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.

Why is LSF cable used?

In such a situation, LSF/LSZH cables are desirable because it reduces the amount of smoke and poisonous gases generated, which significantly improves the chance of safe escape for the inhabitants. Also, it makes firefighting operations easier as the fire fighters can easily identify and reach the source of fire.

Is PVC cable LSF?

LSF Cable is manufactured from PVC. These cables can give off a thick black smoke and poisonous fumes when burnt as they are made up of a modified version of PVC. The amount of PVC present in these cables can differ from manufacturer to manufacturer which makes installing LSF Cables in public places a complete gamble.

Is LSF cable fire rated?

While LSHF cables emit no more than 0.5% hydrogen chloride during fire tests, some LSF cables are made from a modified version of PVC and can still give off significant levels of dense smoke and hydrogen chloride gas when burned.

What is LSF material?

LSF cables, in the case of data, signal and control cables, are made from a modified version of PVC and can still give off large amounts of black smoke and hydrogen chloride gas when burned. LSHF cables are those that, when exposed to fire, emit no more than 0.5% hydrogen chloride.

Is PVC low smoke?

The term “low-smoke, zero-halogen” describes two distinct properties of a cable compound. PVC—Polyvinyl chloride (vinyl), a general-purpose plastic jacket material used for cables. Features low in cost and flexible, PVC cable is widely used in applications such as computers, communications and low voltage wiring.

Do I need an LSF cable?

1 states that cables shall not encroach on escape routes unless they meet the requirements of BS EN 60332-3 and BS EN 61034-2. These standards require cables to be tested to verify reduced fire propagation and low smoke emissions. Low Smoke and Fume (LSF) Zero Halogen Low Smoke (OHLS) and.

What is the difference between LSF and PVC cables?

PVC vs LSF vs LSZH Conclusion 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.

What is the difference between PVC and LSZH cable?

Whats the difference between PVC and LSZH cables A PVC cable (made of polyvinyl chloride) has a jacket that gives off heavy black smoke, hydrochloric acid, and other toxic gases when it burns. Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cable has a flame-resistant jacket that doesnt emit toxic fumes even if it burns.

Is XLPE low smoke?

Low smoke zero halogen (hereafter referred to as LSZH but also called LSOH, LS0H, LSFH or OHLS) is a material classification that is common to cable and wire casings. There are several similar classifications such as low smoke and fume (LSF) and low smoke varieties of PVC and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE).

Where is LSF cable used?

LSF (Low Smoke & Fume) CablesThese cables are often purchased to cut cost or through confusion with LSHF cables. These cables are not recommended for public, large commercial buildings, near sensitive electronic equipment and where escape is limited in case of fire.5 Mar 2021

What Colour is LSF cable?

Low smoke, low toxicity and zero halogen .Specifications.Material:Halogen-Free, Low Smoke, Sleeving.Colours Available:Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Yellow, Grey, Red, White.Service Temperature Range:-20ºC to +90ºCDensity:1.48Tensile Strength:15MPa6 more rows

Is FEP low smoke?

Foamed FEP is commonly used for plenum applications. Plenum rated cables can exhibit a fire resistance or a low smoke quality and is used in building construction.

Which cable type has the highest available bandwidth?

Coaxial Internet Cables: Coaxial cables are high-frequency transmission cables made up of a single solid copper core that transfers data electrically over the inner conductor. Coax has 80X more transmission capacity than twisted-pair cables.

What is the difference between LSF and LSZH cable?

LSF cable will emit toxic gases while LSZH will limit the emission of these (typically under 0.5% hydrogen chloride emission). The use of LSZH cables protects both people and limits the amount of equipment damage during a fire situation.

What does LSOH stand for?

Low smoke zero halogen Low smoke zero halogen or low smoke free of halogen (LSZH or LSOH or LS0H or LSFH or OHLS or ZHFR) is a material classification typically used for cable jacketing in the wire and cable industry.

Is PVC cable LSZH?

Judging from the physical appearance, the difference between LSZH and PVC cable is very distinct. A PVC cable feels soft and it is smooth, whereas an LSZH cable feels rough since they contain the flame retardant compound and it is stiffer. LSZH cables are more aesthetically appealing than PVC cables.

Is PVC cable halogen free?

The halogen-free material is a material that does not contain a group of halogen elements (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astat). PVC or polyvinyl chloride is not a halogen-free material because it contains chlorine.

Is XLPE a LSZH?

This range of XLPE insulated cables is available with a UV-stable PVC outersheath or with low smoke zero halogen (LSZH sheath) properties for applications where the emission of smoke and toxic fumes could create a serious threat to life and sensitive equipment in the event of fire.

Do you have to use LSF cable?

The use of LSOH cables is not a requirement of BS 7671 in domestic or Non-domestic buildings at present. The use of these cables is often subject to specification requirements rather than regulation. Regulations, however, may soon require such cables when installed in escape routes in certain buildings.

Is PTFE low smoke?

Low Smoke materials such as PTFE and HFI 90 provide high insulation resistance and low dielectric loss. They do not generate much smoke and are exceptional in oils and fuels. Due to their thin wall nature they are not ideal as jacketing materials, but are often used in this way on smaller sized cables.