What are Low Smoke Zero Halogen Cables?
Blair Sackney of Texcan, in his most recent white paper “What are Low Smoke Zero Halogen Cables?” explores the dangers present in conventional cable jackets such as PVC in the presence of fire. When burned, these conventional cables “emit a lot of smoke and toxic halogen gases”, which, if inhaled, “can be fatal”. His paper reviews the benefit of using Low Smoke Zero Halogen Cable in replace of conventional cables as they are specifically designed to “emit low levels of smoke and zero or low levels of halogen when the cables are burnt”. While these cables have become more readily available in North America, local standards and codes may not require the use of the cables in most applications. As such, demand has no current need to meet supply, and most suppliers have a lack of inventory leading to “made-to-order with minimum quantities and lead times”. As local standards and code requirements change however, there is potential to see a rise in need for this innovative and life-saving product.
“In a fire, the largest risks to people and property are often smoke and toxic gases.”
About Blair Sackney, B.Sc. Eng.
Blair Sackney is the Major Project Sales & Engineering Support at Texcan, A Sonepar Company. He has 19 years of wire & cable experience gained through major industrial, infrastructure, and commercial projects across North America. As an active IEEE member, Blair is passionate about sharing his expertise on better and safer cable installations. He can be reached by phone at 604-528-3673 or via email at blair.sackney@texcan.com.
Explore Southwire’s SOLONONplus® Cables
Applications and Features:
Southwire’s 600 Volt SOLONONplus® Type XHHW-2 cables are suited for use in wet and dry areas, conduits, ducts, troughs, trays, and aerially when supported by a messenger. These cables are ideal for use in establishments where low smoke and low acid emissions are desired for public safety and health and where superior electrical properties are desired. These cables are capable of operating continuously at the conductor temperature not in excess of 90°C for normal operation in wet and dry locations, 130°C for emergency overload, and 250°C for short circuit conditions.
The conductors are available in tinned and flexible copper stranding upon request.
NEC compliant
The halogen content is less than 0.2% and Acid gas less than 2.0%
Passes UL VW-1 # 8 AWG and larger
70,000 BTU/Hr. Vertical Flame Test
UL listed for CT use on 1/0 and Larger
UL listed FT4/IEEE 1202 and ST-1 (#8 and larger)
-40°C Cold impact and cold bend
Oil Resistant I and II
UV/Sunlight resistant black color
Color Available upon request
About Southwire
Southwire's roots extend to 1937, when Richards, then a young 25 years old, started Richards & Associates (R&A) to erect power poles with the ultimate purpose of bringing electric light to his grandmother’s home.
Richards was a recent graduate of Georgia Tech, and while the promise of jobs paying $80 a month lured most of his classmates to New York, Richards chose to stay in Carroll County, a commitment he kept even after Southwire grew into a leading player in the wire and cable industry.
During its first two and a half years, R&A strung 3,500 miles of cable, becoming the nation’s second-largest Rural Electrification Act (REA) contractor. As World War II halted all REA construction, Richards was called up into the U.S. Army, eventually reaching the rank of captain.