What is The Difference Between LSF and LSZH cable?

While LSF cables and LSZH cables have many of the same design properties and functionality, they also differ from one another in ways that are important to understand when choosing which cable or wire to use for a project. The reason these two cable types are often compared is because they are both relatively new designs that use compounds with the goal of emitting less harmful gasses. In order to understand the differences between the two cable types, it is necessary to break down the theory behind each design.

SUNUA are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

What are LSF Cables?

LSF stands for &#;Low Smoke and Fumes.&#; This type of cable is made up of PVC compound that has been modified to decrease the amount of gas and smoke that is produced when burning compared to traditional PVC designs.

What Are LSZH Cables?

LSZH stands for &#;low smoke zero halogen.&#; This type of cable and wire emits very low amounts of smoke and emits no toxic halogens when exposed to heat. In the past several years, there has been a noticeable increased awareness and demand for these products as environmentally friendly initiatives have popped up all around the globe.

What are Halogens?

Halogens are chemicals that use an element from the 17th column of the periodic table as one of their components. In wire and cable compounds, the halogen-containing ingredients are typically utilized to impart improved flame retardant properties to polymeric materials, with the most common elements used for this purpose being bromine, fluorine, or chlorine.

LSZH vs LSF Cables: Which Should You Use?

LSF and LSZH cables differ in several important ways. Confusing these two cables could lead to a life-threatening situation in the case of a fire. LSF cables are still made using PVC compounds and while they are designed with reduced smoke and hydrogen chloride (HCI) emissions in mind, there are no strict standards in place to confirm the quality of the design. LSZH cables, on the other hand, are subject to very strict standards regarding the amount of HCI emissions they would give off when burning. For this reason, LSZH cables and wires are generally the safer option.

LSF cables have their place as a cost-effective alternative to traditional PVC cable, but can still produce a dangerous amount of toxic gas and smoke. In areas that are at high risk of fire or areas that are heavily populated, LSZH is the strongly recommended option. Quadrangle Products uses LSZH cable and wire in many of our designs. Contact us today to learn more about our LSZH products!

Hello everyone, I'm Carina from Linoya. We are a Copper Cable Manufacturer in China. Today's main sharing &#; What Is The Difference Between LSF, LSHF and LSZH Cables?

Linoya Cable

Public safety has become a huge issue in recent years. Electrical contractors and consultants need to be aware of the many changes in regulations when it comes to installing electrical cables and conduits in public places such as airports, schools and hospitals.

The advice is to use materials that are non-hazardous in case of fire.

Let&#;s get to grips with some of the commonly used head scratching acronyms and pseudonyms. 

• PVC &#; Polyvinyl Chloride
• LSF &#; Low Smoke & Fume
• LSHF - Low Smoke Halogen Free
• LS0H - Low Smoke Zero (0) Halogen
• LSZH - Low Smoke Zero (0) Halogen
• 0HLS &#; Zero (0) Halogen Low Smoke
• ZHLS &#; Zero (0) Halogen Low Smoke
• LSNH &#; Low Smoke No Halogen

To highlight the key differences here&#;s a brief summary of the 3 types of cables along with some of the Pros & Cons.

PVC Cables

On burning, a standard PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) insulated cable produces dense black smoke and a cocktail of harmful chemicals which can cause reduced visibility and suffocation. It emits approximately 28% of Hydrogen Chloride (HCL) gas which has a pungent smell and converts to hydrochloric acid if it comes in to contact with water. The smoke and fumes produced during a fire can be more dangerous to people than the fire itself.

Some points to remember about these cables are:

• They are ideal for low risk buildings, not generally for public or large commercial buildings.
• Correctly specified PVC offers greater flexibility and cost advantages over LSHF.

LSF (Low Smoke & Fume) Cables

LSF cables are usually made up of a modified PVC compound which produces somewhat less HCL gas and smoke on burning than PVC. However, it still produces 15% to 22 % (depending on quality) of HCL gas and due to the presence of PVC can still emit dense black smoke. It does contain halogen, so it shouldn&#;t be confused with Low Smoke Halogen Free (LSHF) cables. The amount of PVC present in these cables can differ from manufacturer to manufacturer which makes installing LSF cables in public places somewhat of a lottery.

Are you interested in learning more about lszh compound? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Some points to remember about these cables are:

• These cables are often purchased to cut cost or through confusion with LSHF cables. They should be considered to be a small improvement over PVC cables.
• These cables are not recommended for public, large commercial buildings, near sensitive electronic equipment and where escape is limited in case of fire.

LSHF (Low Smoke Halogen Free) Cables (LS0H - LSZH - 0HLS &#; LSNH)

LSHF cables are made up of halogen free compounds that are good fire retardants but emit less than 0.5% hydrogen chloride gas and smoke when burnt. In case of fire these cables produce small amounts of light grey smoke and HCL gas which greatly increases the chances of escape from populated areas. There&#;s no PVC in these cables, hence no harmful fumes or dense black smoke are given off in case of fire.

Some points to remember about LSHF cables are:

• They are ideal for public buildings like airports and railway stations, computer rooms, datacentres, where escape is limited and fire safety is critical.
• They emit <0.5 % of HCL gas thus providing a safer environment in the event of a fire.
• The low smoke generation ensures evacuation routes and signage remain visible during a fire.

PVC vs LSF vs LSZH Conclusion

PVC vs LSF vs LSZH Cable

LSF cables are flexible and low cost alternative to PVC cables but can still produce a dangerous amount of toxic gas and smoke. Whereas LSHF cables are less flexible and a higher cost but with a significant reduction in toxic gas and smoke. So in a high risk populated area where escape is limited LSHF cables are strongly recommended. But in low risk areas where the evacuation is easy and high flexibility is required, PVC could still be a good choice.

Though all of the above perform very differently with regards to the amount of toxic fumes and smoke they produce however they all could, and in many cases do, pass the CPR test to class Eca.

We can supply LSZH and PVC network cables.

Date&#;-05-30

: +86

Linoya group