Low Smoke Zero Halogen
Encyclopedia
Low smoke zero halogen or low smoke free of halogen (LSZH or LSOH or LS0H or LSFH or OHLS) is a material classification typically used for cable jacketing in the wire and cable industry. LSZH cable jacketing is composed of thermoplastic
or thermoset compounds that emit limited smoke and no halogen when exposed to high sources of heat, e.g. flame.
Most network cables are insulated with polyethylene, PVC
or Thermoplastic Urethane (TPU) . In a fire, a halogen-containing plastic material releases, e.g. hydrogen chloride
, a poisonous gas that forms hydrochloric acid
when it comes in contact with water. Designated Halogen-free cables, on the other hand, do not produce a dangerous gas/acid combination or toxic smoke when exposed to flame.
Low smoke zero halogen cable reduces the amount of toxic and corrosive gas emitted during combustion. This type of material is typically used in poorly ventilated areas such as aircraft or rail cars. Low smoke zero halogen is becoming very popular and, in some cases, a requirement where the protection of people and equipment from toxic and corrosive gas is critical.
Other benefits of halogen free cable include:
Thermoplastic
Thermoplastic, also known as a thermosoftening plastic, is a polymer that turns to a liquid when heated and freezes to a very glassy state when cooled sufficiently...
or thermoset compounds that emit limited smoke and no halogen when exposed to high sources of heat, e.g. flame.
Most network cables are insulated with polyethylene, PVC
Polyvinyl chloride
Polyvinyl chloride, commonly abbreviated PVC, is a thermoplastic polymer. It is a vinyl polymer constructed of repeating vinyl groups having one hydrogen replaced by chloride. Polyvinyl chloride is the third most widely produced plastic, after polyethylene and polypropylene. PVC is widely used in...
or Thermoplastic Urethane (TPU) . In a fire, a halogen-containing plastic material releases, e.g. hydrogen chloride
Hydrogen chloride
The compound hydrogen chloride has the formula HCl. At room temperature, it is a colorless gas, which forms white fumes of hydrochloric acid upon contact with atmospheric humidity. Hydrogen chloride gas and hydrochloric acid are important in technology and industry...
, a poisonous gas that forms hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid is a solution of hydrogen chloride in water, that is a highly corrosive, strong mineral acid with many industrial uses. It is found naturally in gastric acid....
when it comes in contact with water. Designated Halogen-free cables, on the other hand, do not produce a dangerous gas/acid combination or toxic smoke when exposed to flame.
Low smoke zero halogen cable reduces the amount of toxic and corrosive gas emitted during combustion. This type of material is typically used in poorly ventilated areas such as aircraft or rail cars. Low smoke zero halogen is becoming very popular and, in some cases, a requirement where the protection of people and equipment from toxic and corrosive gas is critical.
Other benefits of halogen free cable include:
- It is often lighter, so overall cable network system weights can be reduced.
- The environmental impact of halogen free cabling can be lower if there are fewer toxic chemicals.
External links
- Videos showing flammability of cables, including LSZH cables, based on jacket rating
- Click here to learn more on Low Smoke Zero Halogen http://www.houwire.com/lifeguard/
- What does the term LSZH mean?
- BASF Elastollan Thermplastic Urethane (TPU)