits no toxic halogens when exposed to heat. In the past several years, there has been a noticeable increased awareness and demand for these products as environmentally friendly initiatives have popped up all around the globe.
What are Halogens?
Halogens are chemicals which use an element from the 17th column of the periodic table (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, astatine, and tennessine) as one of their components. In wire and cable compounds, the halogen-containing ingredients are typically utilized to impart improved flame retardant properties to polymeric materials, with the most common elements used for this purpose being bromine, fluorine, or chlorine.
Why Should You Use LSZH Wires and Cables
LSZH cables and wire should be used when there is an increased risk of heat and fire hazard. There are many advantages of using due to the low smoke, environmental, and toxicity benefits. Cables in communication applications are not exempt from catching fire and can produce harmful smoke and gas, so preventative measures have been taken to make sure that cables are safe too, which is why LSZH cables are becoming more widely used.
The clearest uses for LSZH are confined spaces with large amounts of cables in close proximity to humans or sensitive electronic equipment. Submarines and ships are classic examples, which is why the military was one of the first adopters of LSZH standards. Additionally, mass transit and central office facilities are common applications for LSZH, and many telecommunication standards require LSZH cables.
LSZH wires and cables are commonly found in:
- Data Centers
- Medical centers and hospitals
- Aircraft and aviation
- Rail, subway, and other mass transit systems
- Industrial locations
Contact Us Today for LSZH Cables
If you are looking for custom LSZH cables contact us today to discuss the specifics of your order. Quadrangle Products works to ensure all our cable orders are received by our clients and customers quickly and easily. We are also happy to offer custom wire and cable harness engineering support from our experienced engineering team.
Quadrangle Products Inc. is proud to have received ISO certification which ensures a high level of quality from our products. We use UL & CSA approved components in all of our cable assemblies.