FiberStore LSZH Cable Solutions

The increasing demand of LSZH cables has been driven by published concerns for safety of humans and electronic circuits during fire, the protection of the ozone layer, non-toxic elements to water table and landfills when discarded, and an increase in requirements/specifications by the European and the International communities.
LSZH cables mean the insulation and jacket compound are free of halogenated materials like Fluorine(F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), Iodine (I) and Astatine (At), which are reported to be capable of being transformed into toxic and corrosive matter during combustion or decompositions in landfills.
During combustion, Low Smoke Halogen Free Cable produce low levels of halogen gases, which have a minimal effect on the human respiratory system when inhaled, as well as a low level of Hydrogen Chloride (HCl), which is non-damaging to electronic circuits or machinery. Also, a low level of white smoke is generated, improving visibility by increasing the chances of people to visually find their way out to safety during fire.
LSZH cables emit no more than 0.5% of Hydrogen Chloride (HCl)
10-25% considers irritant(HCl) >25% considers corrosive
Low Smoke Fume, or LSF, is another term used by certain manufacturers for LSZH cables, but there are no standards for LSF. This means manufacturers can label their products LSF as long as they give off reduced (HCl) emissions. LSF cable is, in fact, just reduced HCl emissions, giving off <15% (HCl).
FiberStore product line has been developed to address the industry's need for LSZH cable products that are UL listed, flexible, flame retardant and resistant to oil and sunlight. Our LSZH cables may be used and installed in places where safety, performance and concern for the environment are important.
LSZH Flame and Smoke Compliances
Vertical Tray Cable Flame Test, IEEE-383 (70,000 BTU) and CSA FT- 4 / IEEE 1202 flame test
Per UL-1685
IEC 60332-1 & -3 Cat. A: Flammability
IEC 61034-1 & 2 and MIL-DTL-24643B and NES 711 Smoke Index Emission
IEC 60754-1 & 2; MIL-DTL-24643B: Halogen Content and Acid Gas Generation
LSZH Versus PVC
PVC and LSZJ are very different. PVC patchcords are very soft. LSZH patchcords are more rigid because they contain the flame retardant compound, and they are aesthetically more pleasing.
A PVC (polyviny chloride) cable has a jacket that gives off heavy black smoke, hydrochloric acid, and other toxic gases when it burns.
Cost: LSZH components are slightly higher in cost than some PVC compounds, but it is the safety factors as they related to humans and electronic equipment as well as friendliness to the environment that should be considered when it comes to cost.
Flexibility: There is a limited range of compound flexibility available for LSZH compounds versus PVC so it not recommended for robotic or continuous flex applications.
Flame Retardant: There is a higher grade of flame-retardant PVC compounds available on the market like Plenum PVC because of the halogen additive in PVC like Chlorine and Bromine that are not allowed in LSZH compounds.
When selecting or designing a cable for any application, the operating environments where the cable will be used, whether extreme or not, must be considered along with availability, performance, and price, among other things. When the safety of humans and the environment is a consideration, along with high-performance and capability, then FiberStore LSZH cables are what you must specify!

