Halogen-Free (LSZH/LSOH) Cable Solutions for Safer Building & Industrial Installations
Halogen-free cables are designed to reduce the emission of corrosive and toxic halogen gases during combustion. LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) and LSOH refer to low smoke and zero halogen sheath and insulation materials. Ecables supplies halogen-free cable in bulk for compliant building and industrial installations across Europe. Supporting contractors, system integrators and developers with halogen-free cable supply aligned with project safety specifications and documentation requirements.
What Does "Halogen-Free" Mean in Cable Construction?
A halogen-free cable uses insulation and sheath materials formulated without halogen compounds, reducing the emission of corrosive gases and typically lowering smoke density during combustion compared to conventional PVC constructions.
In cable construction, halogens (e.g. chlorine in PVC) can be present in polymer sheath and insulation. When such materials combust, they can release hydrogen halides (e.g. hydrogen chloride, HCl), which are corrosive and can damage equipment and endanger occupants. Halogen-free compounds are formulated to avoid halogens and to reduce corrosive gas emission; they typically produce lower smoke density compared to conventional PVC cables under defined test conditions.
"Low smoke" and "zero halogen" are related but not identical: low smoke refers to optical smoke density in standardised tests, while zero halogen refers to the absence of halogen elements in the material. Both properties are commonly specified together (LSZH/LSOH) for applications where reduced corrosivity and smoke are required.
Halogen-Free vs Fire-Resistant Cables: Different Performance Objectives
Halogen-free cables focus on reduced corrosive and toxic gas emission and typically low smoke under fire; they do not by definition maintain circuit integrity during a fire. Fire-resistant cables are designed to maintain circuit integrity for a defined period under fire conditions (e.g. for alarms, emergency lighting). A cable can be halogen-free without being fire-resistant, and some fire-resistant constructions are also halogen-free, depending on design. For applications requiring circuit integrity under fire, see our overview of fire-resistant cable constructions designed for circuit integrity.
Relevant Standards, Reaction-to-Fire & CPR Considerations
The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) applies to cables used in fixed building installations within the EU. The Euroclass system (e.g. B2ca, Cca, Dca) evaluates reaction to fire: flame spread, heat release, smoke, droplets and acidity. Halogen-free construction may influence acidity classification (a1/a2), but CPR class is determined by standardised testing, not by marketing label. EN 50575 provides the product standard context. For building and construction cable supply, see our Building & Construction hub.
Why Specify Halogen-Free Cables for Building & Industrial Projects?
In enclosed spaces, high-occupancy buildings and areas with sensitive equipment, reduced corrosive gas and low smoke during a fire event can support occupant safety and limit secondary damage. Halogen-free cables are specified where project safety strategy or client requirement calls for LSZH/LSOH materials rather than conventional PVC. Selection should align with the project’s fire safety strategy, design documentation and applicable national or sector requirements.
Technical Characteristics of Halogen-Free Cable Constructions
Halogen-free cables use sheath and insulation materials based on halogen-free compounds (e.g. polyolefins, cross-linked polyolefins), which exhibit low smoke emission and reduced corrosivity under defined fire tests. Halogen-free constructions are available across industrial power, control and instrumentation cable families. Temperature ratings depend on the compound and application; common ranges cover normal operating conditions. Mechanical properties (flexibility, handling) can differ from conventional PVC; installation practice should follow manufacturer guidance. Construction and test methods align with IEC standards where applicable. Ecables supplies bulk industrial cable solutions across Europe with structured compliance and technical documentation support.
Typical Application Areas for Halogen-Free Cables
High-Rise & Public Buildings
In high-rise and public buildings, reduced corrosive gas and smoke are important in enclosed or high-occupancy areas. Halogen-free power and control cables are often specified for distribution and safety systems. See Power Cables and Control Cables for product context.
Hospitals & Data Centers
Hospitals and data centers frequently specify halogen-free cables to limit corrosive gas and smoke in critical environments. Power, control and instrumentation cable types are available in halogen-free constructions.
Transportation Infrastructure
Transportation infrastructure (metro, rail, tunnels) often requires low smoke and halogen-free cable for evacuation and equipment protection. Specifications align with project and CPR requirements where applicable.
Industrial Facilities with Sensitive Equipment
Industrial facilities with sensitive equipment or confined spaces may specify halogen-free cables to reduce corrosive gas and smoke in the event of fire. Ecables supports procurement with documentation for industrial and building applications. In safety-critical installations requiring circuit integrity, fire-resistant cable constructions designed for circuit integrity should be evaluated separately.
Procurement & Documentation for Halogen-Free Cable Projects
- Project safety specification review – Confirm halogen-free and any CPR or reaction-to-fire requirements.
- Confirmation of halogen-free requirement – Material and test evidence aligned to specification.
- CPR class verification (if applicable) – Euroclass and supplementary criteria where cables are in construction works.
- Technical data validation – Data sheets and classification data checked against project needs.
- Commercial quotation & delivery planning – Pricing, lead times and logistics with documentation pack.
Technical Documentation Package
Ecables coordinates manufacturer-issued documentation for project handover and compliance.
- Declaration of Performance (where required for CPR)
- CE marking documentation
- Technical data sheets
- Reaction-to-fire classification data
- Batch traceability
Request Compliant Halogen-Free Cable Supply for Your Project
Submit your technical specification or project requirements. We will respond with clarification, a structured quotation and documentation options for halogen-free cable supply.