Panel wires are a mainstay and key component of any industrial control panel. Here, Clynder Cables talks to PEW about its Low Smoke Zero Halogen panel wires that provide a number of safety benefits in fire situations.
Low Smoke Zero Halogen panel wires (LSZH) can be used in electrical cabinets, switch control, relay and instrumentation panels of power switchgear and are a frequently sought-after industrial component.
With ever increasing awareness of fire situations and how components react in them, recent trends show a move in the market towards LSZH panel wires.
In a fire situation, LSZH cables produce extremely low levels of smoke and toxic fumes with zero acidic gases. This is unlike PVC cables which can produce large amounts of smoke and toxic fumes when subjected to fire. This means increased visibility and reduced air toxicity, leading to faster evacuation of a building and reduced danger from smoke inhalation. Therefore, these cables are often specified for equipment installed in public buildings such as hospitals and schools as well as government and commercial buildings.
The wire of choice
2491B / 6701B cables (also known as H05Z-K & H07Z-K under the harmonised codes) are a BASEC approved panel wire and considered a suitable LSZH alternative to PVC panel wires. They are also sometimes referred to as LSOH cable or LSHF (Low Smoke Halogen Free) cable.
Clynder Cables keeps a full range of stock of 2491B / 6701B from 0.75mm² up to 10mm². These cables are available off the shelf in a wide range of colours for next day delivery. Other sizes and non-standard colours can be manufactured to short lead times.
Clynder Cables’ products are all UK-manufactured and well known for their colour consistency and uncompromising quality.
The Clynder Cables brand has wide market recognition, and the company is an approved supplier to some of the most prestigious names in the UK and Irish Electrical Wholesale and Distribution industries.
LSZH vs LSF Cables
When it comes to fire safety, some installers enquire after LSF cables. There is a common misconception that Low Smoke and Fume (LSF) cables and LSZH cables are one and the same. This is completely incorrect and any confusion between the two could be life-threatening in the event of a fire. As a wholesaler it is important that you know the difference between the two when helping your customer make an informed decision.
LSF cables are manufactured using PVC compounds. When cables are labelled as “Low Smoke and Fume” or “LSF”, it means that the manufacturer has modified the compound with a number of additives in order to reduce smoke and HCl emissions. This however does not eliminate them.
While Low Smoke Zero Halogen Cables are subject to strict standards, LSF cables have no standards covering them. In consequence, LSF cables have been found to emit HCl levels in excess of 20% when subjected to fire.
It is always important to make clear these distinctions when you are advising your customer on the best and most suitable cables that are applicable for the job.
“There is a common misconception that Low Smoke and Fume (LSF) cables and LSZH cables are one and the same. This is completely incorrect and any confusion between the two could be life-threatening in the event of a fire.”
For more information, please visit: https://clyndercables.co.uk/ , or call: 0161 629 9333 or e-mail: sales@clyndercables.co.uk
