h2>LSLTx Cable: Complete Guide to Application and Selection
LSLTx cable is a modern cable product designed for use in areas with increased requirements for the safety of people in case of fire. The abbreviation LSLTx stands for Low Smoke Low Toxic. Such cables not only do not propagate flame when laid in groups (category A), but also emit minimal smoke and non‑toxic gases, which is critical for the evacuation of people from buildings and the work of rescue services.
In this guide, we will examine in detail what the LSLTx marking means, what technical characteristics cables of this type have, where they are used, and also look at popular brands: VVGng(A)-LSLTx cable, LSLTx power cable and others. You will learn how LSLTx differs from LS and FRLS, what regulatory documents govern their production, and how to choose the right product for your facility.
1. What does the LSLTx marking mean?
Marking of cables in Russia and the EAEU countries is strictly regulated. Indices added to the main brand designation indicate the fire safety performance of the product. Let’s look at the decoding using the example of VVGng(A)-LSLTx cable:
- VVG — basic brand: insulation and sheath made of polyvinyl chloride compound (PVC), copper conductors, unarmored.
- ng(A) — the cable does not propagate flame when laid in groups according to category A (the highest fire safety category).
- LS — Low Smoke. During combustion, a minimal amount of smoke is released.
- LTx — Low Toxic. Combustion products have reduced toxicity, which reduces the risk of poisoning people during a fire.
Thus, LSLTx cable combines three key properties: it does not propagate flame, emits little smoke, and has low toxicity of combustion products. This makes it the optimal choice for facilities with large numbers of people.
2. Regulatory framework and standards
The production of cables with the LSLTx index is governed by several regulatory documents:
- GOST 31996-2012 “Power cables with plastic insulation for rated voltages 0.66; 1 and 3 kV” — the main standard for power cables. LSLTx cable GOST is manufactured in accordance with this document.
- GOST 31565-2012 “Cable products. Fire safety requirements” — establishes the classification of cables according to fire hazard indicators.
- TR CU 004/2011 “On the safety of low-voltage equipment” — confirms compliance with safety requirements.
- TR CU 012/2011 “On the safety of equipment for use in explosive atmospheres” (for relevant versions).
Cables with the LSLTx index correspond to fire hazard class P1b.1.2.1.2 (for PVC version) or P1b.1.1.1.1 (for halogen‑free versions). These classes confirm that the product does not propagate flame when laid in groups, has low smoke emission and low toxicity of combustion products.
3. Technical characteristics of LSLTx cables
LSLTx series cables are produced both in power and control versions. Let’s consider the main parameters using the example of LSLTx power cable.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Rated voltage | 0.66 kV (660 V) or 1 kV (1000 V) AC at 50 Hz |
| Conductor material | Copper (for VVGng(A)-LSLTx) or aluminum (for AVVGng(A)-LSLTx) |
| Insulation and sheath | PVC compound of reduced fire hazard with low smoke and gas emission and low toxicity |
| Operating temperature | from –30 °C to +50 °C (for ng-LSLTx version) |
| Maximum conductor temperature | +70 °C |
| Installation temperature, not lower than | –15 °C (for unarmored), –7 °C (for armored) |
| Bending radius | at least 7.5 outer diameters (for multi‑core) |
| Service life | at least 30 years |
3.1. Range of cross‑sections and number of cores
LSLTx cables are produced in a wide range of cross‑sections and numbers of cores. The most popular versions of VVG LSLTx cable:
- Conductor cross‑sections: from 1.5 to 240 mm² for copper, from 2.5 to 400 mm² for aluminum.
- Number of cores: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (including with grounding and neutral cores).
- Versions: single‑core, multi‑core round, as well as flat (with the “-P” index).
