Why You Should Consider LSHF Cables Over PVC Cables

Got sustainability on your mind? If you don't, you might want to consider it! Our industry - and society in general - is consistently pursuing ways to reduce waste and unnatural materials in products. One material that many of these sustainability initiatives target is PVC, which is a type of plastic. It's a difficult challenge to work through, however, since you can find plastic in nearly every manufactured product, including the majority of cable jackets. However, what makes PVC in particular such a hazard? Let's dive in with today's blog post from Superior Essex. 

Examining the Dangers of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) 

Plastics don't naturally degrade when you throw them away, and PVC is no exception. When in a landfill or otherwise discarded, PVC seeps toxins into the earth. Even before reaching the point of disposal, PVC is harmful. When in a building, it can leak out toxins, additives and other harmful chemicals that can cause long-term health problems for those who use the building. So why is it even used? It's inexpensive, versatile, strong, long-lasting and easy to make... even though there are more planet - and people - friendly options on the market. 

Safer Cable Jackets

Let's explore some of the alternatives now. It'll surprise you just how practical they are! Low Smoke Halogen Free (LSHF) cables with a thermoplastic jacket, in particular, offer a safer alternative in the area of communications cables. Just like it says on the tin, LSHF cables contain zero halogen chemicals, including fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine.

PVC is flagged by the International Living Building Challenge because it creates dioxins, some of the most potent toxins known to humans and the environment, as it's a chlorinated polymer. According to the Living Building Challenge, PVC should be phased out of production. 

LSHF jackets, while plastic, do not produce that kind of chemical reaction that harms humans and the environment. Cables like the Category 6+ LSHF cable from Superior Essex do not contain Red List materials, making them a clearly sustainable and safe alternative to PVC. They're even a better flame retardant than PVC, which emits smoke during a fire and releases toxic fumes. 

The only downside to halogen-free cables is that they are not plenum-rated. Thus, they can only be used following building codes that specify the use of riser cables. 

LSHF jackets are safer than PVC jackets because they do not release human-harmful carcinogens or environment-harmful chemicals during their lifetime. In addition to these health benefits, LSHF jackets also retard flame and smoke better than PVC jackets, providing more protection to the building and people inside.

Learn more by contacting your local Accu-Tech representative, or visit the Superior Essex page on our website.