What It Meaning by Cabling Management and Data Security Protection

When doing data cabling, it is necessary to make sure that all of the cables to be installed in its intended destination without damaging it or its data-carring capabilities. Most networking suppliers including fibre optic cable manufacturers provides many different cabling products protect cable. Cable management tools helps you cable plant looks good, and help you find the cables faster. There are three categories: physical protection, electrical protection and fire protection.
Physical protection
Cable can be fragile, easily cut, stretched and broken. Cable should be protected in ways of conduit, cable strays, standoffs and D-rings.
Conduit is the simplest form of cable protection which can a metal or plastic conduit to protect the cable as it travels through walls and ceilings. Conduit is a thin-walled plastic or metal pipe which is used in many commercial installations to contain electrical wires. When conduit is put in place, the individual cables are run inside it.
Cable trays is needed when the cable must be supported every 48” or 60” handing horizontally. It is installed in ceilings to prevents the cable from sagging and putting stress on the conductors inside. The horizontal cable from the telecommunications rooms that run to the individual telecommunications outlets are usually placed into this tray to support them as they run horizontally.
When terminating UTP wires for telephone applications in a telecommunications room, you will often see telephone wires run from a multipair cable to the 66-punch-down block. To be neat, the
individual conductors are run around the outside of the board that the punch-down blocks are mounted to (as show in Figure 13.11). To prevent damage to the individual conductors, they are bent around devices know as standoffs.
After the cables come out of the cable tray and enter the telecommunications room to be terminated, special metal rings called D-rings are needed to keep the individual cables in bundles and keep them close to the track. D-rings are also used on punch-down boards on the wall to manage cables, much in the same way stanoffs are. It is put in pace to support the individual cables, and the cable are run to the individual punch-down block on the wall.
Electrical protection
In addition to physical protection, electrical protection is also important during the designing and installing you cabling system. Electricity powers the network, switches, hubs, PCs and computer servers. Variations in power can cause problems ranging from having to reboot after a short loss of service to damaged equipment and data. A number of products-including surge protectors, standby power suppliers, uninterruptible power suppliers. And line conditioners are used to protect sensitive systems from the dangers of lighting strikes, uneven power, and accidental power disconnection.
Fire Protection
A few cabling-design concerns to prevent fire, smoke, or heat from damaging your cabling system, the premises on which they are installed and any occupants. Make sure you specify the proper flame rating for the cable according to the location in which it will be installed. The European market is demanding that cables used in LANs, WANs, etc. Meet LSZH specification. The IEC 60332-1 governs the Flame Retardant Grade specifications in reference to LSZH cables.
Another concern is the puncturing of fire barriers. In most residential and commercial buildings, firewalls are built specifically to stop the spread of a fiber within a building. Whenever there is an opening in a floor or ceiling that could possibly conduct fire, the opening is walled over with fire-related drywall to make a firewall that will prevent the spread of fire. In commercial buildings, cinder-block walls are often erected as firewalls between rooms.
After the proper cable management job done, data and cabling security protection is needed if your cable carry is sensitive and should not be view by just anyone. You may need to take extra steps when designing and installing your cabling system to ensure that the data stays when it belongs: Two ways to prevent data from being intercepted are EM (electromagnetic) transmission regulation and tapping prevention.
EM signal interception is the process of prevent the magnetic signals and turn them back into electrical signals that can be sent to another unwanted location. Susceptibility to EM signal
interception can be minimized by using shielded cables or by encasing all cabling runs from source to destination in a grounded metal conduit. These shielding methods reduce the amount of stray EM signals.
Tapping is the interception of LAN EM signals through listening devices placed around the cable. Some stapping devices are invasive and will actually puncture the outer jacket of a cable, or the insulation of individual wires, and touch the metal inner conductor to intercept all signals sent along that conductor. To prevent taps, the best course of action is to install the cables in metal conduit or to use interlocked armored cables. If it is practical. Grounding of the metal conduit will provide protection from both EM and invasive taps but not from taps at the cross connection.

What Should You Know about Low-Smoke Zero Halogen Cables

Halogen is a nonmetallic elements such as fluorine, chlorine, iodine or bromine. It is generally used as flame inhibitors in many plastics, including PVC that goes into cable insulation and electronic products. Halogens are a group of chemical elements including iodine, bromine, fluorine, astatine, and chlorine. When these elements are exposed to fire, they form hazardous gases which are harmful to harm the eyes, nose, lungs, and throat.
LSZH is a material category used to classify cable insulation. LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) cable insulation is made of materials designed to give of reduced smoke and no halogen when exposed to fire. When combined with other fire deterrents and control practices, Zero Halogen Cables can help reduce fire related casualties and property destruction. These cables will also don't give off hazardous gas/acids or toxic smoke when exposed to fire.
LSZH cables decrease the extent of smoke produced through fire and is normally used in inadequately ventilated areas, for instance, airplane and some areas that people may be affected by smoke and toxic fumes.
Beside the halogen free features, LSZH cable also has lighter weight, this is convenient especially if the cables are run overhead in a dropped ceiling. At the same time, the impact of halogen free cables will also be lower if there is a fire because there are fewer toxic chemicals involved.
Many different Fiber Optic Cable suppliers are now making low-smoke, zero-halogen cables. And it is currently widely used in Europe and elsewhere in the world contains halogens. The European market is demanding that cables used in LANs. WANs, etc. Meet LSZH specification. The IEC 60332-1 governs the Flame Retardant Grade specifications in reference to LSZH cable.
Essentially the compound used in manufacturing cables meeting the above specifications reduces the amount of dangerous/poisonous gases in case of fire. The main difference in specifications between IEC 60332-1 versus UL 5181, UL 1666 and UL 910 is that the cable under the IEC specifications continue to burn while still emitting very low gases. UL specs demand that the flame be extinguished, but it can still be emit poisonous/dangerous gases.
Most safety advocates are calling for the used of LSZH cables, especially for the plenum space. Review your local building codes to determine if you must use LSZH cable. Non-LSZH cables will produce corrosive acids if they are exposed to water when burned; such acids may theoretically further endanger equipment.

Why do We Run LSZH Cable?

