There are many terms
used to describe a cables behavior during a fire. Most deal with
the level of smoke and poisonous fumes given off. Unfortunately
there is a lot of confusion in the market. As a rough guide LSF
cables (Low Smoke & Fume) are sometimes no more than modified
PVC giving off anything up to 18% HCl emissions! Cables that give
off below 0.5% of HCl are classed as Low Smoke Halogen Free (LSHF),
Low Smoke Zero halogen (LSZH) etc. |
Other points to be
aware of: Cables with PVC insulation will give off halogens - It
is pointless to pay for a LSF or LSHF sheath and have PVC cores,
they will emit poisonous gases during a fire. Also don't waste money
on over sheathing PVC cable with LSHF compounds, these cables are
potential death traps. At FSC our LSHF cables are Low Smoke
Halogen Free throughout. Of the very few LSF cables we sell, these
should be viewed as slightly better than PVC in the event of a fire. |
