Tycab Australia

Tycab Australia has been proudly supporting "Green Star" and other similar projects with a range of Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cables enabling adherence to the applicable safety and environmental standards. Tycab has been manufacturing Flexible Power LSZH cables for some time now, however it has now expanded to include cables such as Fire Alarm, Security, Data and Building (Twin & Earth).

What is LSZH?

Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) is a material classification typically used for cable jacketing in the wire and cable industry. LSZH cable jacketing is composed of thermoplastic or thermo set compounds that emit limited smoke and no halogens when exposed to high sources of heat (i.e. flames).

Important Features

• In the event of a fire break out, LSZH material does not transfer the fire to other areas. Polyethylene for example burns, endangers and can spread the fire.
• Smoke Generation - Black smoke is liberated from halogenated products e.g. PVC. This can interfere with evacuation as visibility is essential to find exits and for fire fighters to combat fire. LSZH on combustion burns with a "clear" smoke so exit visibility is not impaired.
• Toxicity - When PVC burns it liberates hydrochloric acid, this stings the skin and promotes evacuation. It also attacks and damages buildings and equipment. PVC also liberates amounts of carbon monoxide, this is odourless and a potentially silent killer. Importantly LSZH products do not liberate these gasses when burning.

So you now have the main features of LSZH materials:

• Does NOT propagate the fire;
• Does NOT generate black smoke to impair visibility;
• Does not liberate toxic gasses or hazardous acids.

Application areas are determined by risk evaluation. If you can readily and quickly exit, for example a car, LSZH is less of a requirement than say a plane where it is very difficult to avoid the effects of by products of a fire and so LSZH is a must.

Application areas are also determined by specification or regulation, e.g. Green Buildings.

Why Not Use Low Smoke Zero Halogen in all Areas?

The cost of LSZH materials can carry a hefty cost premium. PVC may also be a better choice in cases where there are no environmental or chemical influences.