If you have concerns on why do we have to run LSZH cables in some special networking cabling environment, FiberStore editor here is pleased to make it all a little clearer. In this article, we'll explain a little abut what halogens are, what’s the difference between PVC and LSZH cable, and why do we have to run the LSZH cables.
What halogens are?
A halogen is a nonmetallic element, such as fluorine, chlorine, iodine, or bromine. When exposed to flames, substances made with halogens give off toxic fumes that quickly harm the eyes, nose, lungs, and throat. Did you notice tsat fluorine and chlorine are commonly found in cable insulation and jackets? Even when cables are designed to be flame-resistant, any cable when exposed to high enough temperatures will melt and burn. PVC cables contain chlorine, which emits toxic fumes when burned.
What's the difference between PVC and LSZH cable?
We know, much of the cable currently in use in the United States and elsewhere in the world contains halogens. The European market is demanding that cables used in LANs, WANs, etc. Meet LSZH specification. The IEC 60332-1 governs the Flame Retardant Grade specifications in reference to LSZH cable.
Essentially the compound used in manufacturing cables meeting the above specifications reduces the amount of dangerous/poisonous gases in case of fire. The main difference in specifications between IEC 60332-1 versus UL 5181, UL 1666 and UL 910 is that the cable under the IEC specifications continue to burn while still emitting very low gases. The UL specs demand that the flame be extinguished, but it can still be emit poisonous/dangerous gases.
A PVC cable is made of polyvinyl chloride. It has a jacked that gives off heavy smoke, hydrochloric acid, and other toxic gases when it burns. Low smoke zero halogen cable has a flame-resistant jacket that doesn't emit toxic fumes even if it burns. PVC patch cords are soft, while LSZH patch cords are more rigid because they contain the flame retardant compound, and they are aesthetically more pleasing.
Many different fibre optic cable manufacturers are now making low-smoke, zero-halogen (LSZH or LS0H) cables.
These cables are designed to emit no toxic fumes and produce little or no smoke when exposed to flames. Tunnels, enclosed rooms, aircraft, and other minimum-ventilation areas are prime spots for the use of LSZH cables because those areas are more difficult to escape from quickly.
Why do we have to run the LSZH cable?
LSZH cables are popular outside the United States. Some safety advocates are calling for the use of LSZH cables in the United States, specifically for the plenum space. Review your local building codes to determine if you must use LSZH cable. Non-LSZH cables will produce corrosive acids if they are exposed to water (such as from a sprinkler system) when burned; such acids may theoretically further endanger equipment. But many opponents of LSZH cable reason that if an area of the building is on fire, the equipment will be damaged by flames before it is damaged by corrosives from a burning cable.
Why, you might ask, would anyone in his or her right mind argue against the installation of LSZH cables everywhere? First, reducing toxic fumes doesn’t necessarily mean the cable is more
fireproof.
The flame-spread properties are worse than for cables in use today. Numerous studies by Bell Labs showed that cables composed of LSZH will not pass the plenum test, not because of smoke generation but because of flame spread. Most Low Smoke cables designs will only pass the riser test where the allowable flame spread is greater. Second, consider practicality. LSZH is an expensive solution to a problem that doesn’t seem to really exist in the United States.

FiberStore Launches New LSZH Fiber Optic Cable Series

FiberStore is introducing new families of Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cables. LSZH cable is constructed utilizing the superior design and engineering standards to fit for aerial, direct buried, duct, general purpose horizontal, vertical riser applications.
"For work spaces with strict environment or safety regulations or where ventilation is a concern, FiberStore's LSZH cables provides a solution that supports both compliance to strict NFPA 70guidelines as well as greatly reduces potentially toxic emissions when subjected to high heat or flame conditions," stated Wilson John, commercial manager for bulk fiber cable at FiberStore

