FiberStore LSZH Cable Solutions

The increasing demand of LSZH cables has been driven by published concerns for safety of humans and electronic circuits during fire, the protection of the ozone layer, non-toxic elements to water table and landfills when discarded, and an increase in requirements/specifications by the European and the International communities.

LSZH cables mean the insulation and jacket compound are free of halogenated materials like Fluorine(F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), Iodine (I) and Astatine (At), which are reported to be capable of being transformed into toxic and corrosive matter during combustion or decompositions in landfills.

During combustion, Low Smoke Halogen Free Cable produce low levels of halogen gases, which have a minimal effect on the human respiratory system when inhaled, as well as a low level of Hydrogen Chloride (HCl), which is non-damaging to electronic circuits or machinery. Also, a low level of white smoke is generated, improving visibility by increasing the chances of people to visually find their way out to safety during fire.

LSZH cables emit no more than 0.5% of Hydrogen Chloride (HCl)
10-25% considers irritant(HCl) >25% considers corrosive

Low Smoke Fume, or LSF, is another term used by certain manufacturers for LSZH cables, but there are no standards for LSF. This means manufacturers can label their products LSF as long as they give off reduced (HCl) emissions. LSF cable is, in fact, just reduced HCl emissions, giving off <15% (HCl).

FiberStore product line has been developed to address the industry’s need for LSZH cable products that are UL listed, flexible, flame retardant and resistant to oil and sunlight. Our LSZH cables may be used and installed in places where safety, performance and concern for the environment are important.

LSZH Flame and Smoke Compliances
Vertical Tray Cable Flame Test, IEEE-383 (70,000 BTU) and CSA FT- 4 / IEEE 1202 flame test
Per UL-1685
IEC 60332-1 & -3 Cat. A: Flammability
IEC 61034-1 & 2 and MIL-DTL-24643B and NES 711 Smoke Index Emission
IEC 60754-1 & 2; MIL-DTL-24643B: Halogen Content and Acid Gas Generation

LSZH Versus PVC
PVC and LSZJ are very different. PVC patchcords are very soft. LSZH patchcords are more rigid because they contain the flame retardant compound, and they are aesthetically more pleasing.
A PVC (polyviny chloride) cable has a jacket that gives off heavy black smoke, hydrochloric acid, and other toxic gases when it burns.
Cost: LSZH components are slightly higher in cost than some PVC compounds, but it is the safety factors as they related to humans and electronic equipment as well as friendliness to the environment that should be considered when it comes to cost.

Flexibility: There is a limited range of compound flexibility available for LSZH compounds versus PVC so it not recommended for robotic or continuous flex applications.

Flame Retardant: There is a higher grade of flame-retardant PVC compounds available on the market like Plenum PVC because of the halogen additive in PVC like Chlorine and Bromine that are not allowed in LSZH compounds.

When selecting or designing a cable for any application, the operating environments where the cable will be used, whether extreme or not, must be considered along with availability, performance, and price, among other things. When the safety of humans and the environment is a consideration, along with high-performance and capability, then FiberStore LSZH cables are what you must specify!

What Should You Know about Low-Smoke Zero Halogen Cables

Halogen is a nonmetallic elements such as fluorine, chlorine, iodine or bromine. It is generally used as flame inhibitors in many plastics, including PVC that goes into cable insulation and electronic products. Halogens are a group of chemical elements including iodine, bromine, fluorine, astatine, and chlorine. When these elements are exposed to fire, they form hazardous gases which are harmful to harm the eyes, nose, lungs, and throat.

LSZH is a material category used to classify cable insulation. LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) cable insulation is made of materials designed to give of reduced smoke and no halogen when exposed to fire. When combined with other fire deterrents and control practices, Zero Halogen Cables can help reduce fire related casualties and property destruction. These cables will also don’t give off hazardous gas/acids or toxic smoke when exposed to fire.

LSZH cables decrease the extent of smoke produced through fire and is normally used in inadequately ventilated areas, for instance, airplane and some areas that people may be affected by smoke and toxic fumes.

Beside the halogen free features, LSZH cable also has lighter weight, this is convenient especially if the cables are run overhead in a dropped ceiling. At the same time, the impact of halogen free cables will also be lower if there is a fire because there are fewer toxic chemicals involved.

Many different Fiber Optic Cable suppliers are now making low-smoke, zero-halogen cables. And it is currently widely used in Europe and elsewhere in the world contains halogens. The European market is demanding that cables used in LANs. WANs, etc. Meet LSZH specification. The IEC 60332-1 governs the Flame Retardant Grade specifications in reference to LSZH cable.

