Green concepts are deeply rooted in people's hearts, whether it is food or daily necessities. More and more people are choosing to use environmentally friendly products. In many places, this cable project will use low-smoke and halogen-free cables for fire protection, monitoring, and alarm. LSZH is cable jacket. Usually, what people call environmentally friendly cables does not mean low-smoke halogen-free cables. The following is a detailed analysis of the differences between ecological cables and low-smoke halogen-free cables. Let's see next.
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1. What is low smoke halogen-free cable?
LSZH cable is a low smoke zero halogen cable. As the name suggests, the halogen-free cable standard means low smoke, which means reducing the generation of harmful substances during combustion. It is halogen-free. As we all know, halogen is a toxic gas for the human body. Halogen-free means it no longer releases toxic gases. Typically, this situation refers to what happens when a fire breaks out in a cable. Low-smoke zero-halogen cables can also be called environmentally friendly cables. Low-smoke halogen-free cables are mostly used in hospitals and places with strict environmental hygiene requirements.
2. What does low smoke halogen-free cable mean?
Low-smoke, halogen-free cables are cables whose sheaths and insulation are made of materials that produce low-smoke, non-toxic halogens under fire or high temperatures. Halogen is chlorine, bromine or iodine. These cables are used in applications where toxic fumes or toxic gases may be produced when the cable jacket burns.
LSZH cables are rated based on the high temperatures that release these toxic gases. The higher the temperature rating, the longer the cable will take to release these gases. LSZH cable stands for Low Smoke Zero Halogen. The main advantage of this cable is that it does not produce toxic fumes when burned, unlike other PVC cables.
The most common use of low-smoke halogen-free cables is in power distribution systems, where overheating can lead to fire or explosion if adequate safety measures are not taken.
LSZH cable has been produced since the late s, but due to its cost (more expensive than PVC) and difficulty in manufacturing, it has only recently become widely available. However, since they do not contain any halogen compounds, the risk of toxic gases being produced during a fire is eliminated, making them safer to use compared to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cables.
3. The difference between PVC cables and low smoke halogen-free cables
LSZH cable test
There are big differences between zero-halogen cables and PVC cables in terms of functionality, scope of use and price. We need to know more about the differences between them in order to provide better services. Below we will introduce some considerations when choosing cables.
Generally speaking, there is a big difference between low-smoke halogen-free cables and PVC cables whether they contain halogen. PVC cable has a better flame retardant effect because it is made of halogen-containing polyethylene material. However, if it burns, it will produce toxic gases and smoke, corrode machinery, and harm the human body. If rescue is needed, the staff Just wear a respirator mask.
Low-halogen cables do not produce any acidic gases, have no smoke, and have perfect protection for machines and the human body. Therefore, some places with high population density generally choose this kind of low-smoke and halogen-free cable. The operating temperature range of low-smoke halogen-free cables is 90 degrees to 120 degrees. Its production and design are very scientific and technological, adapting to the sound characteristics of the environment. At high temperatures and under any circumstances, its excellent safety standards will not release toxins and other issues, making daily use safer and more convenient.
Choosing low-smoke and halogen-free wires to improve the safety and quality of the environment is a very commonly used type in many buildings. Make sure to choose genuine products, pay attention to brand guarantee, achieve safe use effects that me
4. Advantages and disadvantages of low smoke halogen-free cables
Advantages of low smoke zero halogen cables
a. Halogen-free: Using green insulation, sheathing and individual oxygen-insulating materials, it not only has good electrical properties, physical and mechanical properties, but also ensures that the product does not contain halogen, which solves the problem of "secondary pollution" caused by combustion and avoids PVC burning. Produce toxic substances.
b. Low smoke and low toxicity: Using new and unique covering materials, it does not pollute the environment. No toxic gases are produced during production and combustion, and acidic gas emissions are minimal, reducing the harm to personnel and equipment. Low smoke halogen-free cables must be used.
c. High flame retardancy: Environmentally friendly cables meet the construction requirements for high fire protection requirements. The cables are not easy to burn when exposed to fire, and can prevent the spread of flames and disasters after burning. Especially modern super high-rise buildings and existing material products increase the difficulty of rescue in the event of fire. The use of low-smoke halogen-free cables can increase rescue time and reduce the harm of harmful gases to the human body.
Disadvantages of low smoke zero halogen cables
Although LSZH cable is environmentally friendly, its raw material and technology costs are more expensive than YJV cable. PVC cable has excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical properties and other excellent properties. Low-smoke halogen-free cables cannot completely replace cables, so their applications are not very widespread in terms of popularity.
5. Application of low-smoke halogen-free cables
Low smoke zero halogen cable
Zero-halogen cables are products that do not contain PVC and TPU, so they will not produce harmful gases when burned, and will not produce hydrochloric acid when in contact with water.
