FS OFNR vs. LSZH Fiber Patch Cables: Which Should You Choose?
Updated at Dec 23rd 20241 min read
When selecting fiber optic cables, the cable jacket is crucial for safety and performance, especially in spaces with fire risks. OFNR and LSZH jackets are common options for specific safety and application needs. This blog compares FS OFNR and LSZH fiber optic cables, highlighting their features and ideal applications to help you choose the suitable option.
Explore FS OFNR and LSZH Fiber Optic Cables
In data centers, where fire safety and performance are critical, choosing the right cable jacket material is essential. FS OFNR (Optical Fiber Non-Conductive Riser) and LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) fiber optic cables are commonly used for different needs. Understanding their characteristics can help in making informed choices for various networking scenarios.
FS OFNR Fiber Optic Cables
FS OFNR fiber optic cables, also known as riser cables, are designed for vertical and floor-to-floor installations. Featuring a fire-resistant OFNR jacket that meets the UL-1666 standard, these cables prevent the spread of flames between floors, ensuring safety in indoor environments. They are ideal for riser shafts and vertical pathways, providing reliable, high-speed connectivity while complying with strict fire safety regulations. FS OFNR fiber optic cables offer a perfect balance of performance and safety for network installations in multi-floor buildings.

FS LSZH Fiber Optic Cables
FS LSZH fiber optic cables ensure safety in indoor environments, particularly in data center cabling and enterprise computer rooms. The LSZH jacket is made from thermoplastic or thermoset compounds that provide outstanding fire protection. In the event of a fire, LSZH cables produce minimal smoke and no halogen gases, significantly reducing toxicity and corrosion risks. These cables are ideal for installation in areas with poor ventilation or enclosed spaces, offering safety and high-performance connectivity in critical network environments.

Difference Between FS OFNR and LSZH Fiber Optic Cables
FS OFNR and LSZH fiber optic cables are both reliable options for high-performance network installations, offering excellent connectivity and durability. While both feature fire-resistant jackets, each type serves different use cases and environments. Understanding the key differences between these two types of fiber cables can help you choose the right solution for your data center cabling or enterprise network needs.
1. Fire Safety Standards: OFNR cables comply with UL-1666 standards, a widely trusted certification in North America, effectively limiting flame spread between floors. LSZH cables, meeting the EU's CPR and IEC 60754 halogen-free standards, are chosen in Europe for minimizing smoke, toxicity, and corrosion risks during fires.
2. Material Composition: OFNR cables feature a non-conductive, fire-resistant jacket and are resistant to oxidation and degradation. In comparison, LSZH cable jackets are made from thermoplastic or thermoset compounds that provide enhanced fire protection, ensuring safety in sensitive environments.
3. Application Scenarios: OFNR fiber optic cables are ideal for vertical cabling in riser spaces, connecting entry equipment or computer rooms to communication closets on different floors. These areas have a low risk of large-scale fires, and the OFNR flame-retardant rating sufficiently ensures safety. LSZH fiber optic cables are commonly chosen for general areas. Even during a fire, their halogen-free, non-toxic smoke properties minimize harm to rescue personnel.
Here is a table to help you better understand the differences between FS OFNR and LSZH fiber optic cables:
Feature | FS OFNR Fiber Optic Cables | FS LSZH Fiber Optic Cables |
Flammability | Medium | High |
Toxicity / Corrosive Level | High | Low |
Plenum Areas & Air Ducts | - | - |
Riser Areas | √ | - |
Open Areas | √ | - |
Enclosed Areas & Indoors | - | √ |
Crowded Areas | - | √ |
How to Choose FS OFNR and LSZH Fiber Optic Cables
When choosing between FS OFNR and LSZH fiber optic cables, it's important to consider your specific needs and the environment in which the cables will be used.
Installation Environment: Assess your installation space type. If you're installing cables in vertical spaces between floors, OFNR cables are the best choice, as they prevent fire from spreading between levels. If you are setting up in more enclosed or densely populated areas, LSZH cables are a better option because they help minimize risks for people and equipment.
Industry Standards: Consider the relevant fire safety standards for your region. In North America, OFNR cables comply with UL-1666 and are designed to extinguish themselves within 5 meters in the event of a fire. For users in Europe or other regions with similar regulations, LSZH cables, which meet the IEC 60754 standard, are an ideal and environmentally friendly option.
Cost and Budget: Balance your budget with safety needs. LSZH cables offer superior safety profiles with halogen-free and low-smoke properties. If you're in tight budgets or environments where additional fire safety characteristics are not required, OFNR cables are an affordable alternative that meets essential fire safety standards.
In addition to offering OFNR and LSZH fiber optic cables, FS also provides customized solutions with various jacket options. You can choose from different jacket types to meet the specific requirements of your data center or enterprise environment, ensuring flexible and high-performance connectivity solutions.
Conclusion
Consider your specific needs when selecting between FS OFNR and LSZH fiber optic cables. FS LSZH cables are ideal for environments where environmental safety is a priority, offering low smoke and halogen-free properties. FS OFNR cables provide a cost-effective solution for vertical installations while ensuring fire safety. Both options deliver reliable, high-performance connectivity.