LSZH Loose Tube Cables
LSZH Loose Tube Cables are double-Jacket wich are designed for industrial building backbones and harsh environments atyptial of traditional datacom system. With two durable LSZH jackets, these cables are ideal for applications requiring the added mechanical and environmental protection. Double Jacket combines flexibility with extra mechanical protection for a durable, reliable cabling solution that is easy to handle and install. Due to halogens in the jacket compound, these cables pose little risk in the controlled and protected environment of typical building air spaces, such as behind walls, under floors and in conduit.
LSZH cable with Metal Strength member FTTH Cable
LSZH metal strength menber FTTH cable include FTTH indoor cable, drop cable and armored duct cables.
Armored Duct cables are designed for use in direct installation in villas and multi dwelling units. With two parallel Metal strength members ensure good performance of crush resistance to protect the fiber.There was a layer of skin resistance hose and a layer of aluminum tape armored, let the cable can adapt to all kinds of bad environment and artificial damage.
FTTH Drop Cables with two parallel metal strength members ensure good performance of crush resistance to protect the fiber. A steel wire as the additional strength member is also applied to ensure good performance of tensile strength. The LSZH sheathed with high flame resistance enables the FTTH drop cable can operate in high-temperature. This cables is mainly designed for indoor riser level and plenum level cable distribution and between instruments, communciation equipments.
FTTH indoor cables with LSZH jacket are novel flute design with metal strength member. this cable is suitable for indoor and outdoor along the wall, roof, sandwich and duct connected directly cloth fiber optic cable to standard and solid structure design produce communication equipment tail fiber and activity connecting line can be applied directly to the connection between the equipment.
LSZH cable with FRP & KFRP Strength member FTTH Cables
Low smock zero halogen cables FRP & KFRP Strength member FTTH cables also include FTTH indoor, drop, and armored duct types.FTTH indoor cables with LSZH jacket are designed for use in horizontal, vertical, and corner cabling. With two parallel FRP & KFRP strength members to ensure good performance of crush resistance and protect the fiber. Its special low-bend-sensitivity fibers provide high bandwith and excellent communciation transission property.
LSZH Armored FTTH duct cable are designed for use in direct installation in villas and multi dwelling units. There are a layer of skiin resistance hose land a lay of alluminum tape armored, let the cable can adapt to all kinds of bad environment and artifical damage. Two sheath of the cables will protect the FTTH duct cables from Rat bit and other damage.
FTTH drop cable with FRP & KFRP stength member is optical communication unit in the center, which can realized the telephone, data, cable TV's combinatiion of three nets and video monitoring. With small diameter, water-resistant, soft and bendable featuers, the cable is suitable for plenum level cable distributin and indoor riser levels as well as installations between instruments and communications equipments.
Besides, FiberStore also provides single mode gel-filled ribbon LSZH indoor/outdoor riser cables. These cables can maximized the use of criticl dust space with excellent installtion results as their smallest and lightes standard. The precise fiber and ribbon geometries result in excellent mass splicing yields. Cables are available in preconnectiorized assemblies which made easy field installation and reduced labor costs.
All of FiberStore low smoke halogen free cables sare customizable with options of different jacket & fiber colors, fiber counts, sheath materials and cables length. Fore more informations about Fiberstore LSZH fiber optic cable and other, please visit fiberstore.com
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What is Low Smoke Zero Halogen & LSZH Cable?

What exactly LSZH is?
Low Smoke Zero Halogen cable can be called LSF (low smoke and fume), LSHF (low smoke halogen free), and LS0H (low smoke zero halogen). LSZH cable, which is short for Low smoke zero halogen cable, refer to using compounds in the cable jacking manufacturing process that are halogen free and flame retardant. This type of jacket material has excellent fire safety characteristics of low smoke, low toxicity and low corrosion. LSZH cable is widely used in applications where people are present in poorly ventilated or confined spaces, like airplanes, rail cars, or offshore marine platforms.

Features of LSZH cable:
Halogen Free
Materials that contain halogens emit potentially harmful gases like chlorine, fluorine and bromine when burned, that makes halogens the main concern for the wire and cable industry. Harmful gases emit by halogen material are extremely damaging to the human respiratory system and can even corroded nearby equipment. PVC wire and cable has a huge amount of halogens in it. However, Halogen free cables, like LSZH cables, is mad up of a compound called polypropylene, will not produce a toxic gases during combustion.
Low Smoke
As we know, smoke inhalation is the main cause of death related to fires. Smoke inhalation occurs when products of combustion are breath in during a fire. Damages to the body are by simple asphyxiation (lack of oxygen), chemical irritation, chemical asphyxiation or a combination of all these. Because LSZH cables are low-smoke, people can make a quicker and easier escape in the event of a fire. There is far less smoke to limit their ability to see and breathe, allowing them to get out with less trouble.
Easy Jacket Cracking
Although LSZH cables have some important benefits, there is a still a shortcoming – easy jacket creaking. A qualified LSZH cable must have a high percentage of filler material. This means that the jacket will likely be less chemical and water-resistant and have poorer mechanical and electrical properties than a non-LSZH cable jackets. This makes LSZH cable more likely to experience jacket cracking during installation. However, special lubricants used for them will avoid the damage.

Pros and Cons of LSZH cable:
Pros：
1. LSZH produces less smoke when burned which allows more escape chances.
2. Less damage and less corrosion damage is done to the respiratory and nearby equipment in the fire because of little or no halogen gas released.
3. The jacket of LSZH cable has a lower coefficient of friction making installation easier.
Cons：
1. SZH is more susceptible to jacket cracking. Special lubricants are needed to minimize damage during installation.
2. LSZH jacket has a high filler content, around 50% to provide the required flame and smoke performance, which would results in a lower mechanical, chemical resistance, water absorption and electrical properties than non LSZH compounds.
3. The current generation of LSZH cables has not yet established a proven history of long time performance.