Halogen-free data cables: Top 7 featured products from HELU
What makes halogen-free data cables different from conventional data cables, and when should you choose this type of cable? Join HELU to learn more about the key information and discover outstanding types of halogen-free data cables.
What are halogen-free data cables?
Halogen-free data cables are cables that use plastic materials without halogen elements, typically chlorine (Cl) or fluorine (F). These elements are commonly found in some traditional plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chloroprene rubber, fluoroethylene propylene (FEP), fluoropolymer rubber, etc.
Instead, halogen-free cables are manufactured from materials such as polyurethane (PUR), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), silicone rubber, or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). These materials do not use heavy metal-containing stabilizers or toxic plasticizers, and can also be combined with more environmentally friendly flame-retardant additives.
Advantages & applications of halogen-free data cables
Halogen-free data cables are an ideal solution for transmitting control information and safety signals in industrial applications where high fire safety and low smoke emission standards are required. These cables are mainly used in mechanical engineering, automation technology, and buildings with high safety standards.
Thanks to the use of halogen-free insulation and sheath materials, these cables help prevent the formation of corrosive and toxic gases in the event of a fire. This helps reduce risks to people, equipment, and infrastructure in the affected area. In addition, the cables still provide reliable insulation and, depending on their design, can offer effective EMC protection against electromagnetic interference.
Differences between halogen-free and PVC data cables
Halogen-free data cables and PVC data cables differ mainly in the materials used for the cable insulation and sheath, which leads to differences in their characteristics in the event of a fire.
| Criteria | Halogen-free data cables | PVC data cables |
| Common materials | PE, PP, PA, PUR, TPE, silicone, etc. | PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) |
| Halogen content | Do not contain halogens in the specified materials | Contain chlorine in the composition of PVC |
| Halogen gases when burned | Do not generate halogen gases from halogen-free materials | May generate HCl, HCN, or CO |
| Corrosive gases | Not generated | May be generated |
| Smoke emission | Can achieve low-smoke characteristics depending on the design and materials | Depend on the material composition and formulation |
| Fire safety | Help reduce risks from corrosive and halogen gases | The smoke and corrosive gas requirements of the building need to be considered |
| Typical applications | Public buildings, data centers, transportation, factories, and areas with high safety requirements | Machinery, equipment, control systems, and many general industrial applications |
| Cost | Generally higher depending on the materials and technical requirements | Generally more cost-effective |
Discover 7 types of halogen-free data cables from HELU
Depending on fire safety requirements, interference protection, and installation conditions, each system will require a suitable halogen-free data cable. We HELU offer a diverse range of cables with different constructions and technical characteristics, meeting various applications from industrial automation to buildings with high safety requirements. Below are 7 types of halogen-free data cables from us.
DATAFLAMM® halogen-free data cable
- Operating temperature: +5°C to +70°C (flexible); -40°C to +70°C (fixed)
- Maximum operating voltage: 350 V (0.14 mm²); 500 V (0.25 - 0.75 mm²)
- Minimum bending radius: 7.5 × outer diameter (flexible); 4 × outer diameter (fixed)
- Sheath material: Thermoplastic compound, type HM2
- Insulation material: PE
DATAFLAMM® is a type of halogen-free data cable designed for signal transmission, measurement, and control. The PE insulation helps maintain low capacitance, while the halogen-free thermoplastic sheath does not generate toxic or corrosive gases in the event of a fire.
The product is suitable for call and intercom systems, clock systems, electronic weighing equipment, and office machinery. With the ability to be installed in dry, damp, or wet environments, DATAFLAMM® is particularly suitable for public buildings, laboratories, shopping centers, and facilities where limiting halogen emissions in the event of a fire is required.
DATAFLAMM®-C halogen-free data cable
- Operating temperature: +5°C to +70°C (flexible); -40°C to +70°C (fixed)
- Maximum operating voltage: 350 V (0.14 mm²); 500 V (0.25 - 0.75 mm²)
- Minimum bending radius: 7.5 × outer diameter (flexible); 4 × outer diameter (fixed)
- Sheath material: Thermoplastic compound, type HM2
- Insulation material: PE
DATAFLAMM®-C is equipped with a tinned copper braided shield with approximately 85% coverage, combined with a drain wire and foil wrapping, helping enhance protection against electromagnetic interference and meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements.
This cable type is suitable for connections in signal, measurement, and control systems and can be installed on wall surfaces or in dry, damp, and wet environments. Similar to DATAFLAMM®, this type of data cable is suitable for various facilities with high safety requirements, helping prevent halogen gas emissions in the event of a fire.
DATAFLAMM®-C-PAAR halogen-free data cable
- Operating temperature: +5°C to +70°C (flexible); -40°C to +70°C (fixed)
- Maximum operating voltage: 350 V (0.14 mm²); 500 V (0.25 - 0.75 mm²)
- Minimum bending radius: 7.5 × outer diameter (flexible); 4 × outer diameter (fixed)
- Sheath material: Thermoplastic compound, type HM2
- Insulation material: PE
DATAFLAMM®-C-PAAR stands out with its tinned copper braided shield, combined with a drain wire and foil wrapping. The cable cores are stranded into pairs with optimized lay lengths, after which the pairs are further stranded into layers, helping organize the cable structure efficiently and meet signal transmission requirements.
