Powering Data Center Success
Exploring optimized compounds for reliable, high-performance cabling in modern data centers.
Powering Data Center Success
Exploring optimized compounds for reliable, high-performance cabling in modern data centers.
The explosion of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and high-density digital infrastructure requires innovative cable compounds that address the multifaceted challenges of modern data center electrical systems, such as exceptional thermal management and rapid manufacturing processability.
Low smoke, halogen-free (LSHF) compounds like MEGOLON and specialty vinyl compounds like the GW series and SMOKEGUARD provide holistic solutions that address these complex requirements, promoting high-quality performance, reliability and longevity of cabling in data centers.
Why the Right Material Matters
Cable materials play an important role in enhancing data center efficiency and uptime by addressing key performance and reliability factors. Here’s how they contribute:
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Physical protection: Cable jacketing shields cables from abrasions, cuts and other forms of physical damage, ensuring the integrity of the connections over time.
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Chemical resistance: High-quality jacketing materials resist exposure to chemicals, oils and moisture, which could otherwise degrade the cables.
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Fire resistance: Fire-retardant jacketing materials reduce the risk of fire propagation, safeguarding the data center and minimizing potential downtime.
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Thermal management: Cable jackets with high thermal performance manage heat dissipation, ensuring stable operation in high-temperature environments.
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Signal integrity: Insulating materials with advanced performance properties help reduce crosstalk between cables, maintaining clear and reliable data transmission.
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Flexibility: Flexible jacketing materials allow for easier cable management, reducing installation time and maintenance complexity. Thin yet durable materials also reduce cable bulk, optimizing space in densely packed data center environments. Materials with high flexural modulus and low friction are important to help modern installation techniques.
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Longevity: High-quality materials extend the lifespan of cables.
Material Characteristics of Alphagary Compounds
By combining physical protection, thermal stability and design optimization, cable jacketing materials like MEGOLON, the
GW series, and SMOKEGUARD are critical cable components, helping to promote the efficiency, safety and reliability of modern data centers.
HEAT RESISTANCE. Heat-resistant materials help ensure stable signal transmission, and these compounds offer heat resistance that help avoid degraded signals and compromised data integrity.
COOLING RESISTANCE. Data centers create a lot of heat due to densely packed equipment and high-data processing loads, necessitating the use of advanced cooling solutions including liquids. Cable materials need to be resistant to coolants and refrigerants to perform reliability in high-heat conditions, and certain grades have been tested in available liquid solutions to ensure performance.
GLOBAL FLAME PERFORMANCE. Jacketing compounds such as MEGOLON, the GW series, and SMOKEGUARD are formulated to reduce the risk of fire propagation along cable pathways, especially where densely packed cable trays or conduits can exacerbate fire risks. Formulated properties minimize combustion by resisting ignition and reducing fuel levels, minimizing smoke production, and minimizing toxic gas emissions during a fire. Whether designing cables to pass fire testing in the EU, the US, or other parts of the world, choosing the right material is a critical consideration because of the direct impact on safety.
Please note: since testing is conducted on the cable, not the compound, material selection is dependent on the entire cable design.
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MEGOLON – halogen-free compounds
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CPR performance rankings — from B2 to E
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NEC / NFPA 70 flame tests requirements up to UL 1666 riser
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Recognized by UL under category AATJ2
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LOI values from 28 to 52 percent
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Temp rating from 75 to 125C
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Enhanced processability with minimal die drool
GW series – riser-rated specialty vinyl compounds
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NEC / NFPA 70flame test requirements up to UL 1666 riser
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CMR, CL2R, CL3R, FPLR and OFNR — copper and fiber optic
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UL recognized under category QMTT2​
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LOI values from 25 to 50 percent
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Temp ratings from 60 to 105C
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Features such as oil resistance I and II available
SMOKEGUARD – plenum-rated specialty vinyl and specialty olefin compounds
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NFPA 262 plenum test requirements
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CMP, CL2P, CL3P, FPLP and OFNP — copper and fiber optic
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UL recognized under category QMTM2 as plenum cable compound component​
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LOI values from 46 to 66 percent
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Temp ratings from 75 to 105C
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Specialty vinyl for jacket and insulation; specialty olefin for buffer and filler
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FAST PROCESSING SPEEDS with NO DIE DROOL. MEGOLON halogen-free compounds support high line speeds while maintaining performance integrity, helping manufacturers improve production efficiency, cost effectiveness and demand fulfillment. This rapid processability supports modern data center and 5G telecommunication applications which require large volumes of high-quality cables.
SHRINKAGE CONTROL. Excessive shrinkage in tight buffer materials can stress the optical fiber, degrading signal quality. By providing shrinkage control, our materials maintain cable performance and reduce the risk of deformation.
HIGH FLEXURAL MODULUS and LOW FRICTION. For ease of installation, especially where jetting systems are used, materials are formulated with high flexural modulus and low friction.
Alphagary's Products
MEGOLON flame retardant halogen-free compounds
MEGOLON LSHF compounds combine low-smoke, halogen-free properties with other useful functionalities, such as oil resistance, radiation tolerance, flexibility and more. They also meet tough flame tests for electrical cables, including CPR B2, all while supporting demanding processing requirements like thin walls, minimal die drool and fast line speeds.
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GW series - flame retardant PVC compounds
Further optimizing safety across residential and commercial applications, grades in the GW series of PVC compounds are formulated to meet the strict fire testing requirements dictated by the National Electrical Code (NEC) NFPA 70, including:
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UL 1581 for wire and cable construction and performance standards.
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UL 1685 / FT4 for vertical-tray fire-propagation and smoke-release testing.
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UL 1666 riser standards for flame propagation resistance in vertical installations, minimizing fire spread risk in buildings.
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SMOKEGUARD - specialty vinyl compounds for plenum spaces
SMOKEGUARD specialty vinyl and specialty olefin compounds are engineered to meet the most demanding fire safety standards while delivering exceptional flexibility and performance for modern cable installations. They feature low smoke and flame-retardant properties, making them suitable for applications that must pass NFPA 262 plenum fire test requirements for communications, power, control, signal and specialty cables used in air-handling spaces. Facilitating installation and maintenance, grades have been formulated to provide high levels of flexibility, allowing cables to reach tighter angles and enabling connections in confined spaces.
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