With rapid urban development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has heavily invested in modern metro and light rail systems to provide sustainable and efficient transportation. These projects demand high-performance control and instrumentation cables with Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) properties to ensure passenger safety, system reliability, and compliance with strict fire safety regulations.
Uni-Cable was selected to supply LSZH Control and Instrumentation Cables for a major metro expansion project in Dubai, where the cables were used for signal transmission, control systems, power distribution, and station automation.
The supplied cable range was designed to meet IEC 60502-1, BS 5308, and EN 50288 standards, ensuring excellent fire performance and reliable signal integrity. Key products included:
LSZH Control Cable (Cu/XLPE/LSZH, 0.6/1kV)
Sizes: 1.5 mm² to 10 mm², 2–37 cores
Features: Flame-retardant, halogen-free, reduced smoke emission, high flexibility
LSZH Instrumentation Cable (Cu/XLPE/OSCR/LSZH, 300/500V)
Sizes: 0.75 mm² to 2.5 mm², multi-pair or multi-triad
Shield: Overall screened (OSCR) for EMI protection
Application: Transmission of low-level signals for control and monitoring
LSZH Armored Control Cable (Cu/XLPE/LSZH/AWA, 0.6/1kV)
Application: Areas requiring mechanical protection (underground or tunnel sections)
Armoring: Aluminum Wire Armour (AWA) or Steel Wire Armour (SWA)
Fire-Resistant LSZH Cable (Cu/Mica Tape/XLPE/LSZH)
Application: Emergency systems such as alarms, evacuation systems, and lighting
Features: Maintains circuit integrity during fire for up to 3 hours
The metro project involved underground tunnels, elevated tracks, and control centers, each requiring specialized cable performance. Uni-Cable provided tailored solutions:
Safety in Enclosed Spaces: LSZH sheaths reduced toxic smoke and halogen gas in case of fire, critical for passenger evacuation.
Reliable Communication: Shielded instrumentation cables ensured interference-free signal transmission for train control systems.
Durability: Armored variants provided extra protection against mechanical stress in underground cable runs.
Efficiency: Pre-cut and labeled cable deliveries accelerated installation and reduced on-site labor time.
To ensure compliance, Uni-Cable’s LSZH cables underwent rigorous testing:
Electrical Tests: Conductor resistance, voltage withstand, insulation resistance
Fire Performance Tests: IEC 60332 (flame propagation), IEC 61034 (smoke density), IEC 60754 (halogen acid gas emission)
Mechanical Tests: Flexibility, tensile strength, bending cycles
Certifications: CE, IEC, BS, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001
Labeling: Each drum marked with cable size, type, standard, production batch
Shipment: Exported via Jebel Ali Port, UAE, with coordinated logistics to meet metro construction timelines
The Dubai metro expansion project achieved world-class safety compliance with Uni-Cable’s LSZH solutions. The cables performed exceptionally well under high passenger density conditions and provided reliable service for both signaling and power control.
The contractor commended Uni-Cable’s factory-direct supply model for offering:
Competitive pricing without middlemen
Fast delivery that aligned with tight project schedules
Guaranteed quality supported by international certifications
As a result, Uni-Cable has been recognized as a preferred cable partner for future railway and metro projects across the Middle East.
