Why One Should Use LSF/LSZH Cables?
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.
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.
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<strong>Why</strong> <strong>One</strong> <strong>Should</strong> <strong>Use</strong> <strong>LSF</strong>/<strong>LSZH</strong> <strong>Cables</strong>?<br />
Low Smoke Zero Halogen Cable refers to the sheathing material in the cable and insulation in wires.<br />
These <strong>LSF</strong>/<strong>LSZH</strong> cables are made of a thermoplastic compound which emits limited smoke, no halogen as<br />
compared to normal cables. Besides, it will not produce any poisonous gases when exposed to fire.<br />
In the event of fire in a building, there is a danger of electric cables burning behind the wall for a long<br />
period of time. It then spreads from room to room emitting toxic gases and smoke. In such a scenario,<br />
getting out of the building becomes difficult. First of all, while the PVC cable are getting burned, it fill the<br />
rooms with thick black smoke which makes it almost impossible to find way for exit. In addition to<br />
smoke, poisonous halogen gases are also generated from burning PVC cables. This causes the occupants<br />
to lose consciousness and die even before the fire touches the body.<br />
In such a situation, <strong>LSF</strong>/<strong>LSZH</strong> cables are desirable because it reduces the amount of smoke and<br />
poisonous gases generated, which significantly improves the chance of safe escape for the inhabitants.<br />
Also, it makes firefighting operations easier as the fire fighters can easily identify and reach the source of<br />
fire.<br />
<strong>LSF</strong>/<strong>LSZH</strong> cables are popular in places where people live close to cable assemblies and cannot get<br />
sufficient ventilation during the fire. These cables find vast application in skyscraper, malls, large<br />
commercial spaces, military, railroad, maritime and aerospace. They can also be utilized in the railway &<br />
road systems where wires run in underground tunnels.
Since the time fire got discovered, man has been making attempts to protect themselves from its harmful<br />
effects. We have always searched for preventive measures to make sure the damage is minimalized. Hence,<br />
<strong>LSF</strong>/<strong>LSZH</strong> cables were designed keeping in mind the safety of the public, which has become a major<br />
concern these days.<br />
We have seen several incidents in the recent past where fire has caused huge damage to people and<br />
property. The examples include the fire in The Address hotel near Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, Torch<br />
Tower Fire in Dubai Marina, and Grenfell Tower in London.<br />
Today, an average time to reach fatal condition is over 3 minutes, but before it was more than 15<br />
minutes. This change has come over because of the increasing use of plastics at home. None the less it is<br />
safe to say that smoke and effluent gases are relevant to saving human lives.<br />
<strong>LSZH</strong> installation can be used in the below applications but are not limited to the below mentions:<br />
Power cables<br />
Instrumentation cables<br />
High Voltage <strong>Cables</strong><br />
Control cables<br />
Building wires<br />
What is the difference between <strong>LSF</strong> and <strong>LSZH</strong> cables?<br />
Low Smoke Fume is another term used by some manufacturers for <strong>LSZH</strong> cables. A manufacturer can give<br />
the term as <strong>LSF</strong> as long as it emits negligible amount of toxic gases & less amount of smoke.<br />
<strong>Why</strong> <strong>LSF</strong>/<strong>LSZH</strong> cables different from normal PVC cable?<br />
<strong>LSF</strong>/<strong>LSZH</strong> cables are made of special material with flame retardant property which does not contain<br />
halogen. The low smoke zero halogen property makes cable environment protective.<br />
Is there a difference between Flame Retardant Low Smoke (FRLS) and Low Smoke Zero Halogen<br />
(<strong>LSF</strong>/<strong>LSZH</strong>) cables?<br />
Both are different cables. Low smoke emits clearer and thinner smoke when burning. This helps people<br />
to exit the building faster and safely. FRLS cables shall emit a certain amount of toxic gases (< 17% by<br />
weight), whereas Zero halogen cables do not emit any toxic gases as it does not contain halogens like<br />
fluorine, bromine and chlorine.<br />
Do <strong>LSF</strong>/<strong>LSZH</strong> cables cover the same range as the normal power & Instrumentation cables?<br />
The <strong>LSZH</strong> cables cover all the rated voltage ranging from 300/500V (instrumentation cable), 450/750V<br />
Wiring <strong>Cables</strong>, 600/1000V LV cables & MV cables up to 33kV.<br />
Does these <strong>LSF</strong>/<strong>LSZH</strong> cables and wires cost a lot?<br />
No, there is very small price difference, looking to the cost of project and longtime safety, it is negligible.
Testing of <strong>LSF</strong>/<strong>LSZH</strong> <strong>Cables</strong><br />
Flame Propagation on Single <strong>Cables</strong>:<br />
This test is carried out as per BS EN 60332-1-2 and IEC 60332-1 to check the resistance of the cables to<br />
flame propagation.<br />
Flame Propagation on Multiple <strong>Cables</strong>:<br />
This test is carried out as per BS EN 60332-3 and IEC 60332-3 to determine the ability of bunched cables<br />
to restrain flame propagation.<br />
Smoke Emission:<br />
This test is carried out as per BS EN 61034-2 and IEC 61034-2. The light transmittance will not fall below<br />
70% during the test.<br />
Oxygen and Temperature Index:<br />
This test is carried out as per ASTM D 2863. It determines the oxygen Concentration to support<br />
candlelike combustion of <strong>LSF</strong> Materials.<br />
Acidic (Corrosive) gas evolved (HCL level):<br />
This test is conducted to measure many acidic gases evolved during Combustion of materials from<br />
<strong>Cables</strong>. This test is conducted as per BS EN 60754-1 or IEC 60754-1<br />
Measurement of Ph and Conductivity:<br />
This test determines the degree of acidity of gases evolved during combustion of electric cables. This is<br />
done by measuring pH-value and conductivity. This test is conducted as per IEC 60754–2.<br />
Using Fujcab Brand Low Smoke and Fume cables and wires, manufactured by Power Plus Cable, inside<br />
buildings reduces the damages to life and property caused by fire. This is achieved as these cables burn<br />
slowly and do not propagate fire. They emit very low smoke, fumes and do not produce acid gases<br />
during a fire.<br />
Fujcab Brand Low Smoke and Fume cables and wires being flame retardant slow down the spread of fire.<br />
This extra time is very critical for the firefighters for putting down the fire and for rescuing the occupants<br />
trapped. It prevents loss of human life by panic and suffocation.