Electric.ie July/ August 2020

48 ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • Clynder Cables lead the way on Low Smoke Zero Halogen panel wires P anel wires are a mainstay and key component of any industrial control panel. They can be used in electrical cabinets, switch control, relay and instrumentation panels of power switchgear and are a frequently sought-after industrial component. With ever increasing awareness of fire situations and how components react in them, recent trends show a move in the market towards Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) panel wires. In a fire situation, LSZH cables produce extremely low levels of smoke and toxic fumes with zero acidic gases. This is unlike PVC cables which can produce large amounts of smoke and toxic fumes when subjected to fire. This means increased visibility and reduced air toxicity, leading to faster evacuation of a building and reduced danger from smoke inhalation. Therefore, these cables are often specified for equipment installed in public buildings such as hospitals and schools as well as government and commercial buildings. 2491B / 6701B cable - the industry’s LSZH panel wire of choice 2491B / 6701B cables (also known as H05Z-K & H07Z-K under the harmonised codes) are a BASEC approved panel wire and considered a suitable LSZH alternative to PVC panel wires. They are also sometimes referred to as LSOH cable or LSHF (Low Smoke Halogen Free) cable. Clynder Cables Clynder Cables supply 2491B / 6701B cable through Demesne Electrical in the Republic of Ireland. These cables are generally available off the shelf from 0.75mm² up to 10mm² in the standard colours. Other sizes and colours can be manufactured to short lead times. Clynder Cables’ products are known for their colour consistency and uncompromising quality. The Clynder Cables brand has wide market recognition and the company is an approved supplier to some of the most prestigious names in the Electrical Wholesale and Distribution industries. Enquire through Demesne Electrical for Clynder 2491B / 6701B. LSZH vs LSF Cables When it comes to fire safety, some installers enquire after LSF cables. There is a common misconception that Low Smoke and Fume (LSF) cables and LSZH cables are one and the same. This is completely incorrect and any confusion between the two could be life- threatening in the event of a fire. LSF cables are manufactured using PVC compounds. When cables are labelled as “Low Smoke and Fume” or “LSF”, it means that the manufacturer has modified the compound with a number of additives in order to reduce smoke and HCl emissions. This however does not eliminate them. While Low Smoke Zero Halogen Cables are subject to strict standards, LSF cables have no standards covering them. In consequence, LSF cables have been found to emit HCl levels in excess of 20% when subjected to fire. It is therefore important to always specify LSZH when asking for a Low Smoke Zero Halogen cable.