Low Smoke Zero Halogen / LSZH Wire & Cable

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

Galaxy 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?

Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) wires and cables are designed and use materials that minimize smoke and harmful gas that are released when exposed to fire or high temperatures. In fire emergencies, less smoke means visibility is not impaired, so people can see better during evacuations. Zero halogen means that toxic halogen gases (like chlorine or fluorine) are not emitted, also improving safety. LSZH wire typically meets strict fire safety regulations in various applications.

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 like underground parking lots, subways and tunnels
• Any public underground or poorly ventilated location
• Public entertainment and sports facilities like arenas and stadiums
• Apartment buildings and hotels
• Hospitals
• Schools
• Computer/data centers/server rooms
• Industrial plants and factories
• Ships and submarines

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

• Instrumentation cables
• Transportation cables
• Control cables
• Power and data cables
• Audio cables
• Coaxial cables
• Video and broadcast cables
• Nuclear

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)
• Standards: IEC 60332-1 (fire retardancy), IEC 61034 (low smoke emission), IEC 60754 (zero halogen content)