Low Smoke, Zero Halogen (LSZH) 15kV Shielded Cables

An LSZH jacket is designed to produce lower levels of smoke and halogen-containing gases when exposed to fire compared with conventional halogenated jacket materials.

This characteristic can be important when cable is specified for environments where smoke density and corrosive combustion products are particular concerns. The LSZH jacket is therefore a material-selection consideration separate from the cable's 15kV electrical rating. The complete cable construction must still meet the electrical, mechanical, environmental, and installation requirements of the project.

LSZH 15kV cable may be considered for facilities where limiting smoke and halogen-containing combustion products is part of the project specification or fire-safety design.

These requirements may arise in enclosed or occupied environments, transportation or infrastructure projects, industrial facilities, and other installations where the behavior of cable materials during a fire receives additional consideration. LSZH should not be selected solely because it is described as low smoke. The project's applicable codes, specifications, installation conditions, and required cable ratings should determine whether this construction is appropriate.

No. Low Smoke Zero Halogen describes characteristics of the cable's materials during combustion and does not mean the cable is noncombustible or fireproof.

This distinction is important when evaluating LSZH cable. The designation relates primarily to smoke and halogen emissions rather than guaranteeing that the cable cannot ignite or propagate flame. Required flame-performance ratings should be evaluated separately according to the specifications and standards governing the installation.

A 133% insulation level provides additional insulation thickness for systems where ground-fault clearing conditions or system design call for that insulation category.

Insulation level is not simply another way of stating the cable's voltage rating. A 15kV cable can be manufactured with different insulation levels depending on the electrical system and grounding arrangement. This cable uses 220 mil EPR insulation at the 133% level, so system grounding and fault-clearing requirements should be reviewed when determining whether it matches the project specification.

Termination selection should be based on the complete cable construction and dimensions, not simply on the LSZH designation.

For this cable, termination planning should account for its 15kV voltage class, EPR insulation, insulation diameter, copper tape shield, conductor size, and other dimensional requirements. The LSZH outer jacket must also be handled appropriately during cable preparation. Termination and accessory compatibility should therefore be confirmed against the specific cable and equipment requirements rather than assuming that accessories intended for another 15kV construction will automatically be suitable.