Hi - could anyone guide me as to whether LSZH cable is a requirement in any situation, over the standard PVC? Thanks.

paul-ps For those of us not acquainted with them, and either too busy/lazy to do an internet search, please can you or someone else explain what the initials LSZH mean?

smitch Thanks for explaining what the actual initials mean. However, please could you or anyone else explain their significance? Does "low smoke" mean that the insulation for such cables doesn't burn as well or at least as smokily as ordinary PVC insulation? Also, what's the significance of zero-halogen? Does it include, for example, mineral-insulated copper clad (MICC) cable used for fire alarm systems?

OP, Not in BS7671. Normally used in "delicate" locations, if specified. Why the question? Graham, Rare you will find MIMS cables these days in FA systems it's normally "FP200" type. Current installers normally can't install MIMS, it's a dying art TBH. Bare MIMS would be LSOH, as no polymer materials to combust, as far as plastic coated MIMS, you would need to check with the cable manufacturer.

You "may" want to specify it in your contracts if you run server rooms, as in the event of a fire, then the possible damage to the data equipment could be reduced, sufficiently to enable business continuity even, and data recovery perhaps.