Adaptaflex: Trusted Cable Protection for the Infrastructure that Moves Australia

“Infrastructure is what connects us—roads, rail, telecom—but it’s the systems you don’t see that keep it all running.”
— Colin Reed, Senior Category Manager – Cable Management, CABAC

Australia is undergoing one of the largest infrastructure expansions in its history. With more than $213 billion in public works currently underway (Infrastructure Australia, 2024), the demands on electrical systems have never been greater. From rail and telecom to tunnels and major road projects, there’s increasing pressure to deliver systems that are not only efficient—but safe, durable, and future-ready.

Behind the scenes, cable protection is a quiet but critical player in every one of these projects. Whether it’s routing power safely through tunnel walls or protecting control wiring in rail substations and wayside distribution boards, the right conduit system can be the difference between operational reliability and costly failures.

Adaptaflex has long been a name the industry relies on—and for good reason. Its unmatched breadth of flexible conduit systems provides robust, high-performance solutions for every corner of critical infrastructure, from rail networks and tunnels to telecom switching stations.

Two ranges in particular stand out:

• LFH-SPL Series (Metallic): A low fire hazard galvanised steel conduit with a halogen-free jacket. Ideal for rail and tunnel installations where fire safety is critical. 
  VIEW THE RANGE HERE >
• PR Series (Non-Metallic): Lightweight, flame-retardant polyamide conduit with high flexibility and fatigue life. Suited to indoor, public access, and rail infrastructure applications.
  VIEW THE RANGE HERE >

Both ranges are tested to international standards, including EN 45545-2 HL3, NF F16-101, and BS EN 61386, ensuring performance where it matters most.

In the electrical industry, the term LSZH—Low Smoke Zero Halogen—is often thrown around too loosely. Many assume that any conduit carrying the LSZH label is fit for use in tunnels, stations, or rolling stock. But the reality is more nuanced.

Adaptaflex takes this complexity seriously. Rather than relying on vague terminology, it has introduced four clear fire performance levels:

• LFH – Low Fire Hazard
• ELFH – Enhanced Low Fire Hazard
• SLFH – Super Low Fire Hazard
• ILFH – Inherent Low Fire Hazard (for all-metal systems)

Each level corresponds to defined thresholds for oxygen index, smoke density, and toxicity—parameters that are critical for infrastructure design, especially in confined or high-traffic public environments.

“We often see specifiers caught out by generic LSZH claims. With Adaptaflex, there’s total clarity—and the performance to back it up.”
— Joshua Hickey, National Sales Manager, CABAC

Adaptaflex doesn’t just meet standards—it often exceeds them. The range holds industry-recognised approvals such as:

• EN 45545-2 (HL3) – The highest level of fire protection required for materials used in railway vehicles.
• NF F16-101 / NFPA 130 / BS 6853 – Key international fire safety standards for use in tunnels, stations, and other enclosed public transport environments.
• BSI Kitemark™ Certification – A globally recognised symbol of quality and safety, awarded to Adaptaflex for over 25 years through rigorous product and manufacturing audits.
• London Underground Approval – Approval to supply products into one of the most safety-critical transport systems in the world.

And with full compliance to BS EN 61386 for conduit systems, Adaptaflex offers peace of mind that your installation will stand up to time, temperature, and the toughest conditions Australia can throw at it.

CABAC is proud to be the exclusive distributor of Adaptaflex in Australia, offering national stock availability, technical support, and project guidance across the country.

So whether you're supporting the next stage of Sydney Metro or preparing infrastructure for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, there's an Adaptaflex solution ready to protect what matters.