By TEBAOFLEX Jyen. Originally published on June 18, 2026.
Material family and fire performance are separate questions
LiYCY commonly describes a flexible PVC-insulated, PVC-sheathed signal cable with a copper braid screen. LiHCH is commonly used for a screened halogen-free alternative. These designations do not by themselves specify every electrical, mechanical or fire-performance property.
PVC-containing materials can release hydrogen chloride under fire conditions. Halogen-free compounds aim to limit halogen-related emissions, and low-smoke performance is assessed separately. Neither term means that all combustion products are harmless or that the cable will remain operational in a fire.
Read the declared classification
For a construction project using the European cable reaction-to-fire classification framework, obtain the product-specific declaration and the required project classification. EN 50575 concerns the relevant construction-product framework; the selected Euroclass and supplementary designations need supporting evidence.
The required class for a particular escape route or building is determined by the applicable jurisdiction and project rules. A blanket statement that all Eca cables are prohibited in every escape corridor is not a valid universal specification.
Reaction-to-fire classification must not be confused with circuit integrity during fire. Supplying a low-smoke cable does not establish that emergency equipment will continue receiving power.
Understand smoke, droplets and acidity suffixes
The supplementary smoke, flaming-droplet and acidity designations describe different test outcomes. A d1 result allows limited-duration flaming droplets within its specified test; it is not equivalent to d0 or to a guarantee of no droplets in every real fire.
Under the cited classification regulation, a1 requires conductivity below 2.5 microsiemens/mm and pH above 4.3. A hypothetical conductivity result of 3.18 microsiemens/mm would therefore not meet a1, even if its pH met the other condition. It must not be presented as a passing factory result.
Check the signal circuit as well
Changing PVC to a halogen-free material can change diameter, flexibility, capacitance and temperature behavior, depending on the exact construction. Compare manufacturer data for the two actual part numbers. The designation alone cannot establish a universal percentage reduction in capacitance.
Lower capacitance may benefit some interfaces, but maximum cable length also depends on resistance, impedance, attenuation, transmitter/receiver limits and topology. Revalidate the interface rather than converting one capacitance ratio directly into a guaranteed operating distance.
Selection and commissioning
Provide the required fire classification, circuit interface, voltage, installation method, temperature, oil/chemical exposure and bend duty. Confirm that glands, connectors and mechanical support suit the replacement dimensions.
Record electrical continuity and permitted insulation tests, protecting connected electronics from inappropriate test voltage. Keep declarations and applicable test reports traceable to the supplied cable. No in-house smoke, acid-gas or CPR test result is claimed in this article.
Primary references and specification evidence
The references explain the cited technology or manufacturer example. They are not TEBAOFLEX product approvals or evidence that a supplied batch has passed the tests. Request the exact product drawing, specification edition, acceptance criteria and traceable records.
Discuss your application
Discuss the duty, installation and required documentary evidence with TEBAOFLEX. WhatsApp: +86 185 9591 3361. Product suitability and test obligations must be confirmed for the specific order.