Cable outer sheath with LSF or FR PVC, WHich is the best

[sramesh]

Good day

Our Oil and Gas plant XLPE Cable specification is with outer sheath material of Fire Retardant PVC , but vendor is proposing LowSmoke&Fume type outer sheath. Which is better interms of Mechanical/Chemical and Fire retardant peoperty. also the cost difference.

Regards

 

[7anoter4]

LSF cables present improved properties as:
-resistance to ignition
-reduce flame spread and fire propagation
-reduce smoke emission
-reduce acid gas or toxic fume emission.
PVC sheathed cable can, by suitable use of highly flame retarding PVC material,
provide good resistance to ignition and reduce flame spread and fire propagation,
but they produce a significant volume of smoke and toxic fume emission when burning.
The toxic fume will attack the metallic support as cable tray, column and even rebar from the concrete reinforcing.
Also it will delay the Fire Fighting Team extinguishing action.
If the cable spreading room is already full of PVC sheathed cables, using new LSF cable it does not improve the general situation.
The PVC sheathed cable is more resistant when pulling through duct and conduit.