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Halogen-free cables and the related regulations
When buying cables and wiring, we often see them marked as &#;halogen-free&#;, &#;self-extinguishing&#; or described by mysterious acronyms such as &#;LSZH&#;. But what exactly do these refer to? In this article, we will define their meaning for you.
Cable construction is much more complicated than an average person would think. This topic involves more than just cable conductors and their ability to conduct currents of different intensities or signals of a specific frequency. When it comes to looking for a right product for a given application, its insulation, i.e. the material that was used to make the cable&#;s outer (and inner) jacketing, and its properties turn out to be very significant variables. Below, you can find some examples of popular phrases, certifications and characteristics used by manufacturers to describe their products.
In this article, you will read about:
Halogens, or group 17 elements, include fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine. They are chemical elements that form salts and can be found in some strong acids (including, of course, hydrochloric acid). They are toxic, to the point where they pose a threat to human life, both in a gaseous state and as smoke resulting from burning. Halogens are used in the production of many different plastics to give them the desired properties. Then, such plastics are used to make wire insulations the most popular example here is PVC, i.e. polyvinyl chloride, which is a chlorine compound.
The absence of halogen compounds most often results in less harmful effects of the smoke released during the burning of plastics. This characteristic is of key importance in the context of fire safety. When there&#;s a fire, toxic gas can be as dangerous as flames or high temperature. That is why there is an increasing emphasis on the use of halogen-free materials, especially when manufacturing cables intended for use in living spaces, offices or transportation (automotive and railway industries). Luckily, research in the field of chemistry has made it possible to develop many alternative, less toxic materials in the last few decades. As a consequence, the cost of production of such materials and their derivatives (including cables with halogen-free insulation) has been significantly lowered. Many of the top manufacturers, e.g. German brand HELUKABEL, offer a wide range of such products, which not only provide excellent protection for the contractors and users of electrical installations, but also increase safety for others in case of fire.
Halogen-free cables are manufactured with industrial applications in mind, among other things.
LSZH stands forLow Smoke Zero Halogen, and describes materials which emit limited amount of smoke (during combustion) and don&#;t contain halogen compounds. This acronym is used e.g. when describing the material from which cables are made. However, note that it doesn&#;t name the specific chemical compound, but only refers to its properties. HELUKABEL also manufactures this type of products, e.g. the JZ-500 and OZ500 series multicore control cables.
It is another acronym that describes material properties. It stands for .Flame Retardant, Non Corrosive, which means that the insulation is self-extinguishing (does not spread flames), and it doesn&#;t contain corrosive chemicals. In practice, this implies the use of halogen-free materials. When in contact with flame, this type of wiring mainly releases water vapour and carbon dioxide. It is another type of products offered by HELUKABEL.
If the insulation material is that important when it comes to wiring and fire safety, it would be wise to get to know the materials which are used to make outer jackets. Although all of them, in one way or another, reduce the risk of vapour poisoning or at least increase the thermal tolerance of wiring, they also have other characteristics that should be kept in mind when making a purchase.
EPDM is ethylene-propylene-diene rubber,i.e. a type of synthetic rubber. Its most significant characteristics include resistance to hot water and water vapour, as well as to alcohols, which is why it&#;s used to manufacture coolant hoses for motor vehicles, among other things. Wiring made with this kind of material boasts resistance to UV exposure and slowed down aging caused by environmental conditions.
Polyethylene is a type of thermoplastic material, whose elasticity, mechanical and thermal properties meet the needs of most types of wiring. It often contains cross-link bonds. In the process of manufacture, this type of polyethylene is subjected to an electron beam, which triggers a chemical reaction that results in additional enhancement of the coating. As a result, apart from flame resistance and electrical (and thermal) insulation properties, the coating additionally exhibits high mechanical durability and longer service life than jackets made from, e.g. PVC. Polyethylene is a part of a larger group of chemical compounds, polyolefins (sometimes that name is used to refer to the material from which the insulation is made). Due to their stable chemical composition, cables with polyethylene jackets are used in very harsh environments, for example to power deep-sea submersible pumps.
An important and distinguishing property of polyurethane insulations is that they retain their flexibility in a wide range of temperatures. They also boast high mechanical resistance (abrasion and wear) and resistance to UV radiation (sunlight). Unfortunately, because of their structure, PUR insulations don&#;t guarantee moisture resistance, as they are vulnerable to hydrolysis, i.e. slow decomposition as a result of contact with water.