The product is commonly used in telecommunications equipment and information processing systems in public buildings, laboratories, and shopping centers – areas where halogen emissions in the event of a fire need to be avoided. Thanks to its shielding, the cable operates reliably without being affected by interference from external pulse sources or high-frequency signals.
JE-LiHCH Bd halogen-free data cable
- Operating temperature: -5°C to +50°C (flexible); -30°C to +70°C (fixed)
- Maximum operating voltage: 225 V
- Minimum bending radius: 7.5 × outer diameter (fixed)
- Sheath material: Halogen-free polymer
- Insulation material: Halogen-free polymer
The JE-LiHCH Bd is a type of halogen-free data cable designed according to DIN VDE 0815. The cable cores are stranded into pairs with optimized lay lengths, after which 4 pairs are stranded into bundles and further arranged into layers with suitable lay lengths. At the same time, the cable is also equipped with foil wrapping and a tinned copper braided shield to protect the transmission circuit against electromagnetic interference.
Thanks to these characteristics, JE-LiHCH Bd is suitable for indoor telecommunications systems, signal transmission, and measurement applications, particularly in facilities with high fire safety requirements. The cable can be installed permanently in dry and damp environments, areas with a risk of fire, or in and under plaster.
MULTISPEED®-TRONIC-PUR halogen-free data cable
- Operating temperature: -30°C to +80°C (flexible); -40°C to +80°C (fixed)
- Maximum operating voltage: UL (AWM) AC 300 V
- Minimum bending radius: 7.5 × outer diameter (flexible); 4 × outer diameter (fixed)
- Sheath material: Special grade of full PUR
- Insulation material: Special PP
MULTISPEED®-TRONIC-PUR is developed for continuous-motion systems or systems with long travel distances. The core construction, with short and optimized lay lengths, enables the cable to withstand repeated bending at high intensity, meeting the requirements of equipment that moves frequently.
The PUR sheath provides the cable with resistance to oil, UV rays, ozone, weathering, hydrolysis, etc., and allows it to be used in outdoor applications. The product also offers resistance to tearing and cutting, as well as abrasion resistance. With its mechanical and environmental resistance characteristics, MULTISPEED®-TRONIC-PUR can be used in drag chains, industrial robots, production lines, and automation systems.
HELUDATA® ROBOFLEX® PUR UL/CSA halogen-free data cable
- Operating temperature: -30°C to +90°C (flexible); -40°C to +90°C (fixed)
- Maximum operating voltage: UL (AWM) AC 300 V
- Minimum bending radius: 5 × outer diameter (fixed); 10 × outer diameter (torsional)
- Sheath material: Special grade of full PUR
- Insulation material: PP
HELUDATA® ROBOFLEX® PUR UL/CSA is a type of halogen-free data cable meeting UL/CSA standards, developed for systems where cables must withstand both bending and torsion. The optimized stranded construction helps extend service life when the cable is subjected to complex movements. Externally, the PUR sheath provides resistance to oil, UV rays, ozone, etc., while also offering resistance to abrasion, tearing, and cutting.
In particular, the cable can withstand at least 10 million cycles at a torsional load of up to ±180°/m and 5 million cycles at a torsional load of up to ±360°/m. The cable is also suitable for drag chains, achieving at least 10 million bending cycles and supporting a travel distance of up to 10 m. With a design intended for 3D movement and torsional loads, the product is suitable for assembly and welding robots, material handling systems, automation centers, conveyors, etc.
HELUDATA® ROBOFLEX®-PAIR-D PUR UL/CSA halogen-free data cable
- Operating temperature: -30°C to +90°C (flexible); -40°C to +90°C (fixed)
- Maximum operating voltage: UL (AWM) AC 300 V
- Minimum bending radius: 5 × outer diameter (fixed); 10 × outer diameter (torsional)
- Sheath material: Special grade of full PUR
- Insulation material: PP
HELUDATA® ROBOFLEX®-PAIR-D PUR UL/CSA features a special cable construction: the cores are stranded into pairs with optimized lay lengths and then further arranged into layers, combined with a fleece wrapping that helps reduce friction and support cable movement. At the same time, the cable's shielding, made of tinned copper wires, has coverage of up to 90%, thereby optimizing electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
This type of cable is particularly suitable for complex-motion applications where the cable must withstand simultaneous bending and 3D twisting, similar to HELUDATA® ROBOFLEX® PUR UL/CSA. The product can withstand at least 5 million torsional cycles at ±180°/m and 5 million bending cycles in drag chains, with a maximum travel distance of 10 m. In industrial environments, the PUR sheath provides good resistance to oil, UV rays, ozone, weathering, hydrolysis, microorganisms, etc.
Are you looking for a halogen-free data cable that meets the technical requirements and installation conditions of your system? Contact HELU for advice on a suitable cable solution for your specific application needs.
