What’s the difference between PVC and LSZH cable?

PVC and LSZH are different in a number of ways, with the most notable being in terms of toxicity. PVC releases smoke, hydrochloric acid, and other toxic gases when burned whereas LSZH won't emit toxic fumes even if it burns. LSZH cables are often used in public or poorly ventilated areas because of the benefits they provide.

• Flexibility: PVC cable is softer than LSZH cables.
• Appearance: PVC cable has a shiny surface, while LSZH is a matt surface.

What are the ratings of PVC cables, and what is their standard?

The burning specifications for PVC are UL 1685, UL 1666, and UL 910. The UL spec requires the flame to be extinguished but the fumes coming from it are still toxic. The fire ratings are divided into several categories in NEC, National Electrical Code, and we’ll mainly focus on CMP, CMR, and CM since they’re the basic fire rating categories.

CM cable (Communication Multipurpose), is Equivalent to CMG- General purpose. The CM cable is for commercial applications, CM-level cables are suitable for connections from work station to the wall outlet. Most commonly used in homes or offices, or single-story buildings, and this cable will emit toxic fumes when it’s burnt.

CMR (Communication Multipurpose Cable, Riser), Riser cables are suitable for use in walls and are laid vertically between floors of multistory buildings. Riser cable limits the ability of the cable to carry flames. But if the cable really burns, the smoke and fumes produced are toxic.

CMP (Communication Multipurpose Cable, Plenum), CMP Cables are installed in the plenum area above a drop ceiling or below a raiser floor, It’s the best fire-rated cable, is slower to burn, and produces less smoke and fumes, it emits little smoke and has low toxicity.

• CM-a connection between devices within a short distance or a single floor deployed in a residential area or commercial building
• CMR-vertical wiring project in walls or between floors in non-plenum spaces
• CMP-wiring installation is required for running cables in the Plenum area

What are the ratings of LSZH cables and what is their standard?

Cables under the IEC 60332-1 specification in LSZH can burn while still emitting very low gas, and it’s suggested used in public areas or poorly ventilated areas. The European market requires cables used in Local Area Networks, Wide Area Networks, etc. to comply with the LSZH specification. Nearly all medium-sized and large-scale places and public institutions in Europe must comply with IEC regulations. In IEC standard, there are three standards of fire retardant: IEC 60332-1, IEC60332-2, and IEC60332-3

• IEC 60332-1 and IEC 60332-2 are used to evaluate the flame propagation characteristics of a single wire.
• IEC 60332-3 for evaluating the flame propagation characteristics of bundled cables.

Local fire regulations, insurance requirements, and even customer requirements are all factors that need to be taken into account when choosing the type of cable to use. Contact CRXCabling sales team to find a suitable cable for your project TODAY.