Low-smoke halogen-free sheath materials are divided into LSZH, LSOH, LS0H, LSFH and OHLS. They are environmentally friendly cables and will not emit toxic smoke when burned. Low-smoke halogen-free materials can reduce the toxic and corrosive gases produced during their combustion process. Therefore, ZW Cable can produce lshf cable, lsoh cable, and lsnh cable.
a. Low-smoke halogen-free cables are often used in poorly ventilated spaces, such as ships, trains, airplanes, etc.
b. In the construction industry, low-smoke halogen-free cables are also commonly used. High voltage cables are located above the transformer. If the current is too high, a fire can occur. The use of low-smoke halogen-free sheath can reduce toxic gases generated by short circuits and increase escape time. Therefore, we also call it low smoke halogen-free cable.
c. In the railway industry, one of the basic requirements is to protect personnel and equipment from exposure to toxic and corrosive gases. These applications require the use of low-smoke and halogen-free materials for the outer layer. In the cable industry we call it railway cable.
As we can see, although low-smoke halogen-free cables have been around for decades, their use is only beginning to accelerate. There are no alliances or organizations actively promoting LSZH cables, nor are there scenarios in which LSZH cables should be used, or even how LSZH cable manufacturers should describe it on their websites or specifications. Fortunately, this situation is improving thanks to UL Halogen-Free (HF) and Low-Smoke Halogen-Free (LSHF) certifications. We hope this momentum can continue rather than waiting for another serious fire to occur before taking action.
Title:Complete Guide to Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) Conduit
1. Introduction: Why LSZH Conduit Is Gaining Popularity in Modern Electrical
Picture a fire in a crowded subway tunnel. Toxic smoke fills the air, making escape is difficult. Now, imagine if that smoke was reduced, and no harmful gases were released. Evacuation and escape are more likely to succeed. That's the function of Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) conduit.
For years,PVC conduit was the good choice for protecting cables because of its excellent performances.
As the development of new materials continues, contractors, engineers, and designers are increasingly turning to products that offer the same performance as PVC conduit but with the added benefits of Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) properties.
Governments are also starting to recognize the importance of LSZH materials, with some regulations now requiring or recommending the use of LSZH products such as conduit and cables in certain applications.
In this article, we will explore the advantages of LSZH conduit, compare it to traditional PVC conduit, and discuss its applications, helping you to make a better choice among conduit material in electrical systems.
Let’s start by exploring the fundamentals of Low-Smoke Halogen-Free (LSZH) conduit.
2. What Is Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) Conduit?
Definition: Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) conduit is an electrical conduit designed to protect cable and at the same time, reduce the emission of smoke and toxic gases when exposed to heat or flames.
Material Characteristics: LSZH conduit is typically made from specially formulated thermoplastic compounds.
2.1 LSZH Conduit: Thermoplastic materials Introduction
Thermoplastic materials are polymers that can be softened by heat and reshaped multiple times without undergoing any chemical change.
Thermoplastics are chosen because they are flexible, durable, and easy to manufacture, which is ideal for conduit applications that require both performance and safety.
In some specific cases, LSZH conduit can also made by thermoset materials, a class of polymers that once cured or hardened through heat or chemical reactions, cannot be melted or reshaped.
2.2 Halogen Free Meaning Explained
Halogens are a group of elements include fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At).
They are commonly found in traditional plastic materials like PVC, where they contribute to flame retardancy.
However, during combustion, these halogenated compounds release toxic and corrosive gases, such as hydrogen chloride (HCl), which can cause respiratory harm and corrode sensitive electronic equipment.
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In contrast, LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) conduit is engineered without these halogen elements.
2.3 LSZH Conduit: Flame Retardant Reason
While LSZH conduit does not contain halogens, it achieves flame retardancy through specially formulated non-halogenated compounds that inhibit combustion and limit flame spread.
And Aluminum hydroxide (ATH) is a common used material incorporated into the formulation.
When exposed to high temperatures, ATH undergoes a chemical reaction absorbs heat, releases steam, and creates a protective char layer that helps to limit the spread of fire and reduces the emission of toxic gases and smoke.
Additionally, this process minimizes the amount of fuel available for combustion, further enhancing fire resistance.
Certainly, other additives like magnesium hydroxide and various proprietary flame-retardant chemicals can also be used to enhance the fire resistance of LSZH conduit.
Each supplier may have its own unique blend of materials to optimize products performance.
3. Key Benefits of Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) Conduit
LSZH conduit offers a range of benefits that distinguish them from traditional PVC conduit. And we make the detailed introduce in the following section.
3.1 Key Differences Between LSZH Conduit and PVC Conduit
3.1.1 Minimal Halogen Acid Emission
According to IEC -1 standards, when burned at 800°C, LSZH materials release less than 5 mg of HCl per gram of material. This qualifies them as halogen-free.
Materials that release between 5 mg/g and 15 mg/g are considered low halogen.
LSZH conduit are typically meet or exceed standard mentioned above.
3.1.2 Enhanced Equipment Protection
It’s important to note that people hold that IEC -1 alone cannot confirm whether a material is truly halogen-free.
For a complete evaluation, IEC -2 must also be applied, which assesses the acidity (pH) and conductivity of the combustion gases to verify the absence of halogen acids.
And therefore, LSZH conduits produce combustion gases with a pH value greater than 4.3 and a conductivity below 10 µS/mm, reducing the risk of corrosion to sensitive electronics and structural materials.