4. Comparison of LSLTx with other fire safety indicators
To understand the advantages of LSLTx, it is important to distinguish the main fire safety indices applied to cable products.
| Index | Meaning | Key properties |
|---|---|---|
| ng(A) | does not propagate flame when laid in groups (category A) | Cable does not support combustion but may emit smoke and toxic gases |
| LS | Low Smoke | Minimal smoke emission during combustion |
| LSLTx | Low Smoke Low Toxic | Minimal smoke emission + reduced toxicity of combustion products |
| FR | Fire Resistant | Maintains operability during fire (typically 180 min) |
| HF | Halogen Free | Does not emit corrosive gases (halogens) |
Thus, VVGng(A)-LSLTx cable is a product with maximum safety indicators for facilities where human protection is important: low smoke emission facilitates evacuation, and low toxicity reduces the risk of poisoning.
5. Applications of LSLTx cables
Thanks to their high fire safety performance, LSLTx cables are used at facilities where increased requirements for the safety of people are imposed:
- Preschool institutions (kindergartens, nurseries) — according to fire safety requirements, cables with low toxicity of combustion products are mandatory for such facilities.
- Educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities) — especially dormitory buildings of boarding institutions.
- Medical institutions (hospitals, clinics, specialized centers).
- Buildings with large numbers of people (shopping centers, cinemas, concert halls, hotels).
- High‑rise buildings (residential and office complexes).
- Social welfare facilities (nursing homes, homes for the disabled).
- Facilities with sensitive equipment (server rooms, data centers, data processing centers).
LSLTx cables can be used both in power circuits and in automation and control systems. For the latter, special control cables with the LSLTx index are available (e.g., AKVVGng(A)-LSLTx).
6. Selection of LSLTx cable depending on operating conditions
When choosing LSLTx power cable, it is necessary to consider not only fire safety indicators but also installation conditions, conductor material, number of cores and cross‑section.
| Installation conditions | Recommended brands | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Indoors (trays, boxes, along walls) | VVGng(A)-LSLTx (copper), AVVGng(A)-LSLTx (aluminum) | Optimal for dry and wet areas, do not propagate flame, low smoke emission, low toxicity |
| In ground (trenches) | VBbShvng(A)-LSLTx, AVBbShvng(A)-LSLTx | Armored cables, protection against rodents and mechanical damage |
| In pipes and blocks | VVGng(A)-LSLTx, AVVGng(A)-LSLTx | Unarmored cables with reinforced sheath |
| Fire protection systems | VVGng(A)-FRLSLTx, KVVGng(A)-FRLSLTx | Fire‑resistant cables, maintain operability during fire |
| Control circuits | AKVVGng(A)-LSLTx (aluminum), KVVGng(A)-LSLTx (copper) | For automation, signaling and control systems |
7. Pricing and cost factors
LSLTx cable price is influenced by several factors:
- Conductor material: copper cables are more expensive than aluminum ones (the difference can be 30–50%).
- Cross‑section and number of cores: the larger the cross‑section and the number of cores, the higher the cost per meter.
- Presence of armor and shield: armored and shielded versions cost more than unarmored ones.
- Purchase volume: wholesale purchases (from 1 km or more) provide a significant discount.
- Manufacturer: products from large plants (such as JSC “Kazenergocable”) offer an optimal price‑quality ratio, confirmed by certificates.
To obtain accurate information about LSLTx cable price, it is recommended to contact managers or use online calculators on manufacturers’ websites.
8. Conclusion
Cables with the LSLTx index represent the highest level of passive fire safety. They do not propagate flame when laid in groups, emit minimal smoke, and have low toxicity of combustion products, which is critical for facilities with large numbers of people: kindergartens, schools, hospitals, shopping centers and high‑rise buildings. The use of such cables is not just compliance with regulations, but a concern for the safety of people and property.
The range of JSC “Kazenergocable” includes a complete line of power cables and control cables with the LSLTx index, manufactured according to GOST 31996-2012 and GOST 31565-2012. All products are certified and comply with the requirements of technical regulations. You can see the full range and select the required version in the cable catalog section. Our specialists will help you calculate the required cross‑section, number of cores and provide up‑to‑date information on prices and delivery times.
