FAQs

What are Halogen-Free Cables?

What are halogens, and what are LSF materials emit some black smoke and toxins, but the levels for
the concerns about their usage? each are well below those of standard wires and cables. They are
Halogens are a group of elements that include fluorine, chlorine, not 100% halogen free, nor are they flame-retardant.
iodine, and bromine. They’re all volatile materials that are highly
FRNC cables provide the highest level of protection, with very
reactive to other substances. For years, halogens have been
little smoke production and tiny amounts of toxic gases. They are
used in cables for various reasons, including low cost and high
self-extinguishing, so they help prevent the spread of flames. The
heat resistance.
downside is that they have higher costs than the alternatives.
However, the volatility of these materials can cause serious
problems. Specifically, when halogens are burned, they generate Are there industry standards
significant amounts of toxic smoke. During a fire, corrosive gases for this type of cable?
that include hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acid can occur. The Underwriters Laboratory offers certification for halogen-free and
combination of dark smoke and toxic chemicals have caused a low-smoke cables. UL also requires specific markings for halogen-
number of deaths when fires hit subway tunnels and other areas free and low-smoke halogen-free cables so it’s easy to identify them.
with limited airflow, such as aircraft cabins. Many users are now The UL certification is based on the IEC 6281 standard, which sets
shifting to halogen-free cables to avoid these problems. all of the requirements for halogen-free, low-smoke thermoplastic
insulated and sheathed cables of rated voltages up to and including
What industries are adopting 450/750 volts.
halogen-free cables?
Any markets where smoke caused by burning halogens is an issue.
Transportation, military systems and public buildings are among
the main fields that are adopting halogen-free cables. Any area
where people are in confined spaces, for example in submarines
or train cars, is a prime candidate for using halogen-free cables. As
more buyers and engineers understand the benefits of these cables,
the applications are likely to rise in any areas where large numbers
of people gather. First responders are increasingly encouraging
companies to use low-smoke products.

Are there alternatives that also

offer low-smoke performance?
There are a few different options for those looking for low-smoke
cables. They’re often divided into three categories: Low Smoke, Zero
Halogen (LSZH); Low Smoke and Fume (LSF); and Flame Retardant
and Noncorrosive (FRNC).

LSZH cables don’t generate toxic gases and they burn with only a
small amount of clear smoke, which is preferable to the dark smoke
of halogens. Their downside is that they’re not flame retardant.

Sponsored by
The European Standard DIN EN 45545-2 now sets the
requirements regarding fire protection in rail vehicles.
It mandates that all cables must be halogen-free,
flame-retardant, and self-extinguishing, and will not
contribute to fire propagation.

Can halogen-free cables meet other

environmental requirements such as
temperature and flexibility?
Safety in fires is the first parameter examined by
those who adopt halogen-free cables, but it’s far from With products in almost every industry and over 70
the last. These cables can meet the strict demands years of experience, SAB is a leader in innova�on
of aircraft, military, and industrial environments. and customer sa�sfac�on. If you can’t find exactly
Halogen-free materials are rugged enough to meet
nautical requirements for reeling applications, which
what you are looking for, let us create it for you.
test resistance to corrosive salts, temperature changes
and constant mechanical stresses. 70 years in business doens’t come from ordinary
cables, it comes from the best cables.
Many versions are heat resistant up to +90°C, with
options as high as 180°C. They can also withstand
temperatures down to −40°C (−40 F).

There are halogen-free and low-smoke cables that can

provide enhanced flexibility. They can withstand the
constant movement on rugged machines like portable
cranes or in train doorway systems that open and close
several times per hour. Electromagnetic interference
(EMI) performance can also be met while maintaining
low-smoke and halogen-free characteristics.

Can halogen-free cables handle

a range of wiring functions?
Absolutely. Twisted pair cables are available for CAT
5e, CAT 6, CAT 6A, and CAT 7A applications, handling
the speed requirements and tough environmental
standards set for European trains.

Halogen-free cables also perform well in control

and connection applications like assembly lines
and control panels for tool-working machines. Data
cables can handle a broad range of signal transmission
technologies as well as handling measurement and
control signals, to name a few. Cables can also meet
the power requirements of many industries. Their
versatility is further highlighted by the availability of
cables with colored cores. Basically, there aren’t many
cabling requirements that can’t be met by low-smoke
halogen-free products.

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