Halogen Free Cable

We supply a comprehensive range of Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cables for use in applications where smoke emission and toxic fumes could pose a risk to human health and essential equipment in the event of a fire. 

The cables are also commonly referred to as ZHLS cables or halogen free cables. They often have flame retardant properties, making them flame retardant low smoke (FR-LS) cables.
Unlike PVC cables and those made of other compounds which produce vast amounts of dense black smoke, toxic fumes and acid gas when exposed to fire, LSZH cables produce very low levels of smoke and toxic fume and no acid gases. They are essentially halogen free cables. They are therefore often specified indoors, especially in public areas, and in other hazardous environments and poorly ventilated areas. This includes cars, aircraft, railway carriages and ships. LSZH sheathed cables are commonly used across tunnels and underground rail networks.

THE “LOW SMOKE” ELEMENT OF LSZH CABLES

“The primary danger associated with fire in its early stages is not flame but the smoke and noxious gases produced by the fire. They cause most of the casualties and may also obscure the way to escape routes and exits. Measures designed to provide safe means of escape must therefore provide appropriate arrangements to limit the rapid spread of smoke and fumes.”

Burning PVC has been found in tests to reduce visibility in the surrounding area by as much as 50% within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, visibility can be reduced by as 90% making it unnecessarily challenging to escape the area.