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Performance in Fire
Produces hazardous byproducts harmful to soil, water, and air
An example of the importance of LSZH cable is the 1988 Illinois Bell telephone company fire in Hinsdale, Illinois. A fire broke out in the main switching room, disrupting service for more than 40,000 local lines. By the time fire crews arrived at the scene, thick smoke was rolling out of the building. When the firefighters tried using water to fight the fire, it mixed with the chlorine gas being emitted from the burning cables and formed hydrochloric acid. These toxic fumes badly injured ten firefighters who had to be treated at the local hospital. The damage and impact were so severe that an NFPA code—NFPA 76: Standard for the Fire Protection of Telecommunications Facilities—was developed in response.
In this incident, conventional cabling created extensive smoke and corrosive damage, and destroyed infrastructure. If LSZH cables had been installed, the fire’s overall impact would likely have been much less severe.
Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cables are specifically designed to not melt, drip, or run when exposed to fire. Standard cables often use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as their jacket material. While PVC is durable and flame resistant, it contains high levels of the halogen chlorine–and when exposed to fire releases smoke and hydrochloric acid (when the smoke mixes with water), which is highly toxic and can cause significant damage to property.
In contrast, LSZH cables use halogen-free compounds that produce minimal, low-density smoke and no acids during a fire. These materials absorb heat and release water during combustion, which slows the fire and reduces damage. This makes LSZH cables a much safer option–especially for enclosed spaces with lots of people.
The main advantages of LSZH cable center around protecting people, property, and the environment.
LSZH cables emit very little smoke when burning. Service Wire LSZH cable is ASTM E662 rated, meaning the optical density of the smoke is low enough to easily to see through. The reduced smoke density significantly improves visibility, making evacuation easier and lowering the risk of injury due to smoke inhalation.
Unlike cables that contain halogen, LSZH cables don't release corrosive or toxic gases during a fire. This greatly reduces the risk of injury or death for anyone near the fire.
Because they’re halogen-free, LSZH cables are better for the environment. They don't produce hazardous chemical byproducts that can damage soil, water, or nearby equipment during a fire. LSZH compounds use non-toxic flame retardants, which minimize the ecological impact of production and disposal, and make them more environmentally sustainable.
LSZH cables protect critical infrastructure. Corrosive acids released from standard cables can permanently damage electronic systems, wiring, and building materials. LSZH cables can prevent this kind of secondary damage, which is often more costly than the fire itself.
Although LSZH cables can have a higher initial cost than standard PVC cables, the long-term savings make them a cost-effective choice. They lead to less fire damage, lower infrastructure replacement costs, and improved safety.
LSZH cables are often required for critical infrastructure and spaces with lots of people, such as hospitals, airports, schools, subway systems, and office complexes where the safety of people and property are essential.
Their low smoke output and lack of corrosive acids make them ideal for environments where a fast evacuation and minimal property damage are critical.
Service Wire always goes above and beyond to meet the requirements of the end user/customer.
Tough to find any manufacturer better for support, service, inventory, and quality products.
Service Wire manufactures LSZH in a variety of configurations to meet nearly any specification. In fact their EnviroPLUS® was one of the original LSZH jackets on the market. Available with tinned and non-tinned conductors, single-phase or multi-phase twisted constructions.
If you need to specify LSZH cable for your next project, talk to the experts at Service Wire. Contact your representative today!
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