LSF vs LSZH vs PVC: What are the differences?

When it comes to electrical wiring solutions, the choice of materials is crucial to ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance with regulations. 

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And three common types of electrical cable sheathing materials often come into consideration: LSF (Low Smoke and Fume), LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen), and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). 

Each has its unique characteristics, and understanding the differences is vital for making informed decisions in electrical installations.

Thus, in this blog, we have discussed these three materials to help you make a more informed choice. 

So, read on to find out more.

LSF (Low Smoke and Fume)

LSF cables are designed to emit minimal smoke and low levels of toxic fumes in the event of a fire. This characteristic is particularly important in confined spaces where the build-up of smoke can pose serious risks to human health. 

LSF cables are often used in public buildings, transportation systems, and enclosed spaces where the evacuation of occupants is a primary concern.

One significant advantage of LSF cables is their compliance with stringent fire safety regulations. When these cables are exposed to flames, they produce less smoke, aiding visibility during emergency situations. Additionally, the reduced emission of toxic fumes is beneficial for preventing respiratory hazards and minimizing damage to sensitive electronic equipment.

Despite their fire safety benefits, LSF cables may have limitations in terms of mechanical strength and flexibility compared to other materials. Therefore, it&#;s essential to consider the specific requirements of the installation when opting for LSF cables.

LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen)

LSZH cables take fire safety a step further by not only minimizing smoke but also eliminating halogen emissions during combustion.

Halogens, such as chlorine and fluorine, can produce corrosive and toxic gases when exposed to fire, posing additional risks to both people and equipment.

LSZH cables are a preferred choice in environments where the presence of corrosive gases can cause damage to electronic components or where the release of toxic fumes could be harmful. 

Common applications include data centers, industrial settings, and areas with a high concentration of people.

While LSZH cables offer superior fire safety features, they may come at a higher cost compared to other alternatives.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC remains a widely used material for cable sheathing due to its cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and ease of installation. 

However, unlike LSF and LSZH cables, PVC cables are not designed with a primary focus on low smoke or zero halogen emissions in the event of a fire.

PVC cables are commonly employed in less critical applications where stringent fire safety regulations may not be a primary concern. These cables are often found in residential wiring, general-purpose electrical installations, and environments where the release of smoke and toxic fumes does not pose significant risks.

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However,  PVC emits dense smoke and toxic gases when exposed to fire. Thus, it may not be suitable for applications where fire safety is a top priority.

LSF vs LSZH vs PVC Key Differences

CharacteristicLSF (Low Smoke and Fume)LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen)PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)Fire SafetyMinimizes smoke and toxic fumesMinimizes smoke; zero halogenEmits dense smoke and toxic gasesApplicationPublic buildings, transportationData centers, industrial settingsResidential, general-purposeEnvironmental ImpactLowLowHigher (emits halogens)CostModerate to highHigherLow to moderateMechanical StrengthMay have limitationsGenerally goodFlexible and easy to installCompliance with RegulationsMeets stringent fire safety regsCompliant with strict safety normsMay not meet high safety standardsCommon UsesEnclosed spaces, evacuation areasCritical environments, populated areasGeneral-purpose applications

Final thoughts

The choice between LSF, LSZH, and PVC for electrical wiring solutions depends on various factors, including the specific application, regulatory requirements, and budget constraints. 

LSF and LSZH cables & conduits prioritize fire safety by minimizing smoke and toxic emissions, making them ideal for environments where human safety is a paramount concern.

GreenBuild Supply is your number one destination for LSZH cable management solutions in Australia. Contact us today for more information, and how we can help you with your electrical wiring needs. 

There has been a shift in recent years to using newly developed compounds that emit less harmful gases, particularly halogens. The term &#;Low-Smoke Zero Halogen&#; describes two distinct properties of a compound.

The term &#;low- smoke&#; describes the amount of smoke that a compound emits when burned, while &#;zero-halogen&#; describes the number of halogens used to make the compound.

A product can be low-smoke but not zero-halogen or be zero-halogen but not low-smoke. However, these terms have typically been used together because the end-user is interested in cables with both properties.

Increasingly used in public and government buildings and where there is sensitive electronic equipment (i.e. Hospitals, Supermarkets, Airports, Control Rooms & Computer Suites) Low Smoke, Zero Halogen cables are designed for increased safety in the case of a fire, providing:

• Reduction in hazardous fumes which can cause injury when inhaled
• Reduction in corrosive chemicals which can cause damage to electronics

The European market is demanding that cables used in LANs, WANs, etc. meet LSZH specifications.

Historically, most cables used in installations have been insulated with PVC or similar materials.  In fires, these insulation materials release chlorine gas.  Chlorine is a poisonous gas and a danger to people.  In addition, it forms hydrochloric acid when coming into contact with water.  Hydrochloric acid can have devastating effects on adjacent equipment.

To overcome the problems associated with the release of chlorine gas, halogen-free cables are used.  Typically, a halogen-free cable is made of polypropylene, which does not produce a dangerous gas or acid in fire conditions.

Cables intended to fulfil this type of function are often referred to as one of the following:

• LSZH &#; Low Smoke Zero Halogen
• LSOH &#; Low Smoke Zero Halogen
• LSF &#; Low Smoke and Fume
• OHLS &#; Zero Halogen Low Smoke

Both LSZH and LSF are used to limit smoke, fumes, and halogen given off in fire conditions, however, the challenge for buyers is there are no specific standards for LSF cables

In the event of a fire, both types will emit very low levels of smoke. LSF cable will emit toxic gases while LSZH will limit the emission of these (typically under 0.5% hydrogen chloride emission). In addition to being toxic, hydrogen chloride is corrosive to equipment. The use of LSZH cables protects both people and limits the amount of equipment damage during a fire situation.

LSF is often a modified PCV with hydrogen chloride additives and while performing better than PVC will give off more smoke and fumes than LSZH. Hydrogen chloride emissions of LSF cable may reach up to 18%

Compared with normal PVC cables and LSF, Low Smoke Zero Halogen cables have better fire-retardant properties, low toxic and corrosive gas emissions, and low smoke emission.

Along with being LSZH, the Silver Fox Fox-Flo® Tie-on cable labels are extensively tested and meet London Underground Limited Standard LUL1-085

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