What’s the difference between PVC vs. LSZH vs. OFNP vs. OFNR cables Jacket
Physically, PVC and LSZH are very different. PVC are very soft; LSZH are more rigid because they contain the flame retardant compound, and they are aesthetically more pleasing. A PVC cable (made of polyvinyl chloride) has a jacket that gives off heavy black smoke, hydrochloric acid, and other toxic gases when it burns. Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cable has a flame-resistant jacket that doesn’t emit toxic fumes even if it burns.
As we know fiber optic cable is constructed from the inside core, cladding, coating, strengthen member to the outside cable jacket. The bare fiber is easily broken,so fiber optic cable sheath is needed to provide protection for the shielding and conductors within the cable. The cable jacket is the first line of moisture, mechanical, flame and chemical defense for a fiber cable.
PVC means Polyvinyl Chloride. PVC cable is very soft resistant to oxidation and degradation, is used for horizontal runs between the table.It is also work for vertical runs if the building features a contained ventilation system running through the duct work.
LSZH means Low Smoke Zero Halogen. It’s more rigid as it owns a special flame-retardant coating, and excellent fire safety characteristics of low smoke, low toxicity and low corrosion. LSZH cable is typically used in poorly ventilated areas such as aircraft or rail cars. Low smoke zero halogen is becoming very popular and, in some cases, a requirement where the protection of people and equipment from toxic and corrosive gas is critical.
OFNR means Optical Fiber Nonconductive Riser. OFNR fiber cables are used in Riser areas which are building vertical shafts or runs from one floor to another floor. OFNR fiber cables cannot be installed in the ventilation area because they do not have the fire and smoke ratings required by Plenum rated cables.
OFNP means for Optical Fiber Nonconductive Plenum. OFNP fiber cables are fire and smoke resistant. They can be installed in pipes, plenums and other spaces for building gas streams. This is the highest level of fire rated cable, no other cable can be used as a substitute. OFNP plenum cables can be used as an alternative to OFNR fiber cables.
PUR means Polyurethane. It’s very flexible and scratch resistant that is mainly used in low-temperature environments.
PE means Polyethylene. Ihas excellent properties of moisture and weather resistance, and has the good electrical properties over a wide temperature range. It’s also abrasion resistant. So PE is the standard jacket material for outdoor fiber optic cables.
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FAQ – Difference Between PVC and LSZH Cables
What is the difference between PVC and LSZH cables?
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) cables are cost-effective and flexible but release dense smoke and toxic halogen gases when burned. LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) cables, by contrast, emit minimal smoke and no halogen acids, offering higher fire safety in enclosed areas like data centers or tunnels.
What does LSZH cable mean?
LSZH stands for Low Smoke Zero Halogen. It means the jacket material contains no chlorine or fluorine compounds, minimizing smoke density and corrosive gases during combustion per IEC 60754‑1/‑2 and IEC 61034 standards.
What are the key standards for PVC and LSZH cable testing?
Key tests include IEC 60332‑1 and IEC 60332‑3 for flame spread, IEC 60754‑1/‑2 for halogen acid gas emissions, IEC 61034 for smoke density, and Telcordia GR‑409‑CORE for performance of optical fiber cables under fire or environmental conditions.
Where are LSZH cables recommended?
LSZH cables are used in confined or populated spaces such as server rooms, transport systems, marine vessels, and public buildings, where non-toxic smoke and low flame propagation are critical to life safety and equipment protection.
Why are PVC cables still widely used?
PVC cables remain popular for outdoor or industrial environments where cost and physical durability outweigh fire-toxicity concerns. Modern PVC compounds meeting IEC 60332‑3 can still provide acceptable flame-retardant performance.
Which cable type should I choose: PVC or LSZH?
Choose LSZH for indoor installations, public facilities, or data centers where smoke and toxicity reduction are vital. Use PVC for general-purpose cabling in open or controlled industrial environments where regulatory risk is minimal. Always confirm compliance with IEC 60332, IEC 60754, and Telcordia GR‑409.
What’s the difference between PVC and LSZH cables
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