Prysmian and Draka Cable Power Duct LSZH Duct Flame-retardant Cable

Frequently Asked Questions- Prysmian and Draka Cable Power Duct LSZH Duct Flame-retardant Cable

What does LSZH Duct mean?
The term LSZH stands for low smoke zero halogen. Therefore, an LSZH duct is a duct that is made of a material that releases low smoke and does not have halogen compounds.  

How can I identify LSZH Duct flame-retardant cable?
There are many types of power ducts and they are designed to serve specific purposes. You may have those designed to prevent gophers and rodents while others are designed to ensure maximum impact resistant. However, those other types are mainly made of HDPE materials because it provides superb resistance to physical impact.  

You can know that you are purchasing LSZH duct flame-retardant cable by looking at its appearance. It comes in different colors and has a molded-in longitudinal stripe, which allows ease of identification.  

Where can I use LSZH Duct Flame-retardant Cable?
The power or telecom line duct may be used in areas where there is concern over flammability and smoke generation. The reason for having LSZH duct cable is for safety and health reasons. So, in places like subways and transit tunnels where underground installation is done, the low smoke, zero halogen duct cables are used.  

How is the LSZH Duct flame-retardant cable engineered?
Most power and telecom ducts are made of HDPE materials but with LSZH Duct, it is made of modified polyethylene. The polyethylene has been modified by adding flame retardant and low smoke compounds. So, because of this modification, the duct may not perform as the usual ducts made of HDPE. It is resistant to crush, impact, flame, heat, chemicals, oils, and stress crack. The duct releases low smoke and has zero halogen.   

Why are LSZH ducts used in transit tunnels and subways? 
LSZH ducts reduce the toxicity and corrosive gases emitted whenever combustion takes place. The ducts may be used in areas considered poorly ventilated or in high voltage and track signal wires such as in railroad stations where the cables must be placed in underground tunnel systems.  

The use of LSZH ducts reduces the chances of toxic gases occurring in large amounts within those areas whenever a cable or wire is damaged by fire or whenever there is a short circuit fault that cause fire.