Low-smoke Zero-halogen Cables
Halogens are generally used as flame inhibitors in many plastics, including PVC (polyvinyl chloride) that goes into cable insulation and electronic products. Sadly, when it comes to the welfare of the environment and people, halogen-based fire retardants can be good and bad. Paradoxically, while halogen keeps plastics from igniting and spreading flames, they can also emit hazardous gases if the plastic ignites.
Halogens are used in everyday products with no harm; but in some circumstances, they can become lethal. 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. Halogens are inexpensive fire-retardants and at times are added to non-halogenated wire and cable polymers to reduce their combustible quality.
Cancer-causing constituents such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), nitro polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dioxins are all noxious substances which result when halogenated compounds are burned. These gases are not only dangerous when they ignite and are released into the air;but when they interact with water, they can become caustic acids.
Low-smoke zero-halogen cables (LSZH) are fire retardant and have been available for many years for applications in confined areas where people are working. LSZHis a material category used to classify cable insulation. LSZH cable insulation is made of materials designed to give off reduced smoke and no halogen when exposed to fire.
When combined with other fire deterrents and control practices, fire-retardant cables can help reduce fire-related casualties and property destruction. However, fumes produced by all burning materialsare toxic. Halogen-free fire suppressants areobtainable, but they are not widely used because of the exorbitant cost.
Halogen-free cables, when exposed to fire, do not give off hazardous gas/acids or toxic smoke. LSZH cables decrease the extent of smoke produced through burning. This material is normally used in inadequately ventilated areas, for instance, airplanes. Low-smoke zero-halogen is becoming more common where people may be affected by smoke and toxic fumes.
Benefits of halogen-free cable include the fact that it is usually lighter weight; this is convenient especially if the cables are run overhead in a dropped ceiling. Another benefit is that the impact of halogen free cables will be lower if there is a fire because there are fewer toxic chemicals involved.
When burned, compounds like polypropylene produce very little smoke and no toxic gases as would a PVC cable. Low-Smoke Zero-Halogen cabling is the safe selection for sites where there is a potential for fire and the potential for people to be near that fire. Low-Smoke Zero-Halogen cables also comply with the European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances mandate and similar North American safety and environmental standards.
Low-smoke zero-halogen material means less smoke and better visibility for clearing the area and fewer respiratory problems caused by smoke, less toxicity from halogenated gases. Procure Low-smoke Zero-halogen cables with corrosion resistant tinned copper conductors and stranded conductors for flexibility during installation. LSZH cable isobtainablein multiconductor/multipaircompositions, shielded or unshielded, foil shielded for EMI protection and enhanced signal reliability, and color-coded. The LSZH cablesLSZH cables are appropriate for use in confined areas to save lives, reduce harm, and reduce damage to electronic apparatuses.
Halogens are used in everyday products with no harm; but in some circumstances, they can become lethal. 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. Halogens are inexpensive fire-retardants and at times are added to non-halogenated wire and cable polymers to reduce their combustible quality.
Cancer-causing constituents such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), nitro polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dioxins are all noxious substances which result when halogenated compounds are burned. These gases are not only dangerous when they ignite and are released into the air;but when they interact with water, they can become caustic acids.
Low-smoke zero-halogen cables (LSZH) are fire retardant and have been available for many years for applications in confined areas where people are working. LSZHis a material category used to classify cable insulation. LSZH cable insulation is made of materials designed to give off reduced smoke and no halogen when exposed to fire.
When combined with other fire deterrents and control practices, fire-retardant cables can help reduce fire-related casualties and property destruction. However, fumes produced by all burning materialsare toxic. Halogen-free fire suppressants areobtainable, but they are not widely used because of the exorbitant cost.
Halogen-free cables, when exposed to fire, do not give off hazardous gas/acids or toxic smoke. LSZH cables decrease the extent of smoke produced through burning. This material is normally used in inadequately ventilated areas, for instance, airplanes. Low-smoke zero-halogen is becoming more common where people may be affected by smoke and toxic fumes.
Benefits of halogen-free cable include the fact that it is usually lighter weight; this is convenient especially if the cables are run overhead in a dropped ceiling. Another benefit is that the impact of halogen free cables will be lower if there is a fire because there are fewer toxic chemicals involved.
When burned, compounds like polypropylene produce very little smoke and no toxic gases as would a PVC cable. Low-Smoke Zero-Halogen cabling is the safe selection for sites where there is a potential for fire and the potential for people to be near that fire. Low-Smoke Zero-Halogen cables also comply with the European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances mandate and similar North American safety and environmental standards.
Low-smoke zero-halogen material means less smoke and better visibility for clearing the area and fewer respiratory problems caused by smoke, less toxicity from halogenated gases. Procure Low-smoke Zero-halogen cables with corrosion resistant tinned copper conductors and stranded conductors for flexibility during installation. LSZH cable isobtainablein multiconductor/multipaircompositions, shielded or unshielded, foil shielded for EMI protection and enhanced signal reliability, and color-coded. The LSZH cablesLSZH cables are appropriate for use in confined areas to save lives, reduce harm, and reduce damage to electronic apparatuses.
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