When it comes to elevator safety, cable fire performance is just as important as mechanical durability. In the event of a fire, standard PVC cables can release dense black smoke and toxic halogen gases (like hydrogen chloride), which obstruct evacuation and harm passengers.
The 05Z1Z1H6-F Halogen Free Elevator Cable is specifically designed to solve this problem. This post explains what these cables are, why they matter.
What Are HFFR and FRNC?
Both terms refer to cables with superior fire safety properties:
| Term | Full Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| HFFR | Halogen Free Flame Retardant | No halogens (chlorine, fluorine, bromine, iodine) in the material; flame propagation is limited |
| FRNC | Flame Retardant Non Corrosive | Similar to HFFR – during a fire, gases emitted are non-corrosive and low in toxicity |
These cables use special polyolefin compounds instead of PVC. When exposed to fire, they produce:
Very low smoke – Improves visibility for evacuation
No halogen acids – Protects equipment from corrosion
Low toxicity – Reduces health risks for passengers and firefighters
Why Use Halogen Free Low Smoke Cables in Elevators?
Elevator shafts are vertical chimneys. In a fire, smoke and toxic gases rise rapidly, filling the shaft and spreading to other floors. Standard PVC cables can make this deadly.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Low smoke emission | Evacuation routes remain visible |
| Halogen free | No corrosive gases – protects elevator electronics and building infrastructure |
| FRNC rating | Meets strict fire safety standards (EN 50267, EN 61034, IEC 60754) |
| Self-extinguishing | Prevents fire spreading along the cable |
These cables are mandatory or highly recommended in:
Hospitals, schools, airports, train stations
High-rise residential and commercial buildings
Underground installations and tunnels
Any building with strict fire codes (e.g., EU CPR, BS 7629-1)
Identifying HFFR/FRNC Elevator Cables
Below are the typical visual characteristics of a Halogen Free Low Smoke HFFR / FRNC Elevator Cable.
1. Overall Cable Appearance
Color: Usually white, gray, or orange (not the dark gray/black of PVC cables)
Flat profile (for traveling cables) or round (for static sections)
Smooth, matte finish – unlike glossy PVC
2. Cable Marking
Look for printing on the sheath:
HFFRFRNCLSZH(Low Smoke Zero Halogen – similar standard)IEC 60754-1/2(corrosivity test)EN 61034(smoke density test)
3. Cross-Section (Internal Construction)
If you cut the cable:
No halogen smell when burned with a lighter (test carefully)
Sheath and insulation are stiffer than PVC but remain flexible
Often white or natural color insulation on wires
4. Burning Behavior
When exposed to a flame and removed:
Self-extinguishes within a few seconds
Very little smoke – clear or light gray smoke, not thick black
No dripping of burning material
Technical Specifications (Typical)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Cable type | Flat elevator traveling cable (or static) |
| Halogen status | Halogen free (Cl, F, Br, I < 0.1% by weight) |
| Smoke density (EN 61034) | Light transmittance ≥ 60% (typical) |
| Corrosivity (IEC 60754-2) | pH ≥ 4.3; conductivity ≤ 10 µS/mm |
| Flame retardancy | EN 60332-1-2 (vertical flame test) |
| Temperature range | -15°C to +70°C (dynamic) |
| Applications | Control, power, data, coaxial, CAT6 in elevator shafts |
Common Types Available in HFFR/FRNC
Many elevator cable types can be manufactured with halogen free low smoke compounds:
H05V3V3H6-F (halogen free version) – Flat flexible control cable
H05V3V3H6-F + TV HF 75 – With coaxial for video
Elevator CAT6 / LAN cable (LSZH version) – For data networks
Composite traveling cables – Power + control + data + fiber optic
Installation Tips for Halogen Free Cables
HFFR/FRNC cables are slightly less flexible than PVC cables at low temperatures. Follow these tips:
Use proper flat cable hangers – Ensure smooth edges to avoid abrasion on the soft sheath.
Minimum bending radius – Typically 8× cable thickness (more than PVC).
Avoid sharp cable ties – Use rounded, non-snagging supports.
Do not pull over sharp edges – HFFR sheaths can be more susceptible to cutting damage.
Label clearly – Mark that the cable is halogen free for future maintenance.
Final Verdict
The Halogen Free Elevator Cable is the safest choice for modern buildings where human life and equipment protection are priorities. While slightly more expensive than PVC, the fire safety benefits are undeniable – reduced smoke, no toxic halogens, and non-corrosive fumes.
Need a specific halogen free cable for your elevator project? Contact a MKS KABLO NOW!