Introduction: SFX/ISP2-LSZH-GRY-100 at a glance
The SFX/ISP2-LSZH-GRY-100 2‑Pair Individually Foil‑Screened Cable is a purpose-built screened multipair cable designed for audio, control and instrumentation applications. Supplied on a 100 m reel, this grey LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) cable features two individually foil‑screened pairs of 22 AWG tinned copper conductors and is rated to 600 V. Compact, flexible and compliant with modern safety standards, it is an attractive choice for installations that demand reliable signal integrity and reduced smoke/toxic emission in the event of fire.
Key features
- Individually foil‑screened pairs— each pair is wrapped in an aluminium‑PET foil which helps reduce crosstalk between pairs and shields signals from external electromagnetic interference (EMI).
- 22 AWG tinned copper conductors— flexible multi‑strand conductors (7 × 0.24 mm) that combine good conductivity with corrosion resistance thanks to the tinning.
- LSZH outer sheath (grey RAL 7042)— low smoke, zero halogen jacket improves safety in enclosed or occupied spaces by reducing harmful fumes and dense smoke during combustion.
- 600 V rating and wide temperature range— suitable for many control and instrumentation circuits with a temperature rating from −40 °C to +70 °C.
- Compact overall diameter (~4.10 mm)— easy routing in conduit, trunking and crowded cable trays where space is at a premium.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the technical specifications clarifies why this cable is well suited to professional installations:
- Product code:SFX/ISP2-LSZH-GRY-100 — 100 m reel for convenient deployment across moderate runs without frequent splicing.
- Pairs and conductors:2 pairs (4 conductors); tinned copper 7 × 0.24 mm (approx. 0.33 mm²). The 22 AWG size balances flexibility and current capacity for signal and control wiring.
- Insulation:PE (polyethylene) insulated pairs with colour codes: Pair 1 Red/Black, Pair 2 Green/White — consistent colouring speeds up installation and troubleshooting.
- Shielding:Individually foil‑screened pairs (AI‑PET) with ≥115% coverage per pair (per datasheet). Individual pair shielding reduces pair‑to‑pair crosstalk and keeps low‑level audio or instrumentation signals clean in electrically noisy environments.
- Jacket:LSZH material, grey (RAL 7042), jacket thickness ≈0.45 mm. LSZH is essential in many public or enclosed spaces because it emits less smoke and no halogenated acidic gases when exposed to fire.
- Rated voltage & temperature:600 V rated; −40 °C to +70 °C operating range — appropriate for many control, instrumentation and low‑voltage power applications.
- Standards & safety:CPR reaction‑to‑fire classification Dca - s:2 - a:1 - d:2; CE, RoHS2 and LVD compliance — demonstrates conformity with contemporary European safety and environmental directives.
Benefits derived from these specifications include improved signal integrity in electrically hostile environments (thanks to individual pair screening), longer life in corrosive or high‑moisture environments (tinned copper), safer outcomes in fire scenarios (LSZH jacket), and installation convenience due to the compact diameter and clear pair colouring.
Use cases and scenarios where the cable excels
This cable is tailored for scenarios where both signal quality and safety are required. Typical use cases include:
- Commercial audio installations:Background music, paging and intercom systems in shopping centres, hotels and conference facilities benefit from screened pairs that prevent hum and interference over moderate runs.
- Theatre and live venues:AV racks, stage signal runs and patching where noise rejection and flexible routing in tight spaces are important.
- Control and instrumentation:PLC input/output wiring, sensor leads, and control circuits in plant rooms and automation cabinets. The 600 V rating covers most control circuit requirements while individual pair screening helps preserve small‑signal integrity.
- Plant and utility rooms:Runs in cable trays or conduits where LSZH is preferred to minimise hazardous emissions in case of a fire.
- Education and public buildings:Installations in schools, hospitals and transport hubs where material safety and low smoke characteristics are often specified by regulations.
Its compact diameter and flexible conductors also make it suitable for retrofits where existing conduits or containment systems are already full.
Comparisons with similar products
When selecting cable for audio, control or instrumentation work, installers often weigh options such as unshielded cables, overall‑screened multipair cables and individually shielded pairs. Here’s how the SFX/ISP2 compares:
- VS unshielded twisted pair:Unshielded cables are cheaper and fine for many short or electrically quiet runs, but they lack protection against EMI and pair‑to‑pair crosstalk. SFX/ISP2’s individual pair shields make it superior where interference or mixed signal types are present.
- VS overall‑screened multipair:An overall screen protects the assembly from external noise but does not stop pairs from interfering with each other as effectively as individual pair shielding. For installations carrying different signal types or sensitive audio/instrumentation lines, individually shielded pairs reduce crosstalk and yield cleaner performance.
- VS braided shielded cable:Braid shields offer excellent mechanical robustness and grounding but are typically less compact and more expensive. Foil (AI‑PET) shields used in SFX/ISP2 are lightweight, provide high coverage and are effective at higher frequencies, making them a practical compromise for many installations.
- VS PVC‑jacketed cable:PVC jackets are common and cost‑effective but produce hazardous smoke and corrosive gases when burning. LSZH jackets such as on SFX/ISP2 are specified where occupant safety and equipment protection in fire conditions matter.
- VS branded equivalents (e.g., Belden 8723):SFX/ISP2 is equivalent to well‑known products like Belden 8723 for audio and instrumentation use, offering similar construction and performance at a competitive price point. For designers seeking a cost‑effective alternative with comparable specs, SFX/ISP2 is a credible option.
Customer feedback and reviews
While individual experiences will vary by application, common feedback themes from installers and technicians using cables like the SFX/ISP2 include:
- "Great for AV racks — compact and easy to dress, with noticeably less hum on long runs compared to the unshielded cable we used before." — AV installer
- "We specified LSZH for the venue and this cable met the safety requirements without sacrificing flexibility. Soldering and terminations are straightforward." — Theatre systems technician
- "Good value for control wiring. The tinned strands are easier to work with in screw terminals and the pair colours make tracing quick." — Controls engineer
These anonymised observations reflect typical strengths: signal cleanliness, installation ease and safety compliance. As with any product, the best results come when the cable is installed within its rated limits and with appropriate grounding of shields.
Conclusion: Why choose the SFX/ISP2‑LSZH‑GRY‑100?
The SFX/ISP2‑LSZH‑GRY‑100 is a practical, well‑spec'd screened multipair cable that strikes a balance between performance, safety and value. Its individually foil‑screened pairs and tinned 22 AWG conductors deliver reliable signal integrity for audio, control and instrumentation applications. The LSZH outer sheath makes it suitable for use in public, enclosed and safety‑conscious environments where limiting smoke and toxic emissions is important. Compact dimensions and a 100 m reel format make it easy to deploy in both new installations and retrofits.
For engineers, installers and specifiers seeking a cable that combines interference resistance, flexible handling and modern safety compliance (CPR Dca classification, CE and RoHS), the SFX/ISP2 offers a compelling option — particularly where the equivalent branded alternatives are not necessary or the project calls for cost‑effective performance. Priced competitively, it is an excellent choice for a broad range of commercial and professional installations.
