สาย LSZH คืออะไร และใช้ทำอะไร?

Don’t you believe that safeguarding your electrical infrastructures, particularly in high fire risk areas, is quite difficult to think about? Well! LSZH cables (Low Smoke Zero Halogen Cables) could provide a solution. The construction of these cables greatly reduces smoke and eliminates poisonous gases during a fire, which makes them ideal for safety-critical environments.

In the article, we will focus on all the details that revolve around LSZH cables and their features, and also comparisons with other cables. So, keep reading!

Figure 1: LSZH cable

1) What is LSZH cable?

LSZH stands for Low Smoke Zero Halogen. The covering materials for these LSZH cables are made from substances that do not release toxic halogen gases or thick smoke during combustion. Moreover, LSZH cables are safer because they enhance the visibility of fire and help prevent toxic fume inhalation during a fire.

• Structure of LSZH Cable

Just like many other types of cables, an LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) cable has the same basic structure.  The difference is in the insulating and outer jacket materials. These materials are made to produce no harmful halogen gases and low smoke when they are burned.

Figure 2: Structure of LSZH cable

i) Conductor: The most important part is the conductor, which is made from copper or aluminum. It transports the electrical current or data signals.

ii) Insulation Layer: All current-carrying conductors are wrapped with an insulation layer made from a halogen-free and flame-retardant material to keep the current safe and secure.

iii) Filler (optional): Some LSZH cables use fillers to make the cables easier to handle and give them some strength. These fillers are also LSZH safe materials.

iv) Shielding (optional): For certain cables, particularly data and delicate electronic ones, a shielding layer is sometimes added. It can consist of a foil or braided mesh that prevents outside electrical noise.

v) Outer Jacket (Sheath): The last boundary is the outer jacket. It protects the entire cable and is made from low-smoke, zero-halogen material, which will not give off poisonous gases in the case of combustion.

2) Key Features of LSZH Cables

LSZH cables are designed to work effectively while providing safety. Now we will discuss the unique factors that make them special:

• Emits Low Smoke During a Fire: First of all, they emit smoke of lesser density when burnt. In this scenario, smoke will help visibility, allowing you to move out safely and speedily in emergencies.

Figure 3: Emits Low Smoke During a Fire

• No Toxic Halogen Gases: LSZH cables do not release dangerous materials such as chlorine, which is dangerous for the people and the equipment when compared to conventional PVC cables.

• Flame-Retardant and Safe in Enclosed Spaces: In addition, LSZH cables are flame-retardant and safe in enclosed spaces. Consequently, they are suitable for confined spaces such as airplanes, tunnels, offices, and hospitals.

• Eco-Friendly Aspects: Furthermore, these cables are Eco-friendly since they do not contain halogens and are less polluting, complying with environmental laws such as RoHS.

• Maintains Performance Under Heat: And not only that, but these cables perform well under heated conditions. They keep their form, protective covering, and function in harsh temperature environments.

Figure 4: Maintains Performance Under Heat

• International Safety Standards: Last but not least, the cables also comply with internationally set safety standards, which include IEC and RoHS certificationส. This guarantees that you are using a cable that has undergone stringent testing for fire safety, smoke emission, and toxicity.

3) Common Applications of LSZH Cable

LSZH cables are widely used in places where safety from fire is given utmost importance:

• Buildings and Offices: First of all, in buildings and offices, many people work in enclosed spaces. In case a fire breaks out, smoke of a certain thickness may quickly fill the area. However, when a fire occurs, LSZH cables make the surrounding air less smoky, which improves escape routes for people.

• Public Transport (Trains, Buses, Planes): Next, on modes of public transport such as airplanes, trains, and subways, people occupy congested areas with limited means of egress. Threats of fire in these areas can be extremely explosive. The cables do not produce any toxic smoke, improving air quality. 

• Data Centers and Server Rooms: Also, smoke or chemicals can damage the expensive equipment in data centers and server rooms. LSZH cables mitigate damage so that the systems can continue functioning safely. 

