How to choose LSZH or PVC? - FOC

We commonly use terms like LSZH and PVC to describe them. These two terms

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describe the chemical compounds used in production of the cables. The cables used in LANs, WANs, etc. meet LSZH specification. The IEC -1 governs the Flame Retardant Grade specifications in reference to LSZH cables.

LSZH&#;Short for low smoke zero halogen, LSZH is a kind of cable built with a jacket material free from halogenic materials (such as chlorine and fluorine), since the toxic nature of these  chemicals when burned.

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.

 IEC specification

Today virtually all medium and large installations in Europe must meet the IEC specification. Many public authorities are already demanding that new installations must meet IEC -3 which is a more demanding flammability specification for LSZH.

What&#;s the difference between PVC and LSZH cables

1. Physically, PVC and LSZH 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 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 doesn&#;t emit toxic fumes even if it burns. Comparing with PVC compounds, there is a limited range of compound flexibility available for LSZH compounds, so LSZH cable is not recommended for robotic or continuous flex applications.
2. LSZH cables usually cost more than the equivalent PVC cable, and certain types are less flexible. LSZH cable does have some restrictions. According to CENELEC standards EN, , , screened cables must be halogen free. However, no similar regulation yet applies to unscreened cables.
3. When a PVC cable is set on fire, it emits chemical fumes, acids and other toxic gases, which are both corrosive and harmful to human beings and environments. As for LSZH cable that has a flame-resistant jacket, it doesn&#;t emit these chemical substances even if it burns or exposed to high sources of heat. And it can reduce the amount and density of the smoke.

Where do you run the cable?

Whether you choose a riser (PVC), plenum or LSZH jacket depends on where you&#;re going to run the cable.

PVC cable is commonly used for horizontal runs from the wiring center, or for vertical runs between the floors&#;but only if the building features a contained ventilation system running through the duct work.

LSZH cable is used between floors in a building. It has a special flame-retardant coating. Confined  spaces with large amounts of cables in close proximity to humans or sensitive electronic equipment, such as submarines and ships.Mass transit, central office facilities and telecommunication applications.

Even though PVC cable still reigns supreme in wire and cable industry, the use of which has decreased over the past years. On the other hand, LSZH cable technology has advanced significantly, In the purchase process, you must buy according to your own needs.

July 3,

For more information, please visit lszh compound.

Luis Alfonso Sanchez

When talking about communication cables, we commonly use terms like LSZH and PVC to describe them. These two terms describe the chemical compounds used in production of the cables. Do you exactly know what they really mean? Or more importantly, which one is better for your project? In this article, we are going to explain these frequently asked questions, by analyzing and comparing LSZH and PVC cables.

LSZH &#; Short for low smoke zero halogen, LSZH is a kind of cable built with a jacket material free from halogenic materials (such as chlorine and fluorine), since the toxic nature of these chemicals when burned. The term &#;low-smoke, zero-halogen&#; describes two distinct properties of a cable compound. The term &#;low- smoke&#; describes the amount of smoke which a compound emits when burned, while &#;zero-halogen&#; describes the amount of halogens used to make the compound. Terms like LSOH, LSHF and LSNH are all proper references for cables possessing low-smoke and zero-halogen properties.

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. In the world of cabling, &#;PVC&#; is often used to denote a cable that is not suitable for use in a plenum airspace. PVC can potentially be dangerous in a fire situation, releasing heavy smoke and hydrogen chloride gas, which poses a great threat to human health electronic devices. PVC cables often have a CM, CMG, or CMR rating as defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Differences between LSZH and PVC Cable

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. In addition to this, LSZH cable differs from PVC one in at least three aspects:

Cost: LSZH cables are slightly higher in cost than some PVC cables, but they are much safer when it comes to human health and sensitive and expensive electronic equipment. And this should be considered when comparing the cost.

Flexibility: Comparing with PVC compounds, there is a limited range of compound flexibility available for LSZH compounds, so LSZH cable is not recommended for robotic or continuous flex applications.

Heat: When a PVC cable is set on fire, it emits chemical fumes, acids and other toxic gases, which are both corrosive and harmful to human beings and environments. As for LSZH cable that has a flame-resistant jacket, it doesn&#;t emit these chemical substances even if it burns or exposed to high sources of heat. And it can reduce the amount and density of the smoke.

When Do I Use LSZH or PVC?

It is feasible that LSZH and PVC have equally effective performance in modern buildings. So the decision on which one to choose actually depends on the situation, that is to say, where you are going to run the cable.

PVC cable has been used in built environment for power and control applications for decades. It is commonly used for horizontal runs from the wiring center, or for vertical runs between the floors&#;but only if the building features a contained ventilation system running through the duct work.

LSZH cable would be more appropriate for places where fire presents a hazard to occupants. We know that the primary danger in the event of a fire is not the fire itself but the smoke and gas produced. Therefore, it is vital that the materials and products that are installed contribute as little smoke and gas as possible when burnt. LSZH cable can be employed in the following situations:

• Confined spaces with large amounts of cables in close proximity to humans or sensitive electronic equipment, such as submarines and ships.

• Mass transit, central office facilities and telecommunication applications.

Conclusion&#;

Even though PVC cable still reigns supreme in wire and cable industry, the use of this has decreased over the past years. On the other hand, LSZH cable technology has advanced significantly, it is well suited to some applications mentioned in this article. Your cabling choice always relays on your specific condition, while to consult with wire and cable experts can also be beneficial.