What are high-temperature wires and their application?
Harsh environments need particular wiring so that they can perform well consistently, and the same applies to installation sites that are exposed to heat. This is when high-temperature cables come in handy. But since there are various types of them, it’s worth diving deeper into the product range before purchase.
What are high-temperature wires?
High-temperature wires are electrical cables suitable for sites that are always or often exposed to extreme heat. Because of their capability to withstand high temperatures, the wiring is safe to use and lasts long despite the harsh environment. There are different types of high-temperature cables in terms of their construction, particularly conductor, insulation, and jacket materials.
High-temperature wire characteristics
A well-performing high-temperature cable must withstand temperatures above 150°C, although some wires can be rated at 90°C. The temperature rating plays a key role in the performance of high-temperature wiring. The cable will last long while showing great performance if it’s installed in an environment that fits the set temperature rating.
These types of cables can consist of a single conductor or be multi-conductor, with the conductors being made from bare copper, nickel-coated copper, or tinned copper. In turn, some of the most common materials for insulation for this cable segment are PFA, PTFE, silicone, and fiberglass. Silicone rubber, for example, handles heat from 200°C to 300°C, making the wiring resistant to high temperatures.
The jacket materials can be the same as those for insulation, but some high-temperature wiring can have a second jacket made from K-fiber or fiberglass for additional safety since these materials can withstand temperatures of up to 400°C.
Another important specification to keep in mind when choosing a high-temperature wire is its ampacity, which is the maximum allowable current rating at a particular temperature rating. Keep in mind that in AWG high-temperature cable sizing, the ampacity differs from the standard wiring and therefore, needs to be matched to your wire of choice.
High-temperature wire applications
While there are various kinds of high-temperature wires, they are all designed for heated environments. These include such applications as cooking appliances, industrial heating applications, and furnaces. To learn more about which high-temperature cable will fit your target application, let’s discuss them in detail.
Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) insulated wires are used in environments of 200°C or lower for medical, electrical, and chemical applications.
Silicone Rubber K-fiber Jacket (SRK) insulated cables are suitable for environments of up to 200°C and are often used in steel mills and melting systems at glass plants.
Teflon Glass, Glass Teflon (TGGT) cables withstand temperatures up to 250°C and are used for ovens, heaters, kilns, and furnaces.
Mica Glass Tape (MGT) insulated cables can handle up to 450°C UL and are most suitable for heated environments like ovens of all kinds, including industrial ones, and electric heaters.
Silicone Rubber Motor Lead (SRML) serves as a motor lead cable in environments ranging from -65°C to 150°C. This wiring is suitable for electric equipment, sun lamps, and high wattage units.
SF2 and SFF2 care kinds of SRML wiring that can be used for motor leads and fixtures. But when compared to SRML, SF2 can withstand higher temperatures (up to 200°C), while SFF2 is the most flexible of the three.
Where to buy high-temperature wires?
High-temperature cables can be found at almost any wiring store, such as Nassau National Cable. Remember that it is always best to consult a professional at the store before buying any cable to make sure you’re getting the right one.
