What Does HFT Mean?

Ever heard of the term halogen-free conduit? Compared to the regular PVC and halogen conduits, HFTs are halogen-free, flame-retardant and temperate-resistant and can help ensure your building receives a green star rating and improve its safety levels. Below, we’ll explore in detail what an HFT is and why it may be the best fit for your construction project.

What are halogens?

A halogen is any element that falls under group VIIA (17) of the periodic table, such as fluorine, iodine, chlorine and astatine. They are found in many chemical compounds, such as PVC, and are used in many technical goods as well as for insulation and sheath materials in cables.

They are often used as additives to improve fire safety and improve flame protection, however, they can be highly dangerous and pose a risk to our health and safety. They are toxic and can damage the lung tissue, even carrying the risk of being fatal.

If a fire breaks out where halogen plastics have been used, halogen halides are released from the plastic. If these halogens combine with water, such as water being used by firefighters, they can form acids and other toxic chemicals that can cause suffocation and other health risks they get into the airways.

This means that even if people survive a fire, they may still suffer from long-term health issues due to exposure to halogens. This is why HFT conduits are being used more and more for conduits and other electronic goods.

HFTs explained

As we mentioned above, HFTs are completely halogen free in the composition of their plastics. This can involve plastics such as silicone rubber, polyamide, polyethene, polyurethane and more. While some PVC and halogen alternatives are flammable and can contribute to fires, HFT conduits are completely fire-resistant and safe to be used in all kinds of environments and applications.

Fireproof electrical conduits are required to meet all relevant fire building and safety standards, and are ideal for use in high-traffic and high-precaution buildings such as airports, shopping centres, hotels, tunnels, stadiums and more.

They are very difficult to ignite but if they do catch aflame, they have a low smoke density and are self-extinguishing. They also will form much less corrosive acids or gases that can pose the health risks that halogens do. With less smoke and less fumes, HFT conduits make it easier for those trapped to find an escape route and get out safe and sound.

Halogen-free conduits also help ensure maximum functional retention during a fire, for example keeping your security cameras working so that you can investigate the source of the fire. HFTs have a wide operational temperature range, generally from around -45 degrees celsius to +120 degrees celsius. This means they are appropriate for use across a wide range of applications across various temperature ranges and for various industries.

Conduits are available in many different forms, such as black conduits, white conduits, plastic pipe fittings, flexible conduits and more. No matter what the project at hand, you’re sure to be able to find a halogen-free conduit that can get the job done with safety and efficiency as your top priorities.