LSZH Cable： Why is it essential for data centers?
Computer Room Fire Prevention: What will the “LSZH Cable” used in hyperscale data centers in 2025 look like?
Can you believe it? The electrical wiring and cables alone in a single hyperscale data center could fill dozens of football fields! But if a fire breaks out, these densely packed cables can become a “toxic smoke generator.” When traditional PVC cables burn, they not only produce billowing smoke but also release corrosive gases like hydrogen chloride—even a minute spent inside can be fatal.
But don’t worry. Top-tier data centers in China have already quietly switched to “black technology”—TST CABLE low-smoke, halogen-free, and flame-retardant cable. Not only can it withstand high temperatures, it can also be a lifesaver in critical situations, making it the “invisible guardian” of the computer room.
Why is it essential for data centers?
Imagine your server is running at full speed and suddenly a fire breaks out. Using ordinary cables would be a terrifying sight: smoke would instantly fill the air, reducing visibility to zero, and making escape routes impossible to find. Even more frightening, these acidic gases can corrode servers and switches, crippling the entire computer room even after the fire is extinguished.
TST CABLE’s low-smoke, halogen-free (LSZH) cable is completely different. Made from environmentally friendly cross-linked polyolefin, it produces minimal smoke and virtually no toxic gases during combustion. According to IEC international standards, its smoke density is less than 50%, while traditional PVC can reach over 200%. This means that in the event of a fire, personnel can see at least 10 meters away, effectively doubling their escape time!
Furthermore, it is halogen-free and will not corrode equipment. What’s the biggest fear in data centers? A cascading fire and secondary equipment damage. Low-smoke, halogen-free cable eliminates this risk at the source.
High temperatures, high density, and demanding requirements—it can withstand them all.
Hyperscale data centers are no ordinary computer rooms. Servers operate at high loads 24/7, with cabinet temperatures easily exceeding 40°C, placing extremely high demands on cable heat resistance. TST CABLE’s low-smoke, zero-halogen (LSH) cables offer a long-term operating temperature range of 90°C to 125°C, and can even withstand short-term temperatures of 250°C, perfectly suited to these “infernal” environments.
Furthermore, as data centers continue to grow larger and denser, TST CABLE’s LSH cables offer not only excellent insulation performance but also strong mechanical strength, resisting compression, bending, and aging. They are readily suitable for use in complex environments such as conduit, cable trays, and cable ducts.
Industry Trend: Green + Safety, a Two-Wheel Drive
In 2025, China will implement mandatory 3C (China Compulsory Certification) certification for flame-retardant cables, making LSH cables standard for new data centers. International standards, such as EN 50266 and IEC 60754, mandate the use of LSH materials in critical locations.
More importantly, green and low-carbon development has become the dominant theme in the industry. Major companies like Huawei, Tencent, and Alibaba are actively promoting LSH cables in their “zero-carbon data centers.” Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it can also be combined with technologies like liquid cooling and intelligent busbars to reduce overall energy consumption. Field data shows that TST CABLE’s all-optical, low-smoke, halogen-free, and green cabling solution can reduce PUE (power efficiency ratio) by over 0.2, saving millions in annual electricity bills.
Real Case Study: How Did Tencent Cloud Do It?
Take one of Tencent Cloud’s hyperscale data centers as an example. Starting in 2023, they completely eliminated PVC cables and adopted 100% low-smoke, halogen-free, flame-retardant, and fire-resistant cables. Specifically, WDZBN-class, highly flame-retardant products are used in fire protection systems, UPS power supplies, and core network areas.
The result? Not only did it pass the most stringent fire safety inspections, but it also performed exceptionally well in a simulated fire test: burning for 30 minutes with extremely low smoke concentrations, near-zero acid gas emissions, and no damage to critical equipment. Operations and maintenance personnel exclaimed, “This cable is truly safe.”
Purchasing Guide
Don’t assume that just because they say “low-smoke, halogen-free” means you can buy anything. Products on the market vary greatly in quality, so be sure to identify the following:
National Standard Certifications: GB/T 19666, GB 31247, EN 50264, EN 50306, EN 50382, IEC 60502-1, IEC 60332-1, IEC 60754, ISO 11871, and the CCC mark are essential.
Flame Retardancy: Choose WDZB or WDZA. Fire-resistant cables should be marked with the “N” mark.
Reputable Brands: Prioritize suppliers with successful track records in domestic and international data centers, such as TST CABLE and TST SEAL. Avoid cheap, expensive cables.
In a hyperscale data center, every cable is a “nerve ending.” Choosing the right one is the cornerstone of stable operation; choosing the wrong one could be the catalyst for disaster. TST CABLE’s low-smoke, halogen-free, and flame-retardant cables may seem insignificant, but they are the ultimate line of defense, safeguarding data security, human life, and corporate profits. In the future, it will not only be a technological choice, but also a responsibility and bottom line.
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