LSZH Cable for Better Safety
Low Smoke Zero Halogen(LSZH) Cable refers to the sheathing material in the cable and insulation in wires. The LSZH material is made of a thermoplastic compound that emits limited smoke, no halogen as compared to normal cables. Besides, it will not produce any poisonous gases when exposed to fire.
In the event of a fire in a building, there is a danger of electric cables(non-LSZH cables) burning behind the wall for a long period of time. It then spreads from room to room emitting toxic gases and smoke. In such a scenario, getting out of the building becomes difficult. First of all, while the PVC cable is getting burned, it fills the rooms with thick black smoke making it almost impossible to find a way to the exit. In addition to smoke, poisonous halogen gases are also generated from burning PVC cables. This causes the occupants to lose consciousness and die even before the fire touches the body.
LSZH cables are desirable in such a situation because they reduce the amount of smoke and poisonous gases generated, which significantly improves the chance of safe escape for the inhabitants. Also, it makes firefighting operations easier as the firefighters can easily identify and reach the source of the fire.
Fine Aluminum Hydroxide/Fine ATH/Precipitated ATH is the most widely used flame-retardant filler in LSZH cables/HFFR(Halogen Free Flame Retardant) cables. Fine ATH releases water at the temperature of 200 degrees Celsius, which can reduce the density of smoke. Also, fine aluminum hydroxide does not release any toxic substances, it is safe for the human body. Fine aluminum hydroxide is also environmentally friendly, safe for disposal.
Fine ATH is also low cost, easy to use, high white, good mechanical properties for LSZH cable compounds.
For more details of how aluminum hydroxide works as a flame retardant in LSZH/HFFR Cables, please refer to the following article: