+64 (0) 4 471 2836Low Smoke Zero Halogen / LSZH
Nedax leading the way in LSZH Security and UTP Cabling
Nedax from January 2024 will be using custom made LSZH (Low Smoke Xero Halogen) and comply with IEC 60332-1 Cabling on all security and data deployments and retire use of PVC sheathed cabling.
This includes security cabling (4 core / 0.44) (8 core / 0.44) and (1.84mmTwin) and Data cabling Cat 6; Cat6A and patch leads
Many industries have seen an increasing demand for Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cables. Main driver of this change at Nedax is the concerns for the safety of people and electronic circuits during fire. Environmental protection and an increase in requirements / specifications from local and international communities has also heightened the demand for LSZH cables.
WHAT IS LSZH?
LSZH stands for Low Smoke Zero Halogen. It refers to a group of jacket and insulation compounds that do not contain halogens within their chemical makeup. The terms LSOH, HFFR (Halogen Free Fire Retardant) and NHFR (Non Halogenated Fire Retardant) are often used interchangeably.
WHAT ARE HALOGENS?
Halogens are a group of elements that are characterized by being 1 electron short of forming a stable molecule, as a result they are highly reactive and will combine with other elements in order to gain this missing electron. Halogens react with metals to form salts, common table salt is a mixture of the halogen chlorine and the metal sodium. When mixed with water, free hydrogen in water will combine with halogens to make acids. One of the most common acids being Hydrochloric acid which is a mixture of hydrogen and chlorine. Halogens can also mix with hydrogen (present in water) to create an acid. Hydrochloric acid used to acid etch concrete is a mixture of hydrogen and chlorine.
WHY ARE HALOGENS USED FOR FLAME RETARDANCY?
Within some polymers, the introduction of a Halogen atom can produce a flame retardant capability. Poly-Vinyl-Chloride (PVC) is a common example and contains chlorine. When burned the chlorine is released and displaces oxygen from the flame thus helping to smother out the fire. Some flame retardant polyethylenes have bromine, another halogen, added in order to assist with flame retardancy.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING LSZH CABLE?
LSZH compounds contain no halogens and instead rely on releasing water or other non-toxic compounds in order to put out a flame. As a result, they are safer for both people and the environment.
WHERE ARE LSZH CABLES PREDOMINANTLY USED?
LSZH cables can be used anywhere a normal cable can be used. Typically they are of greater benefit in indoor or restricted spaces where their low toxicity in a fire is a great benefit. This means that they often find use in tunnels, offices, exchanges and datacentres.
CAN I STILL ACHIEVE MY GREEN STAR CREDITS WITH LSZH?
Yes, LSZH cables are suitable for Green Star applications. LSZH cabling is the safest choice for plenum use and any other applications in which smoke is likely to both build up and come into contact with people, since no harmful toxins are actually released. In line with our commitment to sustainability and reducing their impact on the earth, Madison Express offers Low Smoke Zero Halogen cables by Garland as an extension to their environmentally friendly Green Star rated range.
"I have seen a relentless drive for innovation and
an unwavering focus on delivering a first-class
solution for the client. Nedax sets a tremendously
high standard – I would recommend a site visit
to one of their installations to see first hand the
quality of the workmanship."
gallagher group ltd, lower north island
Examples of Our Innovation
PwC
Wellington CBD
“Nedax is a one-stop-shop. The solutions are user-friendly and reliable. They also took us through the system step-by-step and explained it all in a way we could understand on a personal level. They are great in terms of their response time, and their staff are really friendly and knowledgeable. Overall, it’s a very positive relationship.” PwC Facilities