Major Grades of LSZH Compounds Used for Cable Jacketing

We often hear about so many fire incidents taking place in homes, industrial units, and various other commercial establishments due to the short circuit of the substandard electric wires and cables. The primary reason behind these short circuits is the deterioration of the insulation of electric conductors. Under this condition, all types of electric wires and cables need to be replaced immediately with the high-quality wires manufactured through the process of LSZH cable extrusion. 

 

Insulation is considered to be the heart of wires and cables

 

Many times, it has also been observed and noticed that even new wires and cables might have substandard insulation on them, eventually shortening their life span. So, it is the duty of all concerned to make sure that the wires and cables they are going to install in their establishments are well insulated. The manufacturing of high-quality cables to a large extent depends on the quality of equipment used and the manufacturer’s expertise as well.

 

Insulation is considered to be the heart of all wires and cables, and the highest quality insulation is carried out using the right extrusion technologies such as LSZH cable extrusion and HFFR cable extrusion.

 

Low smoke zero halogen or low smoke-free halogen

 

Low smoke zero halogen or low smoke-free halogen (LSZH or LSOH or LS0H or LSFH or OHLS or ZHFR) is a classification of materials that are extensively used for an effective and efficient jacketing of wires and cables used across applications both in residential and commercial settings. As far as LSZH cable jacketing is concerned, it majorly contains either thermoplastic or thermoset compounds that release a very low amount of fatal smoke with almost no halogen when under exposure to high heat or temperature sources. 

 

This innovative jacketing is carried out making use of technologies such as LSZH cable extrusion and HFFR cable extrusion. 

 

Major grades of LSZH compounds

 

There are mainly two grades of LSZH compounds used across the globe for an effective and efficient jacketing of wires and cables either through LSZH cable extrusion and HFFR cable extrusion:

 

1. Extrusion grade

 

By utilizing some very special grades of metal hydroxide and the combination of some standalone resins, manufacturers across the country and the world are manufacturing the series of very flexible zero halogen compounds. These compounds feature a -50C to 90C+ continued use temperature or heat exposure rating, with so many other physical as well as processing characteristics. LSZH cable extrusion is the most preferred method to carry out jacketing using this material. 

 

2. Molding grades

 

Some manufacturers also develop a high-grade FR intumescent compound making use of phosphorus-nitrogen chemistry. These compounds feature UL 94 VO rating down to 40-45 mils. These compounds are well-known to offer good thermal stability and low moisture sensitivity.

 

Concluding Remarks

 

Supermac Industries (India) Limited has been a technological leader in the manufacturing of extrusion machines since 1974. The company manufactures and supplies LSZH cable extrusion and HFFR cable extrusion for its national and global customers. The company’s team of experienced engineers is adept at handling commissioning and installation tasks of varying complexities.