Silicone jacketed cables are a bit more expensive, but also exceptionally durable. Their most significant assets include high flash point, resistance to many chemical compounds, wide thermal tolerance (200°C and even higher) and great flexibility. Due to such a high quality, silicone cables are used in measuring or mounting applications. In the TME catalogue, silicone cables are grouped under a separate category.
CPR (Construction Products Regulation) is a regulation that is in effect in the EU countries. Its main purpose is to regulate issues related to materials used in construction, in particular their susceptibility to fire and their behaviour when exposed to flames. The regulation classifies wiring in terms of the ignition point, chemical compounds visible during combustion, etc. The CPR makes it possible to clearly determine the class (&#;Euroclass&#;) of a given product &#; it is done through laboratory testing (as described in the EN standard). Those interested in purchasing the wiring (e.g. developers or installers) should mainly pay attention to two types of cables: Eca and Dca. The former can be used in freestanding residential buildings, garages, agricultural and forestry holdings. The requirements for the Dca cables are more stringent, thanks to which they can be installed in high-rise and tall buildings (more than a dozen floors), schools, kindergartens or public utility buildings. However, it is important to note that this type of wiring is not allowed in escape route areas. Brand-name suppliers make sure to manufacture a wide variety of wires that are compliant with various classifications for photovoltaic, installation, control or even speaker and ICT applications.
The last issue (somewhat similar to the CPR standard) that needs to be addressed when talking about wiring safety is its flammability class. There are several symbols that are used to denote it, but the most popular ones that are worth remembering are the UL94 and ECE R-118 standards.
UL94 is a standard developed in the USA, which makes it possible to predict how a given material will behave in case of fire or, to be more precise, in any contact with flames. It&#;s a multi-level classification that is applied to plastic materials. In the case of cable insulations, the most common ratings are UL94V-0 and UL94V-2. The former means that the burning stops within 10 seconds after the flame is removed. Dripping of molten plastic can occur, as long as the droplets are not inflamed. The lower class of flammability (V-2) allows for inflamed droplets of plastic, and the time of burning is extended to 30 seconds. The UL94 tests are conducted through igniting a vertically placed sample (approx. 12 cm long) of the material.
HELUTHERM® 145 cables compliant with ECE R-118 for automotive applications.
The 118 designation is present in many countries, as it comes from the UN Regulation No. 118. ECE stands for Economic Commission for Europe. The aim of the ECE R-118 regulation is to make uniform the international technical prescriptions concerning the burning behaviour of materials used in the construction of passenger cars. First and foremost, it is concerned with the components of passenger compartments, i.e. doors, floor, dashboard/cockpit, etc. Naturally, in modern cars all these components are electrified and full of sensors, switches, electronic circuits and actuators. All of them are subjected to the abovementioned regulation, and so is their wiring, i.e. all the cables and wires used in underfloor and overhead harnesses, for connecting the sound system, etc.
Compliance with the ECE R-118 standard is a key feature when it comes to cables which are meant to be used in the automotive industry. The HELUTHERM® 145 series from HELUKABEL can serve as an example of such products. High thermal tolerance is achieved through cross-linked insulation, which is resistant even to soldering tips whose temperature can reach up to 380°C.
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In today's fast-paced world, ensuring the safety and reliability of wiring infrastructure is paramount. With the increasing focus on fire safety and environmental sustainability, LSZH (Low-Smoke-Zero-Halogen) cables have emerged as a superior alternative to traditional cables. This article will explore what LSZH cables are, their characteristics, their applications, and why you should consider FS for your LSZH cable needs.
LSZH stands for low-smoke zero-halogen and describes a non-halogenated cable jacket material and flame retardant. 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 exposure, LSZH cables produce deficient levels of smoke, poisonous fumes, and no acid gases. Non-halogenated means that it is free of materials such as Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), Iodine (I), or Astatine (At), all of which are reported to be capable of being transformed into the toxic and corrosive matter during combustion.
Related article: LSF vs LSZH Cable: What's the Difference?
Understanding the characteristics of LSZH cables highlights their importance, but knowing where to use them is equally crucial. LSZH cables are specifically designed for environments where safety and reliability are paramount. Here are some key applications where LSZH cables can make a significant difference:
In high-density indoor areas, a fire can quickly produce a large amount of smoke and toxic gases, leading to suffocation, chaos, and panic, posing a severe threat to life safety. Using LSZH cables can significantly reduce the emission of smoke and toxic gases, improving the efficiency of evacuation and rescue operations. For example, in schools, shopping malls, airports, and conference centers, installing LSZH cables, like FS's LSZH Cat6a cable, can significantly enhance fire safety, protecting people's lives and health.