Essentially the compound used in manufacturing cables meeting the above specifications reduces the amount of dangerous/poisonous gases in case of fire. The main difference in specifications between IEC 60332-1 versus UL 5181, UL 1666 and UL 910 is that the cable under the IEC specifications continue to burn while still emitting very low gases. UL specs demand that the flame be extinguished, but it can still be emit poisonous/dangerous gases.

Most safety advocates are calling for the used of LSZH cables, especially for the plenum space. Review your local building codes to determine if you must use LSZH cable. Non-LSZH cables will produce corrosive acids if they are exposed to water when burned; such acids may theoretically further endanger equipment.

FiberStore Launches New LSZH Fiber Optic Cable Series

FiberStore is introducing new families of Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cables. LSZH cable is constructed utilizing the superior design and engineering standards to fit for aerial, direct buried, duct, general purpose horizontal, vertical riser applications.

“For work spaces with strict environment or safety regulations or where ventilation is a concern, FiberStore’s LSZH cables provides a solution that supports both compliance to strict NFPA 70guidelines as well as greatly reduces potentially toxic emissions when subjected to high heat or flame conditions,” stated Wilson John, commercial manager for bulk fiber cable at FiberStore

zero halogen cables

LSZH Loose Tube Cables

LSZH Loose Tube Cables are double-Jacket wich are designed for industrial building backbones and harsh environments atyptial of traditional datacom system. With two durable LSZH jackets, these cables are ideal for applications requiring the added mechanical and environmental protection. Double Jacket combines flexibility with extra mechanical protection for a durable, reliable cabling solution that is easy to handle and install. Due to halogens in the jacket compound, these cables pose little risk in the controlled and protected environment of typical building air spaces, such as behind walls, under floors and in conduit.

LSZH cable with Metal Strength member FTTH Cable

LSZH metal strength menber FTTH cable include FTTH indoor cable, drop cable and armored duct cables.

Armored Duct cables are designed for use in direct installation in villas and multi dwelling units. With two parallel Metal strength members ensure good performance of crush resistance to protect the fiber.There was a layer of skin resistance hose and a layer of aluminum tape armored, let the cable can adapt to all kinds of bad environment and artificial damage.

FTTH Drop Cables with two parallel metal strength members ensure good performance of crush resistance to protect the fiber. A steel wire as the additional strength member is also applied to ensure good performance of tensile strength. The LSZH sheathed with high flame resistance enables the FTTH drop cable can operate in high-temperature. This cables is mainly designed for indoor riser level and plenum level cable distribution and between instruments, communciation equipments.

FTTH indoor cables with LSZH jacket are novel flute design with metal strength member. this cable is suitable for indoor and outdoor along the wall, roof, sandwich and duct connected directly cloth fiber optic cable to standard and solid structure design produce communication equipment tail fiber and activity connecting line can be applied directly to the connection between the equipment.

LSZH cable with FRP & KFRP Strength member FTTH Cables

Low smock zero halogen cables FRP & KFRP Strength member FTTH cables also include FTTH indoor, drop, and armored duct types.FTTH indoor cables with LSZH jacket are designed for use in horizontal, vertical, and corner cabling. With two parallel FRP & KFRP strength members to ensure good performance of crush resistance and protect the fiber. Its special low-bend-sensitivity fibers provide high bandwith and excellent communciation transission property.

LSZH Armored FTTH duct cable are designed for use in direct installation in villas and multi dwelling units. There are a layer of skiin resistance hose land a lay of alluminum tape armored, let the cable can adapt to all kinds of bad environment and artifical damage. Two sheath of the cables will protect the FTTH duct cables from Rat bit and other damage.

FTTH drop cable with FRP & KFRP stength member is optical communication unit in the center, which can realized the telephone, data, cable TV’s combinatiion of three nets and video monitoring. With small diameter, water-resistant, soft and bendable featuers, the cable is suitable for plenum level cable distributin and indoor riser levels as well as installations between instruments and communications equipments.

Besides, FiberStore also provides single mode gel-filled ribbon LSZH indoor/outdoor riser cables. These cables can maximized the use of criticl dust space with excellent installtion results as their smallest and lightes standard. The precise fiber and ribbon geometries result in excellent mass splicing yields. Cables are available in preconnectiorized assemblies which made easy field installation and reduced labor costs.

All of FiberStore low smoke halogen free cables sare customizable with options of different jacket & fiber colors, fiber counts, sheath materials and cables length. Fore more informations about Fiberstore LSZH fiber optic cable and other, please visit fiberstore.com

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