A cable jacket serves as an outer protective layer that provides physical protection, environmental protection (from weather, water, & chemicals), and additional durability.
When it comes to jacket materials, compound selection matters. Service Wire uses three of the most popular jackets: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE), and Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH). Each of these compounds offer unique benefits that make them suitable for different applications.
PVC, a thermoplastic compound, is the most popular and inexpensive material for cable jackets. It is suitable for commercial, industrial, and utility applications where cables will not be subjected to fire, corrosive chemicals, or abrasions.
When chloride-based PVC is burned, it releases toxic gases such as chlorine that can harm humans and damage nearby equipment.
The excessive heavy smoke produced by burning PVC can make it difficult to navigate indoor spaces during a fire—making it less than ideal for tight spaces or commercial and industrial buildings with large amounts of cable.
As a plastic compound, PVC hardens as it cools. This can lead to performance issues during cold weather. With a cold temperature rating of -25°C and a typical installation temperature above 10°C , it can get rigid and brittle, making it prone to breakage.
CPE is a higher performance jacket than PVC. It has excellent resistance to chemical exposure and are designed for applications where extra protection, durability, and chemical washdown are required. CPE is less susceptible to low temperature brittleness than PVC.
CPE jackets are most popular in oil & gas and automotive commercial and industrial settings. CPE is also used in food & beverage applications where facilities and equipment are subject to frequent chemical washdown to maintain cleanliness standards.
Thermoset LSZH jackets are designed to reduce flame, smoke, and secondary damage in case of fire. They can resist burning for extended periods of time and are chloride-free, making them less toxic when burned.
This distinguishing characteristic makes them ideal for applications where protecting property and human safety is essential. For example, enclosed spaces like data centers, tunnels, airports, and offices that have large amounts of cabling throughout their structure can use LSZH to reduce the risk of harm to people in those spaces.
When PVC burns it releases chlorine, which can cause injury or even death if inhaled. If this chlorine mixes with water, it can form hydrochloric acid—adding further danger for people and nearby equipment. Although LSZH jackets have a higher cost than other materials, the reduction of risk to people and equipment can be worth the investment.
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