3.1.3 Reduced Smoke Generation
According IEC -2, a standard that measures smoke density during combustion.
LSZH conduit must maintain a minimum light transmittance of 60%, meaning that even in a fire scenario, more than 60% of light can still pass through the smoke generated.
3.2 Shared Advantages: LSZH Conduit and PVC Conduit
The previous section highlighted the defining advantages of LSZH conduit over traditional PVC conduit—particularly in three critical areas: low smoke density, zero halogen content, and non-corrosive acid gas emission.
It's important to note that LSZH conduit also shares several outstanding features with PVC conduit.
3.2.1 Lightweight and Easy to Handle
Both LSZH and PVC conduits are much lighter than metal alternatives like steel, which makes them easier to transport and install—especially when you're working at height or across long runs.
3.2.2 Corrosion and Chemical Resistance
Unlike metal conduits, LSZH and PVC are naturally resistant to rust, saltwater, weak acids, and most common chemicals. This makes them suitable for harsh environments, including coastal areas, wastewater treatment plants, and chemical processing facilities.
3.2.3 Water Resistance and Moisture Protection
Both LSZH and PVC conduits offer excellent moisture resistance, making them suitable for damp environments such as underground systems, crawl spaces, and outdoor installations. When properly sealed with approved fittings, these conduits prevent water ingress and maintain IP65 or higher protection ratings.
3.2.4 Mechanical Strength and Durability
Despite being light, LSZH and PVC conduits are tough enough to resist crushing, bending, or impact under typical installation and operating conditions. For example, Schedule 40 PVC and equivalent LSZH conduits can withstand external loads common in buried or surface-mounted systems.
3.2.5 Excellent Electrical Insulation & EMI Protection
Made from non-metallic materials, both types provide strong electrical insulation. This reduces the risk of electrical faults, grounding issues, or current leakage.
In addition, while neither LSZH nor standard PVC inherently blocks electromagnetic interference (EMI) like metallic conduits, they can still help organize and separate power and data cables, reducing crosstalk and signal disruption. When combined with proper cable shielding and routing, they contribute to a more stable and interference-resistant system.
4. Top Applications of LSZH Conduit: Safe Wiring for Critical Environments
Since we have detailed the features of Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) conduit, it’s now time to explore its key applications.
The key purpose of using low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) conduit lies in its ability to protect human life or sensitive equipment in some cases.
4.1 Underground Transportation Systems
In underground transportation networks like metro systems and tunnels, ensuring the safety of passengers during a fire is of utmost importance. LSZH conduits help enhance safety by minimizing the release of harmful smoke and toxic fumes, improving visibility and enabling quicker evacuation.
4.2 Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
In hospitals, particularly in areas with vulnerable patients, such as intensive care units or operating rooms. LSZH conduits, with their reduced smoke emissions, provide a safer environment during emergencies by limiting exposure to harmful fumes. This can be life-saving for both patient and staff safety. And protect the equipment as much as possible.
4.3 Data Centers and Server Rooms
Data centers house critical infrastructure, where even a brief disruption can lead to catastrophic consequences. In these environments, LSZH conduits offer superior protection against the spread of fire and servers protection . Beyond smoke reduction, LSZH materials help to limit the emission of corrosive and acidic gases,, which can damage sensitive electronic equipment.
4.4 Commercial Buildings and High-Rise Offices
In large office buildings and commercial spaces, where fire safety is paramount due to the volume of people, LSZH conduits reduce the chances of fire-related injuries by improving air quality during fires and allowing for a quicker evacuation process, ensuring people safety.
4.5 Offshore and Marine Installations
Offshore oil rigs and marine environments face harsh conditions, including exposure to saltwater and extreme weather. In these environments, LSZH conduits provide an effective solution for wiring protection. Their resistance to corrosion from saltwater and chemicals, combined with their low smoke and halogen-free nature, reduces the risks associated with electrical failures in these demanding environments.
4.6 Chemical Processing Plants
Chemical plants often deal with flammable materials and reactive chemicals, making fire safety a critical consideration. The use of LSZH conduit in these environments helps reduce the spread of fires by limiting smoke and halogen emissions, while also offering resistance to chemical corrosion, ensuring the safety and longevity of electrical systems.
4.7 Educational Institutions
In educational settings like schools and universities, quick evacuation during a fire is crucial. LSZH conduit helps safeguard students, teachers, and staff by limiting the release of harmful gases and smoke, which is especially important in crowded or confined spaces where quick and safe evacuation is necessary.
5. Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read our complete guide to Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) conduit. We hope this information serves as a helpful reference and provide you with guidance in your project selection. As we've discussed, LSZH conduit offers significant safety benefits, including reduced smoke generation, minimal toxic gas emissions, and superior protection against environmental hazards, making it an ideal choice for critical infrastructure.
At Ctube, we take pride in providing high-quality LSZH conduit solutions that meet the stringent industry standards and testing requirements.
If you're considering LSZH conduit for your next project, we invite you to explore Ctube's range of LSZH conduit products and experience the difference in quality and performance.
Edited by Ctube Official
Contact us to discuss your requirements of pv cable compounds. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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