Figure 5: Applications of LSZH cable

• Underground and Tunnels: Moreover, fires are particularly troublesome for underground locations such as tunnels and mines, where smoke is hard to escape. In this case, LSZH cables could help mitigate the issue as they emit less smoke and no toxic gases. 

• Industrial Areas and Oil & Gas Sites: Last but not least, there is an increased risk of fire in factories and oil sites. These areas need strong safety measures. LSZH cables assist in fulfilling those requirements and improve safety for employees.

4) LSZH vs. PVC Cables: What’s the difference 

It’s important to know the safety, performance, and material differences when selecting LSZH and PVC cables. In this part, we will discuss in a table the critical differences for you to compare and make an informed decision:

Features	LSZH Cable	PVC Cable
Full Form	Low Smoke Zero Halogen	Polyvinyl Chloride
Density (Approx.)	Lower (1.3 – 1.5 g/cm³)	Higher (1.38 – 1.6 g/cm³)
Smoke Emission	Very low smoke during a fire	Produces thick black smoke
Toxic Gas Release	No toxic halogen gases	Releases harmful gases like chlorine
Fire Safety	Flame-retardant and safer in enclosed areas	Can spread fire more easily
Material	Made from halogen-free compounds	Made from halogen-based plastics
Cost	Generally more expensive	Usually cheaper
Best Use	Hospitals, transport, data centers, and tunnels	Homes, general electrical wiring

5) What to look for when buying LSZH cables

There are multiple considerations that you must pay attention to before buying any LSZH cables, as they help in picking the most suitable cable for your requirements.

• Application Type: First, you should consider where the cable will be utilized. Will it be used for building wiring, data centers, transportation systems, or something else? Various environments require different kinds of LSZH cables.

• Voltage and Current Rating: Next, make sure the LSZH cable can withstand the voltage and current requirements of your specific application. Check specifications to confirm it meets your needs, such as 300V, 600V, and beyond.

• Flame Retardancy: Then, you should verify the fire resistance rating because LSZH cables are recognized to have flame-retardant capabilities. Some environments may need a higher level of fire-resistance, so see if the cable complies with IEC 60332 or UL 1685 standards.

• Flexibility and Handling: Also, if you need to install the cable in constrained or difficult-to-access areas, opt for a flexibly designed LSZH cable. Some cables are manufactured to provide extra flexibility for easy installation.

Figure 6: Flexibility and Handling of LSZH cable

• Insulation Material: To ensure safety, the insulation must be free of halogen as well as compliant with LSZH, since these materials may release toxic gases and smoke during a fire. Always verify that the insulation material meets current legal requirements for safety within your particular industry.

• Diameter and Size: After that, check that the diameter of the cable meets your requirements. If the cable has to pass through narrow gaps or conduits, verify that it is of the appropriate size.

• Environmental Suitability: Moreover, you should verify if the cable’s rating matches the environment it shall be installed. Cables with Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) properties may be externally UV resistant, waterproof, or meant for outdoor usage.

• Durability: Don’t forget, to ensure that it possesses the correct durability features if the cable will undergo some form of wear and tear. You should also check to see if some LSZH cables are designed for harsh environments in regard to the resistance towards abrasion, oils, and abrading chemicals, if need be.

• Cost: Finally, though LSZH cables are generally costlier compared to PVC cables, they still demand a balance between quality and cost. Make sure that you are paying for features that matter, such as fire safety and durability.

บทสรุป

To sum up, LSZH cables are a good choice if safety is your primary concern, especially in environments prone to fires. Moreover, you should knowing the best LSZH cable for your requirements which will becomes easier through understanding structure of LSZH cable, its features, and common applications. As a whole, these cables assist in protecting your electrical systems and operate effectively in numerous situations.
For reliable, safe LSZH cables that ensure low smoke emission and fire safety, Dekam is your go-to source. At Dekam, we prioritize your safety, and that’s why we tailor-fit LSZH cables to suit your requirements. So, get in touch with us today!