What are the M24640 and M24643 mil spec standards?
These mil specs were developed in response to flammability, smoke, and toxicity concerns, and are meant to provide extra safety measures for the people and equipment aboard naval ships. The Navy requires that cables meeting these specifications be used on all new ship builds as well as in all modernization projects. More specifically, the M24640 specification addresses lightweight low smoke shipboard cables. These emit little smoke and can be used to reduce the drag of unnecessary weight on the ship. The M24643 specification describes low smoke zero halogen shipboard cables. These do not emit toxic fumes when in contact with fire and also emit little smoke. Both of these qualities make them safer for use on manned ships.
