Securiflex RG59 Coaxial Cable | CCA, LSF, 75 Ohm, 100m | Black

FAQs

What does LSF mean and why is it important?

LSF stands for Low Smoke and Fume (also sometimes called Low Smoke and Fume or Low Smoke Fume). This refers to the special jacket material used on the cable that, in the event of a fire, will not emit toxic gases and produces significantly less smoke than standard PVC cables. This is critically important for public buildings and spaces where people may need to evacuate in the event of a fire. The reduced smoke improves visibility for evacuation, and the absence of toxic fumes reduces health risks to occupants. LSF cables are particularly recommended for schools, hospitals, shopping centres, public transport facilities, and other areas with high public access.

Where should LSF cable be used instead of standard PVC cable?

LSF cable should be specified for installations in public buildings and spaces where fire safety is a critical concern. This includes schools, hospitals, care homes, shopping centres, cinemas, theatres, airports, train stations, office buildings, hotels, and any other environment where members of the public may be present. Many building regulations and fire safety codes specifically require LSF or similar low-toxicity cables in public access areas. Even if not strictly mandated, specifying LSF cable demonstrates due diligence and best practice in fire safety design.

How does the performance of LSF cable compare to standard PVC cable?

In terms of electrical performance, LSF RG59 cable is identical to the standard PVC version – both feature the same 75Ω impedance, copper clad steel conductor, solid PE insulation, and copper clad aluminium braid. The difference lies solely in the outer jacket material. LSF cable uses a special low smoke compound that provides the same mechanical protection and operates across the same temperature range (-20°C to 80°C) as PVC, but with significantly improved fire safety characteristics. There is no compromise in signal quality or transmission performance when choosing LSF over PVC.

What is the CPR Eca fire rating?

CPR Eca is a fire performance classification under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). The Eca rating indicates that the cable has been tested and meets specific fire performance criteria including acceptable contribution to fire under BS EN ISO 1716 standards. This classification, combined with the LSF jacket material, means the cable offers improved performance and protection against fire with reduced smoke emission and no toxic gas release. This makes it suitable for installation in public buildings where fire safety regulations are stringent.

Can LSF cable be used for all CCTV applications?

Yes, LSF RG59 coaxial cable is suitable for general purpose CCTV applications and high frequency signal transmission. It can be used with analogue CCTV systems as well as HD video over coax technologies like HD-CVI, HD-TVI, and AHD. The electrical specifications are identical to standard PVC RG59 cable, so it performs equally well for all standard CCTV applications. The only difference is the enhanced fire safety properties of the LSF jacket, which adds protection without compromising signal transmission quality.

What is the operating temperature range?

The RG59 LSF coaxial cable is rated for operation from -20°C to 80°C. This wide temperature range makes it suitable for both indoor installations in climate-controlled environments and many outdoor applications when properly protected. The cable maintains its electrical and mechanical properties, including the low smoke characteristics of the LSF jacket, across this entire temperature range.

Why choose coaxial cable over IP camera solutions?

Even with the introduction of IP cameras, coaxial cable remains a preferred choice for many installers in the security industry. Coax provides a simple, proven solution that does not require any additional products such as baluns to create an image. There’s no network configuration needed, no concerns about bandwidth limitations, and installation is straightforward using familiar techniques. For many applications, particularly those in public buildings where LSF cable is required, coaxial CCTV systems offer an excellent balance of performance, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and fire safety compliance.

What does CCA (Copper Clad Aluminium) mean?

CCA stands for Copper Clad Aluminium, where an aluminium core is clad with a thin layer of copper. This construction provides a cost-effective alternative to pure copper cables while still delivering good performance for CCTV applications. The copper cladding ensures proper conductivity for signal transmission, while the aluminium core reduces cost and weight. For standard CCTV installations with typical cable runs in public buildings, CCA construction provides reliable performance at an economical price point.

How far can I run this cable for CCTV applications?

The maximum cable run length depends on several factors including the camera resolution, signal type (composite video, HD-CVI, HD-TVI, AHD), and acceptable signal loss. For standard analogue CCTV, RG59 cable typically supports runs up to 200-300 metres with acceptable image quality. For HD video over coax systems, distances may be somewhat less. The cable’s low DC resistance (<48Ω/km) and proper 75Ω impedance help maintain signal quality over distance. For longer runs in large public buildings, signal boosters or repeaters may be required.

What standards does this cable comply with?

This RG59 LSF coaxial cable complies with several important standards: CE 2014/30/EU (electromagnetic compatibility), RoHS2 2011/65/EU (restriction of hazardous substances), and LVD 2014/35/EU (low voltage directive). It also carries UK CA certification and meets CPR Eca fire rating requirements. The LSF jacket provides additional compliance with fire safety requirements for public buildings. These certifications ensure the cable meets European and UK safety, environmental, and performance standards for professional installations in public spaces.

Is there a cost difference between LSF and PVC cable?

LSF cable typically costs slightly more than equivalent PVC cable due to the specialized low smoke compound used in the jacket. However, this modest price difference is usually considered worthwhile given the significant safety benefits, particularly in public buildings where fire safety regulations may mandate low smoke cables. The additional cost is a small investment for greatly improved occupant safety and compliance with building regulations. In many public building installations, LSF cable is not optional but required, making it the necessary choice regardless of cost considerations.