Why One Should Use LSF/LSZH Cables?

Low Smoke Zero Halogen Cable refers to the sheathing material in the cable and insulation in wires. These LSF/LSZH cables are made of a thermoplastic compound which emits limited smoke, no halogen as compared to normal cables. Besides, it will not produce any poisonous gases when exposed to fire.

In the event of fire in a building, there is a danger of electric cables burning behind the wall for a long period of time. It then spreads from room to room emitting toxic gases and smoke. In such a scenario, getting out of the building becomes difficult. First of all, while the PVC cable are getting burned, it fill the rooms with thick black smoke which makes it almost impossible to find way for exit. In addition to smoke, poisonous halogen gases are also generated from burning PVC cables. This causes the occupants to lose consciousness and die even before the fire touches the body

In such a situation, LSF/LSZH cables are desirable because it reduces the amount of smoke and poisonous gases generated, which significantly improves the chance of safe escape for the inhabitants. Also, it makes firefighting operations easier as the fire fighters can easily identify and reach the source of fire.

LSF/LSZH cables are popular in places where people live close to cable assemblies and cannot get sufficient ventilation during the fire. These cables find vast application in skyscraper, malls, large commercial spaces, military, railroad, maritime and aerospace. They can also be utilized in the railway & road systems where wires run in underground tunnels.

Since the time fire got discovered, man has been making attempts to protect themselves from its harmful effects. We have always searched for preventive measures to make sure the damage is minimalized. Hence, LSF/LSZH cables were designed keeping in mind the safety of the public, which has become a major concern these days.

We have seen several incidents in the recent past where fire has caused huge damage to people and property. The examples include the fire in The Address hotel near Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, Torch Tower Fire in Dubai Marina, and Grenfell Tower in London.

Today, an average time to reach fatal condition is over 3 minutes, but before it was more than 15 minutes. This change has come over because of the increasing use of plastics at home. None the less it is safe to say that smoke and effluent gases are relevant to saving human lives.

LSZH installation can be used in the below applications but are not limited to the below mentions:

Power cables

Instrumentation cables

Control cables

Building wires

Using Low Smoke and Fume cables and wires, inside buildings reduces the damages to life and property caused by fire. This is achieved as these cables burn slowly and do not propagate fire. They emit very low smoke, fumes and do not produce acid gases during a fire.

Low Smoke and Fume cables and wires being flame retardant slow down the spread of fire. This extra time is very critical for the firefighters for putting down the fire and for rescuing the occupants trapped.  It prevents loss of human life by panic and suffocation.