Recent confusion from electrical contractors over LSF (Low Smoke and Fume) and LSHF (Low Smoke Halogen Free) cables has led FS Cables to film a very simple cigarette lighter flame test to demonstrate the difference.
LSF cables, in the case of data, signal and control cables, are made from a modified version of PVC and can still give off large amounts of black smoke and hydrogen chloride gas when burned.
Black smoke can obscure exit routes in the event of a fire and hydrogen chloride gas can be deadly to both people and sensitive equipment.
LSHF cables are those that, when exposed to fire, emit no more than 0.5% hydrogen chloride. They are not the same as LSF cables.
The results of the flame test are startling. The LSF cable very quickly begins to burn and give off black smoke. By contrast, the LSHF cable burns cleanly when exposed to the same heat source.
See the video below.
Flexible & Specialist Cables
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