Low Smoke Zero Halogen / LSZH Wire & Cable

Galaxy is a leading low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) cable supplier offering custom and stock LSZH cable and LSZH wire.

LSZH Cable and LSZH Wire, Halogen Free Cable & Wire, Low Smoke Cable & Wire

RailwayGalaxy is a leading low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) cable supplier offering custom and stock LSZH cable and LSZH wire. LSZH cables are often used where safety, along with performance and reliability, are critical. They are typically specified for use in highly populated, enclosed public spaces where flame resistance, low smoke production and reduced toxic/corrosive gas emissions during combustion are critical.

What is LSZH Cable?

LSZH cable/wire refers to cables where the cable jacketing and insulation is made with materials that produce low/limited smoke and non-toxic halogens when exposed to fire or high temperatures. There is also low smoke cable and zero halogen cable / halogen free cable.

Benefits of LSZH Cable

Low smoke zero halogen cables are used when fire safety is critical, especially in enclosed spaces. A number of fires in transportation facilities and other locations led to the development of LSZH cables. In these emergency fire situations, the low smoke factor helps maintain visibility and can reduce respiratory damage, while zero halogen material cuts the production of toxic, halogenated gases.

What is Halogen Free Cable?

Halogen free cable/wire, also called zero halogen cable, refers to cables where the cable jacketing and insulation is made with materials that produce no toxic halogens when exposed to fire or high temperatures. These halogen free cables are used when smoke considerations are minimal. Halogen-free cables also do not use materials that may have an environmental impact.

What is Low Smoke Cable?

Low smoke cable/wire, also called limited smoke cable, refers to cables where the cable jacketing and insulation is made with materials that produce no or only small amounts of smoke when exposed to fire or high temperatures. These low smoke cables are used when halogen considerations are minimal.

LSZH Applications

Because of their low smoke and toxicity benefits, LSZH cables are often chosen for a multitude of applications. These include:

  • Railway and subway stations and cars, buses and bus stations, airplanes and airports, other mass transit facilities
  • Any public underground or poorly ventilated location
  • Public entertainment and sports facilities
  • Apartment buildings and hotels
  • Hospitals
  • Computer/data centers
  • Industrial plants

LSZH insulation and jacketing can be used to manufacture nearly any type of cable, including but not limited to:

In some locations, there are regulations that require the use of low smoke zero halogen wire/cable. Local codes should be checked to see if LSZH wires are required.

Galaxy Differentiators / Advantages for LSZH Cable / Halogen Free Cable / Low Smoke Cable

Galaxy has successfully transitioned a large number of cable projects from unapproved cable specifications to cables that now meet stringent low smoke zero halogen requirements. This expertise and experience is a strong reason to choose Galaxy for LSZH cable.

Also, there are various combinations of cable compounds with different characteristics. There are some low-smoke compounds that are not halogen free, and some halogen free compounds that are not considered low smoke. Galaxy’s Sales Engineers can provide guidance in selecting a cable solution that is well suited for specific applications and understand the challenges that come along with the cable selection process. No matter the environment or desired functionality of the cable, a LSZH cable can be manufactured that allows equipment to function as intended when fire and smoke safety is critical.

Features

Galaxy offers LSZH, halogen free, and low smoke insulation and jacket material for cable with:

  • Multiple configurations
  • Multiple conductors
  • Various shielding options
  • Composite constructions
  • Various colors

Materials

LSZH cable and wire from Galaxy is available with the following materials:

  • TPU
  • TPE
  • Olefin based
  • Silicone

LSZH Cable Technical Specifications

Galaxy offers LSZH cable in the following ranges of technical specifications:

  • Gauge: full range, based upon application requirements
  • Voltage: range determined based upon application requirements
  • Temperature: full range of temperature options based upon application requirements
  • Approvals: numerous compounds that can be listed with various agency approvals (e.g. UL/CSA)

FAQs about LSZH Cable

Can a LSZH cable be made with with PVC?

No. PVC will outgas chlorine when it burns. When water mixes with chlorine, it forms hydrochloric acid, which is harmful to people and equipment.

Can a LSZH cable be made with with Teflon®?

No. Teflon® will outgas fluorine when it burns. Fluorine gas is very dangerous – at high concentrations it can cause death, and at low concentrations it causes eye and nose irritations. If high temperature is required, silicone is a possible alternative.

Contact Galaxy with additional questions regarding LSZH cable for specific applications.

Terminology Notes

There are various terms used in the wire and cable industry related to this type of cable. They include, but are not limited to:

  • LSZH = low smoke zero halogen
  • LSNH = low smoke non halogen
  • LSHF = low smoke halogen free
  • LS0H = low smoke zero (0) halogen
  • 0HLS = zero halogen low smoke
  • LSF = low smoke, fume
  • NHFR = Nonhalogen, flame retardant
  • HFFR = Halogen free, flame retardant
  • HF = Halogen free
  • LS = low, limited smoke
  • FRLS = fire resistant, low smoke
  • LH = low halogen

*Teflon® is a registered trademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company

Contact Galaxy Wire & Cable for LSZH Cable, Halogen Free Cable, Low Smoke Cable and Zero Halogen Cable

Contact Galaxy for further assistance with low smoke zero halogen cable and wire and halogen free cable/wire.

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