LIHCH Halogen-Free Shielded Signal Cables Selection Guide
When selecting LIHCH halogen-free shielded signal cables, compare LSZH fire safety, tinned copper braid screening, 0.22–1.5 mm² cross-section and differences vs LIYCY.
This guide explains what to look for when choosing products in the LIHCH Signal Cables category for building management systems (BMS), hospitals, airports, data centers, tunnels and fire-safe industrial automation.
Understanding LIHCH: Halogen-free (H) + Tinned copper braid shield (C)
LIHCH cables feature fine-stranded flexible copper conductors (LI), halogen-free core insulation (H), a high-coverage tinned copper braided screen (C) for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and a flame-retardant low-smoke zero-halogen (H — LSZH / HFFR) outer sheath. They provide the same EMI shielding performance as LIYCY cables while eliminating toxic halogen acid gas and dense black smoke in the event of a fire.
Cross-section sizing (0.22 mm² – 1.5 mm²), core count and twisted-pair (TP) options
Electronic interfaces and encoders use 0.22 mm² and 0.34 mm²; 4–20 mA / 0–10 V analog transmitters, PT100 temperature sensors and HVAC/BMS controllers use 0.50 mm², 0.75 mm² and 1.0 mm²; and longer actuator/power-signal runs use 1.5 mm². For RS485 Modbus trunks and differential data, choose twisted-pair LIHCH-TP constructions.
LIHCH signal cable comparison table
| Selection Criterion | LIHCH (Halogen-Free Shielded Signal) | LIYCY (PVC Shielded Signal) | LIHH (Halogen-Free Unshielded Signal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insulation & Jacket | Low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH / HFFR) | Standard PVC insulation & PVC jacket | Low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH / HFFR) |
| EMC Screening | Tinned copper braided screen (≥80% coverage) | Tinned copper braided screen (≥80% coverage) | Unshielded (for EMI-free routing) |
| Fire Performance | Flame-retardant, low smoke, zero corrosive halogen | Emits black smoke & HCl gas when burned | Flame-retardant, low smoke, zero halogen |
| Typical Application | Public buildings, hospitals, metro, BMS & HVAC | General factory machinery & indoor PLC cabinets | Short noise-free indoor halogen-free control runs |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between LIHCH and LIYCY cables?
Both share fine-stranded copper cores, DIN 47100 color coding and a tinned copper braided shield; the key difference is that LIHCH uses halogen-free LSZH insulation and sheathing, whereas LIYCY uses PVC.
Does standard LIHCH maintain circuit integrity (FE180 / E90) during a fire?
Standard LIHCH is flame-retardant and halogen-free, but life-safety loops that must keep operating under direct flame exposure require fire-resistant FE180 / E90 cables with mica insulation barriers.
Which cross-section is standard for HVAC and Building Management System (BMS) wiring?
BMS DDC panels typically use 0.50 mm² or 0.75 mm² LIHCH for temperature/pressure sensors and 0.75 mm² or 1.0 mm² for 24 V motorized valve and damper actuators.