Cable manufacturer Comtran recently announced it expanded its Hub-Link product line with the addition of a group of low-smoke, zero-halogen (LSZH) telecommunications wire and cables that were designed to support the New York City Transit Authority (NYCT). Comtran says the cables are used in telephone, data and control networks throughout the entire NYCT infrastructure, including underground stations and subway tunnels. “The cables are routed through the full spectrum of pathways and spaces and terminated within splice boxes, closets and entrance facilities,” Comtran says. “These cables are subject to rugged conditions, exposed to temperature extremes, moisture, salt air, various fluids, rodent damage and even sunlight.”

The company adds the cables have been tested to UL 444 (Communications Cables); UL 1666 (Riser Flame Test); C(UL) US Type CMR-LS, CMG-LS and CM-KL; and limited smoke testing to FT4/IEEE 1202. “These products have passed the stringent testing for physical, smoke and toxicity per the NYCT TC-7,” Comtran states. “They include: fluid immersion (lubricating and hydraulic oil, gas and water); tear resistance; smoke generation (flaming/non-flaming); acid gas, smoke and toxicity index; halogen content; horizontal abrasion; light absorption (UV); environmental stress; impact; and water absorption.”

Additionally, the cables have been tested for their electrical performance per ANSI/TIA-568-C.2 and NYCT Telecommunication Cable Rev. 7 (TC-7). Comtran explains that cables meeting the “data and communications cable” section of TC-7 are available in 19- and 22-AWG, in 4 through 150 pairs. Conductors are solid bare copper, insulated with polyolefin surrounded by water-swellable tapes, a 5-mil copper tape, with low-smoke, low-toxicity non-halogen inner and outer jackets. “These cables are well suited for these rugged applications,” the company notes.