flexible wire Silicone rubber cable is a type of cable widely used in electrical and electronic equipment, especially in places where high temperature resistance, low temperature resistance, oil resistance, chemical corrosion resistance and flexibility are required. These cables are usually made of silicone rubber insulation material, which has excellent electrical and physical properties. Silicone rubber cable is suitable for mobile or fixed laying of electrical instrument connection lines or signal transmission with an AC rated voltage of 450/750V and below. Silicone rubber cable has good thermal stability and can maintain good electrical properties and flexibility in high temperature, low temperature and corrosion. It is suitable for use in metallurgy, power, petrochemical and other industries with special requirements such as mobile temperature resistance. It is widely used in lighting fixtures, household appliances, electric heating appliances, instruments, motor leads and electronics, lamps, gas appliances and other high temperature environments.
Below TST CABLES will introduce SIAF, SIAF-GL, SIHF, SIHF-GL and SIHF-P types of silicone rubber flexible cable in detail.
- Classification of silicone rubber flexible cables
SIAF: Silicone rubber insulation only
SIAF-GL: Single core silicone rubber insulation with glass fiber braid
SIHF: Multi-core silicone rubber insulation and silicone rubber sheath
SIHF-GL: Multi-core silicone rubber insulation and silicone rubber sheath, the sheath has a glass fiber braid
SIHF-P: Silicone rubber insulation and silicone rubber sheath, the sheath has a steel wire braid
SIAF (Silicone Rubber Insulated and Sheathed Flexible Cable)
This cable consists of silicone rubber insulation and sheath, suitable for fixed installation and mobile use, with good heat resistance and weather resistance. It can be used in various harsh environments, such as industrial machinery, heating equipment, lighting equipment, etc.
SIAF-GL (SIAF with Glass Fiber Reinforcement)
On the basis of SIAF, a glass fiber reinforcement layer is added to improve the mechanical strength and high temperature resistance of the cable. This cable is more suitable for mobile applications in high temperature environments, such as in the metallurgical industry, ovens, and drying equipment.
SIHF (Silicone Rubber Insulated Halogen-Free Flexible Cable)
Similar to SIAF, but its sheath material is halogen-free, which can reduce the generation of toxic gases and smoke when burning, and is suitable for occasions with high environmental requirements, such as public transportation, buildings, etc.
SIHF-GL (SIHF with Glass Fiber Reinforcement)
Similar to SIAF-GL, but uses halogen-free materials. It also adds a glass fiber reinforcement layer to improve the mechanical strength and high temperature resistance of the cable. It is suitable for high temperature environments that require high safety standards.
SIHF-P (SIHF with Plenum Rated Sheath)
In addition to being halogen-free, the sheath material of this cable also meets the flame retardant requirements of the air circulation space (plenum), which means that it can be safely used in areas such as ventilation ducts or ceiling cavities, where the risk of fire spread is higher.
All of the above cable types have excellent temperature resistance ranges and can usually operate at temperatures from -60°C to +200°C or even higher. Their flexibility makes them easy to bend and install, which is particularly useful in applications that require frequent movement or wiring in limited space. In addition, due to the chemical stability of silicone rubber, these cables are also resistant to corrosion by most chemicals, making them ideal for chemical plants and other industrial environments. - Silicone Rubber Flexible Cable Structure
Conductor Material: Soft Multi-Strand Tinned Copper
Insulation Material: Silicone Rubber
Optional Outer Sheath: Glass Fiber Braid or Steel Wire Braid. - Silicone Rubber Flexible Cable Application
Silicone rubber flexible cables are widely used in many fields due to their unique properties, especially in those occasions where cables are required to be highly heat-resistant, cold-resistant, chemical-resistant, flexible, and maintain good electrical properties under extreme conditions.
Here are some typical application areas of silicone rubber flexible cables:
Industrial Equipment Silicone Rubber Flexible Cable:
In industries such as steel, metallurgy, chemicals, oil and gas, silicone rubber cables are used for power transmission and signal transmission in high-temperature environments, such as steelmaking furnaces, heating devices, reactors, pumps and compressors.
Aerospace Heat-Resistant Silicone Rubber Cable:
Wiring inside aerospace vehicles and aircraft is suitable for use in harsh flight environments due to the lightweight, temperature-resistant, radiation-resistant and fire-resistant properties of silicone rubber cables.
Flexible cables for automobile manufacturing:
Connection of sensors and actuators in high-temperature areas such as automobile engine compartments, brake systems, air conditioning systems, and battery management systems for electric vehicles.
High-temperature silicone rubber cables for medical equipment:
In medical equipment such as surgical instruments, MRI machines, X-ray machines, etc., cables need to be used in a sterile environment and need to be resistant to chemical detergents.
High-temperature silicone rubber cables for household appliances:
Connection of high-temperature components inside home appliances such as air conditioners, microwave ovens, rice cookers, electric kettles, ovens, and electric heaters.
