Does LSZH contain PVC?
Emily Wilson
Updated on March 17, 2026
Does LSZH contain PVC?
What’s the difference between PVC and LSZH cables 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.
Is halogen free cable low smoke?
Unlike PVC cables and those made of other compounds which produce vast amounts of dense black smoke, toxic fumes and acid gas when exposed to fire, LSZH cables produce very low levels of smoke and toxic fume and no acid gases.
Is LSZH flame retardant?
Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cable has a flame-resistant jacket that doesn’t emit toxic fumes even if it burns. LSZH cables usually cost more than the equivalent PVC cable, and certain types are less flexible.
What is LSZH material?
Low-Smoke Zero-Halogen (LSZH or LSOH) is a type of plastic used in the wire and cable industry for cable jacketing. Low-smoke zero-halogen material is becoming very popular, and can be required when the safety of people and equipment is critical.
Is PVC cable halogen-free?
The halogen-free material is a material that does not contain a group of halogen elements (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astat). PVC or polyvinyl chloride is not a halogen-free material because it contains chlorine.
What is halogen-free cable?
Halogen-free cables are cables whose materials are not processed with the elements of the halogen group. As non-conductors, halogens such as chlorine are excellent insulators and are therefore often used as jacket material for cables. The most common example of this is polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Is PVC low-smoke?
The term “low-smoke, zero-halogen” describes two distinct properties of a cable compound. 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.
Should I use low-smoke cable?
The use of LSOH cables is not a requirement of BS 7671 in domestic or Non-domestic buildings at present. The use of these cables is often subject to specification requirements rather than regulation. Regulations, however, may soon require such cables when installed in escape routes in certain buildings.
Is PVC low smoke?
What is low smoke wire?
Low smoke cable/wire, also called limited smoke cable, refers to cables where the cable jacketing and insulation is made with materials that produce no or only small amounts of smoke when exposed to fire or high temperatures. These low smoke cables are used when halogen considerations are minimal.
Should I use low smoke cable?
Why is smoke cable low?
When burned, a low-smoke zero halogen cable emits a less optically dense smoke that releases at a lower rate. During a fire, a low-smoke cable is desirable because it reduces the amount and density of the smoke, which makes exiting a space easier for occupants as well as increases the safety of firefighting operations.
What is low smoke zero halogen cabling?
Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cabling is considered a safer choice, due to its lack of halogen content, over the more common option of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cables. Although the use of PVC cables is prevalent in the electrical industry, there is increasing pressure to move away from PVC, in favour of LSZH cabling.
What is the best material for low smoke cable?
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.
What is the UL 360 standard for low smoke zero halogen?
The construction shall be in accordance with the UL 360 Standard. The Low Smoke Zero Halogen designation shall be based upon testing to ASTM® 162 – Flame Spread Index, ASTM® E662 – Smoke Density Generation and Bombardier SMP–800C – Toxic Gas Generation.
What is ltlsoh cable jacketing?
LSOH cable jacketing is custom compounded to produce minimal smoke and low toxicity when exposed to fire. Most network cables (CAT5, CAT6, etc.) are insulated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, or thermoplastic urethane (TPU).