UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
España, Manila

Ranada, Christian L. PE4 2/21/20

5EEB
Non-Halogenic
Halogens

The Halogens are from the group 17 periodic table. Halogens include fluorine, arsenic, bromine, iodine, and
astatin. These are all non-metals which react with metals to form salt compounds. Halogens are pretty
harmful to people. They become fatal if one is exposed to a certain number. Halogens emit a thick smoke
when burned, and become corrosive. Such features can harm equipment and pose a safety concern.

Non-Halogenic Cables

Since the 1970s, halogen-free compounds have been used in various applications in the cabling industry.
Since fire at London Kings Cross tube station was one of the most shocking incidents. Research showed that
the poisonous gasses and the smoke inhaled caused most deaths. Continuing on from this incident. Several
cables containing halogen will be used in the London Underground network. Consequently, many
companies and businesses have no longer wanted to use halogen-containing cables.

Composition of Non-Halogenic Cables

Halogen-free cables do not contain halogens, and these cables are made of pure hydrocarbon-based
polymers for insulation and sheath material. Through combustion of such materials. It will not produce toxic
and corrosive gasses but only water vapor and carbon dioxide Non-halogen means a cable has low emission
of smoke and low acid gas and is less toxic than other types of cables. Quick any special fire-made cable has
non-halogenic properties. Halogen-free low-smoke cables can also be fire-rated or fire retardant. Low
smoke halogen-free cables can be used mainly in areas where the development of smoke and acid gas that
pose risks to staff or equipment that may be damaged by toxic air and where the integrity of the circuit is
not significant. Smoke pollution, toxic gas production and corrosive gas evolution are three of the primary
factors when considering cable content. Because of concerns regarding smoke pollution and corrosive
gases, low-smoke halogen-free cables were developed and such cables were set to meet standards that set
limits for the evolution of halogen-acid gas rates.

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 UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
España, Manila

Applications

The application of halogen-free security cables and wires are more and more required and increasing for
the buildings where people gather or everywhere. Safety consciousness to protect the human life and
valuable materials take a special significance in the following places:

 Hospitals, airports, many-story towers, stores, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, schools

 Fire alert systems, alarm systems, ventilation systems, escalators, lifts, protective lights, stations
running and heavy, repair equipment
 Underground railways and other railway plants
 Data processing installations
 High-value equipment and materials power stations and industrial plants or dangerous potentials
 Mining works
 Shipbuilding and offshore plants
 Emergency power supply works

Halogen-free cables

Neither' Low Smoke' nor' Zero Halogen' are the same. Low Smoke' means that it will only create a
thin gray of smoke when the cable is burnt, which can be easier for people to escape and monitor the fire by
the fire department. Zero Halogen' means that this is made without any halogen material being used. In the
event of a fire it may still emit a thick black smoke.

The halogens occur in all three primary phases of matter: solids are iodine and astatine; liquid is
bromine; and gases are fluorine and chlorine. The only other element at room temperature to become a
liquid is mercury.

Polyethylene (PE)–has good electrical properties as it is a good insulating synthetic material. The
substance is not flexible but can be made flexible depending on its molecular density. Polyethylene is a solid
substance but tougher and heavier than polypropylene when the density of high is. It is resistant to
moisture, and resistant to ang aging at low temperatures.

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 UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
España, Manila

Polypropylene (PP) – is the same as PE but more robust than PE in terms of electrical properties. It
is primarily used as a substitute for insulation and is tougher compared to PE.

References:

1. Electronic Imaging Materials. (2019, September 26). What Does Halogen-Free Mean?: The Label
Experts. Retrieved from https://barcode-labels.com/what-does-halogen-free-mean/
2. igus. (n.d.). Halogen-free cables. Retrieved from https://www.igus.eu/info/unharnessed-cables-
halogen-free
3. Incore. (2019, January 16). What kind of cables are halogen-free cables? Retrieved from
https://www.incore-cables.com/what-are-halogen-free-cables/

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