High-temperature silicone rubber cables for lighting systems:
Stage lighting, industrial lighting, LED light strips, etc. in high-temperature environments require cables with good heat resistance and electrical insulation properties.
High-temperature silicone rubber cables for scientific research experiments:
Power lines and signal lines for high-temperature furnaces, heating plates, reactors, and other equipment in laboratories.
Power stations and substations:
Leading wires for high-voltage equipment such as generator sets, transformers, and switchgear, especially outdoor power stations under high temperature or extreme climate conditions.
Port and marine silicone rubber high temperature cables:
Cables in port loading and unloading equipment, ship engine rooms and decks need to withstand salt spray, moisture and vibration.
Mining and tunnel engineering silicone rubber high temperature cables:
Cables for underground mines, tunnel construction and excavation equipment require cables with dustproof, waterproof and tensile properties.
Entertainment facilities silicone rubber high temperature cables:
Internal wiring of large amusement facilities in theme parks and amusement parks, such as roller coasters and carousels.
Building and building automation silicone rubber high temperature cable:
Sensor and controller connections in building automation systems, especially in HVAC systems of high-rise buildings and smart buildings.
The scope of application of silicone rubber soft cables is very wide, covering almost all areas where cables need to work under extreme conditions. Its excellent performance ensures reliability and safety in various complex environments.
- Technical parameters of silicone rubber flexible cable
Voltage: 500V~750V (other specifications can be customized)
Working temperature: -60°C to + 180°C (other specifications can be customized)
Bending radius:
Single core: 15 times the cable diameter
Multi-core: 20 times the cable diameter - Related standards of silicone rubber flexible cable
TST CABLES customized cables can meet BS6500 and BS6007 standards, VDE 0282 standards and other national standards!
Silicone rubber flexible cable core identification:
2 core: blue, black
3 core: blue, black, green/yellow
4 core: blue, black, brown, green/yellow
5 core: blue, black, brown, black, green/yellow
6 core+: black core wire with white digital coding + overall required green/yellow.
Silicone rubber soft cable jacket color:
SIAF: black, red, blue, brown, white, green yellow
SIHF: white, natural, red, black.
180 degree single core SIAF silicone rubber insulated cable
180 degree single core SIAF-GL silicone rubber insulated cable (with glass fiber braid)
180 degree multi core SIHF silicone rubber insulated and sheathed cable
180 degree multi core SIHF-GL silicone rubber insulated and sheathed cable (sheath with glass fiber braid) 180 degree multi core SIHF-P silicone rubber insulated and sheathed cable (sheath with steel wire braid)
- Silicone rubber insulated cable selection guide
When considering the specific application, it is crucial to select the right type of silicone rubber insulated cable. Here are some additional details and considerations:
Silicone rubber flexible cable usage scenarios and selection guide
High temperature environment:
If the cable will be exposed to extremely high temperature environments, it would be more appropriate to choose versions with glass fiber reinforcement layers (such as SIAF-GL or SIHF-GL) because they can provide additional mechanical protection and better heat resistance.
Environmental protection and safety requirements:
In places with high requirements for environmental friendliness, halogen-free cables (such as SIHF or SIHF-P) should be given priority. Such cables do not release harmful gases when burned, reducing the impact on personnel health and the environment.
Space constraints and flexibility:
For applications that require frequent bending or use in narrow spaces, it is wise to choose cables with high flexibility (such as SIAF or SIHF). Their flexibility makes it easier to operate in complex wiring layouts.
Fire protection requirements:
If the cable will be used in areas with high fire protection requirements, such as commercial buildings, schools, hospitals or public facilities, it is necessary to choose cables that meet Plenum flame retardant standards (such as SIHF-P).
- Silicone rubber high temperature flexible cable maintenance and installation precautions
Installation of silicone rubber flexible cable:
When installing the cable, ensure that the cable is not overstretched or bent to avoid damage to the internal conductor and insulation layer. It is very important to follow the minimum bending radius recommended by the manufacturer.
Maintenance of silicone rubber flexible cable:
Regularly check the appearance of the cable, especially the connectors and terminals, to ensure that there is no wear or damage. In high temperature or corrosive environments, regularly check whether the insulation layer of the cable is intact.
Storage of silicone rubber high temperature flexible cable:
When storing cables, avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes, and it is best to store them in a cool and dry place. For long cables, they should be wound on appropriate reels to avoid permanent creases.
By understanding the above characteristics and applicable scenarios of silicone rubber high temperature flexible cables, I believe you can make a wiser choice and ensure that the selected silicone rubber cable insulated flexible cable meets both safety standards and the needs of specific applications. If you need further technical support or customized cable solutions, you can always email TST cables manufacturer professional cable engineers（Email：lixiangchao@testeck.com）.
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