High-temperature cables, like solar cable 6.0mm, are a type of electric wire. High-temperature cables are manufactured for use in high-temperature situations. These cables are made with insulation, shielding, and jacketing materials that can withstand thousands of degrees Celsius of temperature. High-temperature wires are used in lighting systems, heaters and air conditioning systems, building management, and fire alarm systems, among other applications. They can be used for commercial or industrial applications, residential applications, and in a variety of situations. Using high-temperature cables helps to guarantee the success of highly demanding operations and helps to prevent hazards like fire outbreaks.
Features of high-temperature cables
Insulation
Insulation involves the use of nonconductive materials. Nonconductive materials are those that are resistant to electric current. Insulating cables helps to ensure that the wires are immune to electrical leakages and prevents the currents from the wires from coming into contact with other conductors. This helps to maintain the integrity of the cables and protect the cables from damages caused by water and heat. Insulating electric cables help to prevent hazards such as fire outbreaks from the cables.
Types of Insulation
a. Plastic insulation
This is the form of insulation that is done using plastic materials. There are different types of plastic insulation;
- Polyvinyl chloride insulation
- Semi-rigid PVC
- Polyethylene
- Polyurethane
- Chlorinated polyethylene
- And nylon
b. Rubber
Rubber is also an excellent insulation material. The types of rubber insulation include:
- Thermoplastic rubber
- Styrene-Butadiene rubber
- Ethylene propylene rubber
- Natural rubber and SBR compound
c. Fluoropolymer Insulation
Fluoropolymer is also an excellent insulation material. Types of Fluoropolymer insulating materials include;
- PFA
- PTFE
- TPE
- ETFE and ECTFE
- FEP
- And PVDF
Shielding
A shield is a material surrounding a wire or cable. The content is usually electrically conductive and is aimed at limiting the escape of signals from the cable or wire. It also inhibits external interferences, the likes of electromagnetic interruptions, and electrostatic interferences. There are three types of shields used on high-temperature cables;
a. Braid shielding
This is a type of shield made from a woven pattern of small gauge wires. The wires can be made from copper, tinned copper, and silver-plated copper, aluminum, or steel. This is the most expensive type of shield.
b. Tape shielding
This type of shield is usually made from laminated layers of aluminum and polyester. While fragile, this type of protection is advantageous.
c. Spiral Shielding
This type of shield is made up of single wire strands that are wrapped around a conductor in a spiral. This shield is more flexible than a woven braid.
Insulation Jacketing
This is an outer covering wrapped around cables to protect the cable insulating material from moisture, wear and tear, and other forms of mechanical damage. The four types of insulation jacketing include;
- Weather barriers
- Moisture retarders
- Coverings against mechanical abuse
- Appearance coverings
Bottom Line
High-temperature cables are made from different types of materials, depending on the intended use of the cable. Such materials include; foamed and non-foamed FEP, PTFE and tape wrap PTFE, PFA, PEEK, Mica Tape, and ETFE, among other materials. Each of these materials can withstand high temperatures.
