Let’s face it, you don’t want cables that make a fire worse. When traditional wiring burns, it pumps out thick smoke and toxic acids. To avoid that, you need to get familiar with halogen free cables standards right away. They set the bar for acid gas and smoke performance in emergencies.
In this guide, we’ll break down what halogen free cables mean and why those standards matter. You’ll learn how to pick products that keep smoke, toxicity, and fire risks low.
What are Halogen Free Cables?
Halogen free cable refers to insulation and sheathing that do not contain chlorine, bromine, or fluorine. That simple switch stops corrosive acid gas if fire breaks out. Materials like silicone rubber and thermoplastic polyurethane replace halogen compounds. You get a safer cable that still meets mechanical and electrical specs.
Halogen-free insulations use polymers that avoid halogen elements. Here are the most common ones:
- Silicone rubber: flexible, high-temperature resistant
- Polyethylene (PE): good dielectric properties, low cost
- Polypropylene (PP): similar to PE with better mechanical strength
- Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE): blends for extra durability
- Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE): improved heat performance
- Ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM): suited for harsh environments
Types of Halogen Free Flame Retardant Cables
Halogen-free cables may carry one of several labels for flame performance:
- Low smoke zero halogen (LSZH or LS0H): limits smoke density and acid gas
- Halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR): extra fire resistance for power and data
- Flame-retardant non-corrosive (FRNC): self-extinguishing, non-corrosive gases
- Low smoke halogen-free (LSHF): combines low smoke and zero halogen
Why Use Halogen Free Cables?
Switching to halogen-free cabling brings a host of safety and environmental perks. Here are the top reasons to make the switch:
- Reduced smoke density: emits far less smoke than PVC-based wires, boosting visibility for evacuation.
- Lower toxic gas: prevents corrosive acids and gases that pose health hazards.
- Equipment protection: cuts corrosive deposits on electronics and structures during a fire.
- Environmental benefits: avoids dioxin formation when incinerated.
- Regulatory compliance: meets modern fire safety codes for public and commercial buildings
Those factors make halogen free cables ideal for places where fire safety is non-negotiable. You’ll see them in hospitals, data centres, and transport hubs.
What are Halogen-Free Cable Standards?
Standards ensure you get what you pay for and meet fire codes. Without clear benchmarks, you can’t be sure cables will control smoke, gas, or flames.
Key Global Standards
The main specs for halogen free cables are defined by IEC and DIN. Here’s a quick look:
| Standard | Focus Area | Key Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| IEC 60754-1 or DIN EN 60754-1 | Acid gas content | ≤ 5 mg/g halogen acid (HCl) |
| IEC 60754-2 or DIN EN 60754-2 | pH & conductivity of combustion gas | pH ≥ 4.3, conductivity ≤ 10 µS/cm |
| IEC 61034-2 | Smoke gas density | Optical density below test limits |
| IEC 62821 | HF & LSHF cable categories | Compliance with HF and LSHF criteria |
Performance Criteria
Each standard targets a specific hazard:
- Acid gas test (IEC 60754-1): measures corrosive acid release under fire
- pH & conductivity test (IEC 60754-2): checks how acidic and conductive the combustion gas is
- Smoke density test (IEC 61034-2): records light attenuation in a sealed chamber
By meeting these criteria, you know a cable will limit toxic fumes and maintain visibility.
Which Certification Marks Matter?
When you shop for cables, look for familiar marks that prove each batch passed rigorous tests. These labels help you spot true halogen free cables and low-smoke wires.
UL HF and LSHF marks
- HF mark: halogen-free certification per IEC 62821 series
- LSHF mark: low-smoke and zero-halogen performance checks
UL Solutions provides follow-up services to ensure ongoing compliance.
IEC and Other Labels
- LSZH or LS0H: low smoke zero halogen per IEC 60754 & IEC 61034
- HFFR: halogen-free flame retardant, common in network and power cables
- FRNC: flame-retardant non-corrosive, widely used across Europe
Always review the manufacturer’s data sheet or search the UL iQ database for specific listings.
How are Cables Tested?
Testing makes sure cables perform as expected when temperatures rise. Labs run them through smoke, gas, and acid trials under controlled conditions. Understanding these methods helps you review data sheets with clarity.
Smoke Density Test
You shine a light beam through the smoke chamber to see how much it blocks. Sensors record the optical density as the cable burns at set temperatures. To earn a low smoke rating, the material must stay under the max density limit.
Acid Gas Test
The IEC 60754-1 setup collects gas while the cable burns to measure halogen acids like HCl. Labs weigh the acid residue and ensure it stays below 5 mg per gram of insulation. That means you avoid harmful corrosive fumes in an emergency.
pH and Conductivity Test
In the IEC 60754-2 trial, combustion gases bubble through water, and analysts test pH and conductivity. The pH must remain above 4.3 while the conductivity stays under 10 µS per centimetre. You get proof that the cable won’t produce acidic, highly conductive gas.
How to Choose Compliant Cables?
Now that you know the marks and tests, how do you pick the right cable? Keep these tips in mind when specifying or ordering:
- Define your environment: indoor vs plenum, temperature extremes, UV exposure, mechanical stress
- Check application: data, power, fire alarm – each may require a different fire class
- Review data sheets: verify smoke density, acid gas, pH, and conductivity meet your code
- Ask for certification: request test reports or UL iQ listings to confirm HF/LSHF marks
- Compare total cost: factor in material price, installation complexity, and fire insurance savings
- Choose trusted suppliers: browse halogen-free cable manufacturers for vetted options
By following these steps, you’ll avoid surprises and meet fire safety rules confidently.
Where Do Halogen-Free Cables Excel?
Halogen-free cables shine in any setting where people or equipment must be protected. Here are some common scenarios:
- Hospitals and healthcare: keep patient monitoring and critical systems online during a fire.
- Transportation hubs: airports, rail, and bus stations need clear evacuation paths
- Data centres and server rooms: limit corrosion on sensitive hardware
- Schools and offices: reduce harmful smoke where fast evacuation matters
- Marine and offshore: improves safety in enclosed vessels with limited ventilation
Got Questions?
We’ve covered a lot, so you might still have some queries. Here are answers to your most frequent concerns.
What does halogen-free cable mean?
It means the insulation and jacket contain no halogen elements like chlorine or bromine. That delivers lower toxic gases and viscous smoke if you ever face a fire.
How to know if a cable is halogen-free?
You can identify Halogen-free cable glands by the letters HF. Check the cable markings or datasheet for labels like LSZH, HFFR, FRNC, or LSHF, or ask the supplier for confirmation. Halogen free cables release minimal toxic smoke in a fire.
Why use halogen-free?
Halogen-free cables are used because they release less toxic and corrosive smoke in a fire, making them safer for people, equipment, and buildings, especially in enclosed or high-risk spaces like tunnels, data centers, and offices.
Are Halogen-Free Cables More Expensive?
Yes, they can cost more upfront since raw materials and manufacturing run higher. But savings on installation, insurance, and long-term safety often offset that premium.
Can I use them outdoors?
Some halogen-free compounds handle UV and moisture, but not all do. Always review the outdoor or direct burial listing on the product sheet.
Ready to Upgrade Your Cables?
When you need peace of mind, halogen-free cables tick the safety, performance, and compliance boxes.
Zable Cable offers a full line of certified halogen-free flame-retardant cables to suit your project. Reach out today for expert advice, samples, or a no-obligation quote.
