The Best High Temperature Wire Manufacturer In China
High Temperature Wire: An Overview
Defining High Temperature Wire
High temperature wires cater to environments where normal operation sees temperatures soaring beyond 150 degrees Celsius. These wires find their use in a variety of high-heat settings, such as the internal circuits of furnaces, various cooking devices, and a range of industrial heat management systems. Key materials for insulation and outer jackets of these wires include substances like silicone, perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), mica, and fiberglass, all chosen for their resilience in extreme conditions.
Critical Considerations for Choosing Heat-resistant Wire
Selecting the right high temperature wire primarily hinges on its capacity to endure the peak operating temperatures of its intended application. Equally significant is its ampacity, or the maximum current it can handle, particularly relevant at high temperatures. Notably, the ampacity of high temperature cables, for a specific American Wire Gauge (AWG) size, outperforms that of standard electrical wires, thanks to their higher permissible operating temperatures. Other factors like flexibility, resistance to wear and tear, and the ability to withstand chemical interactions also play a vital role.
Conductor Material Options
At high temperatures, pure copper may corrode more readily, necessitating the use of specialized, heat-tolerant conductor materials in high temperature wires:
- Tin-plated copper: Optimal for moderate high temperatures, up to 180ºC.
- Nickel-plated copper: Suitable for higher temperatures, up to 450ºC.
- Nickel wire: Exceptionally resistant, ideal for temperatures exceeding 450ºC.
Common Varieties of High Temperature Wire
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Silicone Insulated Wires (180ºC): These are ideal for temperatures up to 180ºC, with silicone's ability to endure up to 250ºC briefly. They also perform well in cold conditions, down to -25ºC. Silicone's self-extinguishing nature and flame-retardant properties are enhanced by a fiberglass jacket infused with high temperature saturant.
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Teflon Glass Glass Teflon (TGGT) Wires (250ºC): TGGT wires, with PTFE tape insulation and a fiberglass jacket, are suitable for continuous use at 250ºC. Some variants include an additional ceramic tape over the PTFE insulation (TCGT).
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High Temperature Mica Glass Wires (450ºC): Featuring multiple layers of mica and glass composite tape, usually with a fiberglass jacket, these wires protect against temperatures up to 450ºC. An example is the Flame 1000 high temperature cable, which passes stringent flame tests.
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Thermocouple Wires: These wires create a thermoelectric junction sensitive to temperature changes, using varied alloys. They are solely used for temperature measurement and come in types like E, J, K, N, R, and T, covering a range of -270ºC to 1260ºC.
Applications in the Field
High-temperature wires are indispensable in settings with high heat and tough conditions. Common uses include motor leads, internal wiring in refrigeration systems, dryers, lighting fixtures, commercial and industrial ovens, cooling units, and electrical ranges. They are also prevalent in industries like steel manufacturing, glass production, and chemical processing.