LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) Control Cable Solutions for Safer Installations
LSZH control cables use halogen-free insulation and sheath materials designed to reduce the emission of corrosive halogen gases and limit smoke density during combustion. LSZH relates to material composition and reaction-to-fire behaviour, not circuit integrity under fire. Ecables supports contractors, panel builders and system integrators with LSZH control cable supply aligned with project safety and documentation requirements across Europe.
What Does LSZH Mean in Control Cable Construction?
An LSZH control cable is a low smoke zero halogen control cable designed to reduce corrosive gas emission and smoke density during combustion while transmitting control signals in building or industrial installations.
Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH, or LSOH) refers to cable materials that do not contain halogens—such as chlorine in PVC-based compounds—and that are formulated to produce low smoke density when exposed to fire. Conventional PVC insulation and sheath can release hydrogen halides (e.g. hydrogen chloride, HCl) and dense smoke during combustion; halogen-free compounds reduce corrosive gas emission. "Low smoke" is typically assessed by smoke density tests; "zero halogen" refers to the absence of halogen elements in the material composition. LSZH does not eliminate all toxic or irritant gases; it addresses halogen-based corrosivity and smoke density. For the full range of halogen-free cable solutions see our Halogen-Free Cables hub.
LSZH vs Fire-Resistant Control Cables: Distinct Performance Objectives
LSZH control cables are specified for reduced corrosive gas emission and typically lower smoke density; they are not by definition fire-resistant. Fire-resistant cables are designed to maintain circuit integrity for a defined period under fire, which is a separate performance objective required in safety-critical circuits. A control cable may be LSZH without being fire-resistant, and some fire-resistant cable constructions designed for circuit integrity may also use halogen-free compounds depending on design. Where both low smoke/acidity and circuit integrity are required, specification must call out both performance criteria. Ecables coordinates supply of LSZH and fire-performance control cables with documentation aligned to project requirements.
Reaction-to-Fire Performance and CPR Considerations
Where control cables are permanently installed in construction works within the EU, the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and EN 50575 apply. The Euroclass system (e.g. B2ca, Cca, Dca) is based on reaction-to-fire testing; compliance is determined by test results, not marketing terminology. LSZH construction may influence supplementary characteristics such as acidity classification (a1/a2) and smoke production, but the Euroclass is assigned through standardised testing. CPR does not mandate LSZH; it sets minimum reaction-to-fire requirements for cables in fixed building installations. For building and construction cable context see our Building & Construction hub.
Technical Characteristics of LSZH Control Cables
LSZH control cables use halogen-free insulation and sheath compounds (e.g. polyolefin-based or other zero-halogen materials), offering reduced corrosivity and improved smoke density behaviour compared to conventional PVC in fire scenarios. Mechanical properties—flexibility, abrasion resistance, temperature rating—can differ from PVC; specifications should confirm suitability for the installation environment. Conductor classes and construction align with IEC standards where specified. Voltage ratings typically cover 300/500 V or 0.6/1 kV. Ecables supports specification review and supply of LSZH control cables for building and industrial applications; for the broader control cable range see Control Cables.
Shielded and Screened LSZH Control Cable Options
LSZH control cables are available in shielded (screened) constructions with foil, braid or combined shields for use in EMC-sensitive environments. LSZH refers to the sheath and insulation material composition; shielding relates to electromagnetic compatibility and signal integrity. Where both reduced corrosive gas emission and EMC performance are required, screened LSZH control cables can be specified. Ecables sources LSZH control cables in unshielded and shielded variants; for detailed EMC and screen options see our shielded (screened) control cables for EMC-sensitive installations and the general Control Cables hub.
Typical Application Areas for LSZH Control Cables
High-Rise Residential & Commercial Buildings
In multi-storey and high-occupancy buildings, LSZH control cables are often specified for BMS, HVAC and lighting control to limit corrosive gas and smoke in the event of fire, supporting evacuation and equipment protection.
Hospitals & Public Facilities
Healthcare and public buildings may require reduced smoke and acidity for life safety and sensitive equipment. LSZH control wiring is commonly used in such installations where specification calls for halogen-free materials.
Transportation & Tunnels
Enclosed transport environments and tunnels often specify LSZH cables for control and signalling to reduce corrosive gas buildup and improve visibility in emergency scenarios.
Industrial Installations in Enclosed Areas
Confined industrial spaces, control rooms and cable galleries may specify LSZH control cables to limit corrosive gas emission and smoke density, protecting equipment and personnel.
Request LSZH Control Cable Supply for Your Project
Submit your safety and construction requirements or upload a technical specification. We will respond with a structured quotation and documentation options for LSZH control cable supply across Europe.
Procurement Steps
- Safety specification review – Confirm project requirements for smoke, acidity and reaction-to-fire.
- LSZH requirement confirmation – Confirm halogen-free construction is specified for insulation and sheath.
- CPR class verification – Where cables are fixed in building installations, confirm required Euroclass and supplementary criteria.
- Shielding and construction validation – Confirm conductor class, screen type (if any) and voltage rating.
- Commercial quotation and delivery planning – Quantity, lead time and documentation pack for handover.
Request LSZH Control Cable Supply for Your Project
Submit your requirements or upload a specification. We will respond with clarification, a structured quotation and documentation options for your LSZH control cable supply.