When selecting a cable for use in high temperatures and harsh environments, you need to be sure it can take the heat. Extreme heat is prevalent across many applications such as steelmaking equipment, rolling mills and foundries or in glass and ceramic treatment. At SAB, we manufacture a broad range of high-temperature cables using a proprietary silicone rubber-based material called Besilen®. Characterized by good electrical properties and permanent flexibility, the cables are designed to perform in conditions with high, unsteady ambient temperatures and cold temperatures.
Besilen® cables resist high temperatures up to 180°C during continuous operation and up to 250°C for short periods. They take advantage of silicone’s reticulated molecular structure, which keeps its original form at high temperatures and allows them to maintain their functionality. In fact, the high-temperature cable lineup includes flame retardant, self-extinguishing and halogen-free versions. Many cables also operate in temperatures as low as -40°C, with some as low as -50°C.
This overview will highlight our Besilen® high-temperature cable types along with their features and characteristics to help you choose the right cable for the job:
- Single conductors. This family of ignition cables and high-voltage ignition cables is desirable for internal lamp and appliance wiring, as well as switchboard plants and distributors at low mechanical loads. Highlights include the SC 113 Series featuring good abrasion resistance and the weather-resistant B 110 C Series with EMC shielding.
- Single conductors with fiberglass braiding. The flexible, cost-effective SC 123 Series features a heat-resistant fiberglass braid for use where temperatures exceed the maximum rating of traditional plastic- and rubber-insulated wires.
- Jacketed cables. These multi-conductor cables are suitable for applications at high ambient temperatures in dry, damp and wet areas, as well as for outdoor use or as flexible connection cables. Various cables in this family can withstand mechanical abuse and abrasion, saltwater and UV light, and certain versions include a copper shield to protect against EMI. Our SC 600 HDTR cables carry both UL and CSA approvals.
- Cable track cables with outer jacket. The S 180 HT Series is designed for continuous flex applications with medium mechanical stress and is available with or without tinned copper shield for EMI resistance.
- Silicone insulated round single conductors for railways. Flexible construction allows the conductors to fit into narrow spaces. The translucent insulation allows easy inspection, and the insulation’s additional copper support braiding provides reinforcement against mechanical stress.
Silicone Insulation Goes Beyond Traditional Plastic And Rubber
While many suppliers can offer flexible cables to connect various devices, not all flexible cables are the same. If your application is one of the many that require cables that can withstand temperatures beyond the maximum rating of traditional plastic- and rubber-insulated wires, you need to be sure your cable supplier uses the best possible materials.
Our flexible cable family uses Besilen® silicone insulation to resist high temperatures plus other rugged construction features to ensure reliable operation and permanent flexibility in harsh environments. No matter your high-temperature application, there’s a SAB cable that matches your needs.
For more information about SAB’s Besilen® high-temperature flexible cables, download our brochure.