Following testing of the cables it was noticed that some of the cables were not halogen free.
This could be due to the fact that SANS 10139 does not specify low smoke, halogen free and manufacturers have taken the gap to reduce costs.
In a fire, a chlorine-containing plastic material releases hydrogen chloride, a poisonous gas that forms hydrochloric acid when it comes in contact with water. Cables that are not Halogen free create noxious, corrosive gas when exposed to flame.
Designated halogen-free cables, on the other hand, do not produce a dangerous gas/acid combination when exposed to flame. Low smoke zero halogen cable reduces the amount of toxic and corrosive gas emitted during combustion.
We plead with all designers of fire detection systems to add the words "LOW SMOKE, ZERO HALOGEN" to your cable specifications to ensure we provide a safe environment for the South African public.