Risks of Not Using the Correct Cable Sleeving

When it comes to cable sleeving, there are a lot of different options on the market. You can choose from a variety of materials, colours, and sizes. But not all cable sleeving is created equal.

In fact, using the wrong type of cable sleeving can be damaging to your product. Here we will discuss the risks of not using the correct cable sleeving and how to use the correct cable sleeving safely and effectively.

 

Why You Should Always Use the Correct Cable Sleeving

One of the most important things to consider when choosing cable sleeving is the material. Some materials are better suited for certain applications than others. For example, if you are looking for a cable sleeve that is flame retardant, you will want to choose a material that is specifically designed for that purpose, equally temperature resistance, dielectric strength and abrasion resistance are all key attributes to consider when making a choice.

Another thing to keep in mind is the size of the cable sleeving. If you choose a sleeve that is too small, it could cause the wires to rub together and eventually be damaged. On the other hand, if you choose a sleeve that is too large, it could make it difficult to route the cables properly and could also cause problems with airflow.

Finally, you need to make sure that you use the correct cable sleeving for the application. For example, if you are using cable sleeving to protect sensitive electronic components, you will want to choose a material that is designed specifically for that purpose.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that you are using the correct cable sleeving safely and effectively. Not only will this help to protect your product, but it will also help to improve the overall appearance of your setup.

Cable sleeving is an important part of any electrical system and should not be overlooked. Next, we'll take a look at the different types of cable sleeving and what they should be used for.

 

Uses for Different Types of Cable Sleeving

 

PVC Sleeving

PVC sleeving is a popular choice for many wire and cable applications. It is extruded from polyvinyl chloride and offers excellent dielectric strength and conformability. PVC sleeving is available in a wide array of colours and sizes, making it a versatile solution for many different applications.

Common uses for PVC sleeving include wire covering, cable marking, and moisture protection. PVC sleeving is particularly well-suited for transformer, control board, and wire termination applications.

 

Silicone Rubber Sleeving

Silicone rubber sleeving is a type of elastomer sleeve that is used in high-temperature applications. It is made by cold extruding and then heat curing for stability. This type of sleeving is very flexible, quite soft, and has good dielectric strength and chemical resistance.

Some typical uses for silicone rubber sleeving include high-temperature wire cover, fishing line cover, and cable marking. This sleeving is an essential component in many high-temperature applications due to its unique properties.

 

Heat Shrink Sleeving

Heat shrink sleeving is a versatile and durable product that can be used in a variety of applications. It is made by extruding a sleeve that is then expanded to a specific size. When subjected to heat, the sleeve shrinks down to its original extruded size, giving a tight fit over a cable joint or component.

This makes it an ideal choice for protecting components from damage, terminations from water ingress, and cable joints from stress and vibration. Heat shrink sleeving is available in a variety of sizes and materials. With its versatility and durability, heat shrink sleeving is an essential product for any engineer or technician.

 

PTFE Tubing

Extruded polytetrafluoroethylene, more commonly known as PTFE tubing, is a type of tubing that has a very high-temperature rating and is chemically inert. It is made by extruding the polytetrafluoroethylene polymer into a tube and then sintering it, which means heating it until it becomes solid.

PTFE tubing is used in a variety of applications where hostile environments, high temperatures, or low friction are a concern. For example, it is often used as wire insulation in the aerospace industry because of its ability to withstand high temperatures.

It is also used as medical tubing and in satellites and other spacecraft because it does not degrade in the presence of radiation. PTFE tubing is an essential component in many industries where safety and performance are critical.

 

Acrylic Glass Sleeving

Acrylic glass sleeving is a braided glass fibre sleeve with an acrylic resin coating. It is flexible and tough and can take impact forces well. It has very strong tensile strength and high temperature.

The glass fibre is braided and sintered to form a strong barb-free substrate which passes through a resin coating and gas oven curing process several times depending on the coating thickness required.

Some typical uses/use cases include motor lead-out wire cover and coil winding in transformers. Specific industries that use this product are oil, gas, and chemical companies that need high-temperature sleeving for their applications. This product is also used in aerospace and automotive industries because of its strength and durability.

 

Silicone Glass Sleeving

Silicone glass sleeving is a braided glass fibre sleeving with a coating of silicone rubber or an impregnation of silicone resin. It is high-temperature, tough, and has a selection of dielectric strengths available.

Additionally, it is chemical resistant and very flexible as well as flame retardant. Silicone glass sleeving is often used for harnessing cables and wire covering. This product sees use in industries such as mass transportation and automotive.

 

Polyurethane Glass Sleeving

Polyurethane glass sleeving is a glass fibre sleeve with a coating of polyurethane resin. It is high temperature, flexible, chemically resistant, and has high dielectric strength. Polyurethane glass sleeving is used in coil winding and as lead-out wire covering in a variety of industries.

 

Self-closing Sleeving

Self-closing sleeving is a woven open sleeve that is normally made from polyester. It wraps around rather than slides on. To create self-closing sleeving, a specially produced woven webbing is heat formed and then cooled very rapidly to create a permanent curl.

Some typical uses for self-closing sleeving include cable bundling, harness protection, and abrasion protection. This product is used in a variety of industries, such as cable harnessing, mass transportation, and automotive.

 

Braided Cable Sleeves

Braided cable sleeves are made in a specific manner to create the ability for them to expand and stretch. This makes them ideal for a variety of applications where it is important to have a snug fit, such as cable harnessing and protecting heat-sensitive components.

They are also very effective at abrasion protection, making them a popular choice in industries such as mass transportation and automotive. When properly installed, braided cable sleeves can provide a high degree of protection against a wide range of potential hazards.

 

Final Thoughts

Many risks are associated with not using the correct cable sleeving, such as short-circuiting and fire.

Cable sleeving is designed to protect cables from these dangers and keep them organised but you need to use the right one. There are many different types of cable sleeving, so it is important to choose the correct type for the job.

Failure to use the correct type of cable sleeving can result in significant damage to equipment and even loss of life.