What Are 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 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.
Using LSZH Wires and Cables Effectively
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:
- Medical centers and hospitals
- Aircraft and aviation
- Rail, subway, and other mass transit systems
- Industrial locations
What is the Difference Between LSZH and LSF Cables?
LSF (low smoke and fume) cables may sound similar to LSZH cables based on the name, but they are actually different in several important ways. Confusing these two cables could lead to a life threatening situation in the case of a fire. LSF cables are still made using PVC compounds and while they are designed with reduced smoke and hydrogen chloride (HCI) emissions in mind, there are no strict standards in place to confirm the quality of the design. LSZH cables on the other hand are subject to very strict standards regarding the amount of HCI emissions they would give off when burning. For this reason, LSZH cables and wires are generally the safer option.
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.