LSZH Bulk Cables: What Are They and the Application Advantages

Today's growing awareness of the negative effects of halogens releasing large amounts of smoke and toxic gases when exposed to flames has led to a growing demand for low smoke zero halogen cables (LSZH) in many industries. So what exactly is low smoke zero halogen cable?

What is LSZH Bulk Cable

Low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) ethernet bulk cable is constructed with a halogen-free jacket material, providing a flame-retardant solution well-suited for safety-conscious environments. LSZH ethernet bulk cables come in extensive lengths—commonly up to 500 or 1000 feet. The LSZH jacket ensures minimal emission of toxic gases in the event of combustion. In particular, they release less than 0.5% hydrochloric acid (HCl) gas when exposed to fire. Additionally, the absence of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in cable construction not only enhances fire resistance but also greatly reduces the potential for smoke production.

Benefiting from the characteristics of halogen-free, LSZH ethernet bulk cables are popular in Europe, since the European market requires cables used in LANs, WANs, etc. meet LSZH specifications. These cables indeed comply with IEC and the European flame retardant standard CPR, and their compliance solves customers' worries. So how exactly do LSZH ethernet bulk cables perform better than other ethernet bulk cables?

Why Choose LSZH Bulk Cable?

The following four main advantages prompt us to choose low smoke zero halogen bulk cables.

Good safety performance: Adopting a new type of special coating material that is non-polluting to the environment, almost no acid gases like HCL and less smoke are released when LSZH cables burned, so in those important application scenarios like data centers, they will effectively prevent damage to equipment that is susceptible to corrosion and smoke damage to a certain extent. Moreover, the smoke concentration is low and the visibility is high, thereby reducing the risk of fire hazards.

Good fire resistance: LSZH cables have good flame retardancy and high fire resistance. In addition, LSZH cables are self-extinguishing. When they are used in cabling scenarios such as data centers, their self-extinguishing characteristics can inhibit the spread of flames and protect the scene to a certain extent.

Environmentally friendly: LSZH cables use an environmentally friendly insulating layer, sheath, and special oxygen barrier materials, with no halogen elements nor heavy metal elements such as lead, cadmium, chromium, and mercury that are harmful to the human body and the environment. They will almost not cause environmental pollution and are healthy and relatively environmentally friendly.

Easy maintenance: LSZH cables have a lower friction coefficient than some non-low smoke and halogen-free sheaths, making subsequent maintenance and replacement easier.

The Application Scenarios

Now that we learned the above advantages of low smoke zero halogen cables, benefiting from these advantages, what are the appropriate application scenarios of LSZH ethernet bulk cables?

To leverage their intrinsic properties, the most notable of which is their low emission of toxic gases and smoke, LSZH cables are ideally being implemented in environments where ventilation is scarce, population density is high, or air circulation is notably poor. In such scenarios, the dispersal of smoke and toxicants is hampered, rendering the use of cables containing halogenated compounds (such as those with PVC or FEP insulation) inappropriate and potentially hazardous.

Their elevated safety performance and reduced environmental impact render them exceptionally suited to enclosed public spaces, substantial commercial edifices, and data centers where network reliability and human safety are of utmost priority. LSZH ethernet bulk cables are a conscientious commitment to safety and sustainability in densely populated or poorly ventilated constructions.

Common FAQs

What are Halogens?

Halogen elements constitute Group 17 of the periodic table and are comprised of fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At). These elements are characterized by their highly reactive nature due to their ability to gain an electron to achieve a stable noble gas electronic configuration. Halogens are excellent low-cost flame retardants, so sometimes halogenated flame retardants are added to cable polymers to reduce their flammability, the most common of which are PVC ethernet bulk cables.

Can LSZH Bulk Cables be Used Outdoors?

LSZH bulk cables are conventionally not recommended for use in outdoor environments. Since they are not UV-resistant, waterproof, and weatherproof. When exposed to sunlight, moisture, and extreme temp, LSZH cables will become brittle and will largely shorten their lifespan. If there are outdoor application requirements, you are recommended to choose outdoor-rated ethernet bulk cable jacketed with a double-layer PVC and LEDP.

What is the Difference Between LSZH Cables and LSF Cables?

The main differences between LSZH and low smoke and fume cables (LSF) are materials, safety performance, and cost. LSZH cables use a halogen-free sheath and will not release toxic gases when burned. LSF cables use a resistant coating and modified PVC that still contain halogen elements and release toxic gases when burned. So LSZH cables have better safety performance. Given all this, it is recommended that you choose the appropriate cable based on your actual needs.