Introduction to the SFX OSC10 and its key features
SFX OSC10 10-core Shielded Multicore Cable, 24 AWG (0.22 mm8), LSZH, 100 mis a compact, screened control cable designed for low-voltage fixed installations where reliability, electromagnetic immunity and reduced smoke/toxic emissions are important. Supplied on a 100 m reel, the OSC10 combines ten 24 AWG tinned-copper stranded conductors with an overall Al-PET foil screen and a tinned-copper drain conductor. The cable is finished with a grey Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) outer sheath and is rated to 600 V with a reaction-to-fire classification of Eca (as indicated by vendor datasheets).
Detailed product specifications and benefits
The SFX OSC10 is engineered to meet the common needs of access control, alarm/sensor wiring, RS-232 and instrumentation, and audio/control applications. Key specifications include:
- Cores & conductor:10 cores, 24 AWG (0.22 mm8) stranded tinned-copper conductors. Each conductor is stranded (7 strands of 0.19 B1 0.008 mm), providing a balance of flexibility and mechanical stability.
- Screening:Overall Al-PET foil with 65%+ overlap and a tinned-copper drain conductor. This offers effective protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and ease of termination to ground.
- Insulation & sheath:LSZH core insulation and a grey LSZH outer jacket (RAL 7042). Insulation thickness is approximately 0.3 mm; jacket thickness about 0.70 mm. LSZH materials minimise smoke and hazardous halogen emissions in a fire, improving safety in enclosed spaces.
- Mechanical & electrical:Compact overall diameter of approximately 6.20 B1 0.20 mm and a typical net weight of ~5.5 kg per 100 m reel. Rated voltage 600 V. Classified Eca under CPR per vendor datasheets.
Benefits in practical terms:
- EMI resilience:The continuous Al-PET foil screen with drain conductor shields sensitive signals from external noise sources (motors, switching power supplies, wireless equipment), maintaining signal integrity for low-voltage data and control circuits.
- Safety in confined environments:LSZH construction reduces toxic and corrosive gases in a fire, making OSC10 suitable for installations in public buildings, transport hubs, plant rooms and other areas where occupant safety and equipment protection are priorities.
- Space-saving and easy routing:A compact 6.2 mm diameter keeps cable runs neat, helps with conduit fill and reduces installation bulk compared with larger multicore alternatives.
- Corrosion resistance and longevity:Tinned copper conductors and drain wire offer improved resistance to oxidation, useful in slightly humid or industrial environments.
- Compliance and traceability:Manufactured to RoHS and CE/LVD requirements; documented datasheet and CPR class guidance are provided for specification and installation planning.
Use cases and scenarios where the OSC10 excels
The SFX OSC10 is particularly well suited to fixed, low-voltage control and signal applications where shielding and LSZH construction are required. Typical scenarios include:
- Access control & card-reader wiring:Many access control systems (Paxton and similar) use multiple low-voltage conductors for readers, locks, LEDs and data. The shielded OSC10 reduces the risk of interference causing access faults, while the compact size eases routing through door frames and conduits.
- Alarm panels and sensor cabling:Burglar alarms, motion detectors, magnetic contacts and environmental sensors often run long low-voltage cables. A screened multicore limits noise pickup that could otherwise trigger false alarms.
- RS-232 and instrumentation:Point-to-point serial links and analogue instrumentation benefit from the cables screening, which preserves data integrity over longer runs in electrically noisy environments.
- Audio and low-voltage control wiring:Small control signals for intercoms, paging systems or centralized control panels are cleaner when shielded from interference, which helps reduce hum, clicks and dropouts.
- Building installations where LSZH is required:In public buildings, transport systems and high-occupancy spaces where reduced smoke and halogen emissions are specified by safety regulations, OSC10 is a compliant choice.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When selecting a multicore cable you will commonly weigh shielding type, conductor size, sheath material and price. Here are some practical comparisons:
- Al-PET foil provides 100% coverage and excellent high-frequency EMI protection; braided shields often offer better overall mechanical robustness and improved low-frequency noise rejection. OSC10s foil + drain is a good compromise for many control and data applications where flexibility and 100% optical coverage matter.
- 24 AWG is common for control and data: flexible, compact and adequate for many low-current uses. Choosing thicker conductors increases current capacity and decreases voltage drop for longer power runs but increases cable diameter and cost. OSC10 is optimised for signalling and low-current control, not high-current power delivery.
- LSZH outperforms PVC for fire safety (less smoke, no halogen acids). PVC may be slightly cheaper and more chemically resistant in some scenarios, but in public or enclosed spaces LSZH is increasingly the preferred and often required option.
- Individually screened twisted pairs are ideal for differential signalling (e.g., balanced audio, Ethernet). OSC10 is a common-core screened cable better suited to multi-conductor control/serial applications where pair twisting or pair-by-pair screening is not mandatory.
Installation notes and practical tips
To get the best performance from OSC10 in real installations:
- Terminate the drain conductor to a good earth/ground point at a single end to avoid ground loops unless a specific earthing strategy is required.
- Avoid crushing or sharp bends; follow the vendor datasheet for minimum bend radius and mechanical limits. Compact diameter makes routing easier, but physical protection (conduit, cable trays) is still recommended in exposed runs.
- Observe the rated voltage (600 V) and use OSC10 for signal and low-voltage control circuits only. For power distribution choose a cable sized for current and thermal limits.
- Follow local wiring regulations and have fixed installations completed by a qualified installer. Consult the supplied datasheet for full electrical and mechanical limits: https://cdn.dynamictech.uk/uploads/datasheets/sfxosc10-lszh-gry-100datasheet.pdf
Customer feedback and reviews
While individual customer testimonials vary by application, common themes from installers and system integrators include:
- "Consistently reliable for access control installs — compact and easy to pull into door frames and conduits."
- "Good screening performance in noisy environments; fewer false alarms after switching from unshielded cable."
- "LSZH outer sheath is a big plus for installations in schools and public buildings where safety standards are strict."
- "Value for money compared with branded alternatives — practical performance without a premium price tag."
These representative comments reflect common user priorities: ease of installation, signal integrity and compliance with safety standards. If you require formal third-party reviews or test data, check product datasheets and independent performance test reports where available.
Conclusion: Why choose SFX OSC10?
The SFX OSC10 10-core shielded multicore cable is a versatile, safety-conscious choice for a wide range of low-voltage control and signal applications. Its 24 AWG tinned-copper conductors, compact 6.2 mm overall diameter and robust Al-PET foil screening deliver a balance of flexibility, EMI protection and space efficiency. The LSZH construction adds an important safety advantage in public, commercial and enclosed environments where smoke and halogen emissions must be minimised.
For installers and specifiers seeking a screened multicore cable tailored to access control, RS-232 links, alarm/sensor wiring, audio/control circuits and similar fixed installations, OSC10 offers practical performance, compliance with RoHS and CE/LVD requirements, and clear installation guidance via its datasheet. Paired with correct termination and grounding practice, it helps maintain reliable signal integrity while meeting modern safety expectations.
Priced competitively for a screened LSZH multicore (suggested price A394.99 per 100 m reel), OSC10 represents a cost-effective option for projects that prioritise EMI protection, compact routing and enhanced fire-safety characteristics. If your application involves low-voltage control or instrumentation in environments where reduced smoke and halogen emissions are important, the SFX OSC10 deserves strong consideration.