In poorly ventilated areas such as basements, tunnels, and subway stations, a fire can cause a rapid accumulation of smoke and toxic gases, obstructing vision and making breathing difficult. LSZH cables can minimize smoke production and reduce the release of poisonous gases during a fire, improving air quality at the fire scene. For instance, installing LSZH cables in underground parking lots, mines, and cable trenches helps mitigate fire risks and ensure personnel safety.
Due to restricted evacuation paths, a fire can pose a severe life-threatening danger in areas with limited or no escape routes, such as waterborne vessels and submarines. LSZH cables can significantly reduce smoke and toxic gas emissions in these scenarios, extending the time available for escape and rescue. For example, oil tankers, submarines, and other ships equipped with LSZH cables can enhance safety during fires, protecting the lives of crew and passengers.
In electronics-dense areas like data centers and server rooms, a fire can cause irreversible damage to equipment and result in critical data loss. LSZH cables can reduce the release of corrosive gases during a fire, protecting electronic equipment from damage and ensuring data security. For instance, banks' data centers and corporate server rooms that use Halogen-free cables can minimize equipment damage during a fire, ensuring business continuity.
FS supplies a comprehensive range of LSZH cables for use in applications where smoke emissions and toxic fumes could pose a risk to human health and essential equipment in the event of a fire.
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Specification Cat5e LSZH Cable Cat6 LSZH Cable Cat6a LSZH Cable Gauge 24AWG 23/24/26AWG 24/26AWG Color Blue Blue, Black, Grey Blue, Black, White Shielding Type UTP UTP, S/FTP UTP, S/FTP Data Rate Support 100Base-T Base-T and Maximum to 10GBase-T 10GBase-T Maximum (Tested) Frequency 250MHz 550MHz 550MHz PinoutStraight TIA/EIA-568-B
StandardISO/IEC , ANSI/TIA-568.2-D
PoE CompatibilityPoE/PoE+/PoE++
Choosing the right cables for your network infrastructure is crucial for ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and safety. FS LSZH cables are designed with advanced features and rigorous testing standards to meet the highest industry demands. Here are the top 6 reasons why FS LSZH cables stand out as the best choice for your wiring needs:
FS LSZH cables are made from halogen-free materials, ensuring no toxic gases are emitted when exposed to high temperatures or flames. This crucial safety feature protects people and sensitive equipment, particularly in high-density, poorly ventilated environments. Opting for FS LSZH cables minimizes health hazards and enhances overall safety in the event of a fire.
FS LSZH cables feature RJ-45 plugs with 50-micron gold-plated connectors and pure copper conductors. This combination ensures high-speed, stable data transmission, reducing latency and enhancing network performance. Additionally, these materials improve durability, minimizing the need for frequent replacements.
FS LSZH patch cables offer triple protection with RJ45 modular plugs, high-quality LSZH jacket material, and strain relief boots. These features ensure compatibility with various devices, make the cables dirt-resistant and durable, and increase friction for secure connections. The result is long-lasting cables that provide stable connections, reducing the need for frequent replacements and boosting overall network reliability.
FS LSZH cables support PoE/PoE+/PoE++, enabling simultaneous data and power transmission over the same cable. This capability eliminates the need for separate power lines, simplifying the cabling infrastructure and reducing installation costs. The savings on additional power cables and installation labor make FS LSZH cables a cost-effective solution for modern network environments.
FS LSZH Cat6 cables come in blue, black, and gray, while Cat6a cables are available in blue, black, and white. This color coding allows for quick and accurate identification and tracing of cables, simplifying network management and troubleshooting. The visual differentiation reduces the time spent on cable identification, enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing errors.
Each FS LSZH cable undergoes rigorous testing with Fluke Networks equipment, meeting or exceeding industry performance standards. This guarantees the reliability and performance of your network infrastructure, leading to fewer connectivity issues and improved system stability. The high level of assurance translates to reduced downtime and maintenance, offering long-term cost savings.
LSZH cables are crucial for safety and reliability in critical applications. Low smoke, zero halogen, and flame-retardant properties are ideal for high-density, poorly ventilated, and electronics-dense environments. Choosing FS LSZH cables ensures a safer, more efficient, cost-effective wiring infrastructure.
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